Aurora, CO
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
August 7, 2026

Peak Perspectives in Cutaneous Oncology

Aurora, CO
August 7, 2026

Advancing Innovation in Cutaneous Oncology Through Collaboration and Discovery

The Rocky Mountain region is home to leading cancer research institutions and clinical innovators advancing the field of melanoma and cutaneous oncology. Peak Perspectives in Cutaneous Oncology, taking place at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, brings together dermatologic oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, and translational researchers to explore emerging science and its application in clinical care.

This multidisciplinary program is designed to bridge the gap between discovery and practice, highlighting advances in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, biomarker-driven treatment strategies, and novel therapeutic approaches shaping the future of patient care.

The program will be chaired by Dr. Sapna Patel, Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Dr. William Robinson Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, and Leader of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Dr. Patel is a nationally recognized leader in melanoma research and immunotherapy, with a focus on translating scientific discoveries into innovative, patient-centered treatment strategies. Her work spans early-stage through advanced disease, with particular emphasis on novel agents, tumor immunology, and clinical trial development.

Through dynamic collaboration across specialties, this meeting will provide a comprehensive view of the evolving landscape of cutaneous oncology, from early-stage disease management to advanced and rare melanoma subtypes, as well as emerging therapeutic modalities and biomarker integration. Attendees will gain practical insights, engage in meaningful dialogue, and explore new opportunities for collaboration that advance precision oncology in clinical practice.

Continuing education credits (CME/CE/CPE and ABPath MOC) are planned for this activity. Complimentary registration, meals, and parking are provided to support broad participation and access to this important educational program.

Agenda

Coming Soon!

Speakers

CHAIR
Sapna Patel, MD
Dr. William Robinson Endowed Chair in Cancer Research
Leader of the Cutaneous Oncology Program
University of Colorado Cancer Center
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Professor of Medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology
Leader of the Cutaneous Oncology Program
Dr. William Robinson Endowed Chair in Cancer Research
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Sapna Patel, MD, is a nationally and internationally recognized melanoma oncologist and clinical investigator at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where she serves as Professor of Medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology, Leader of the Cutaneous Oncology Program, and Dr. William Robinson Endowed Chair in Cancer Research.
Dr. Patel specializes in the treatment of melanoma, including cutaneous, uveal, and rare melanoma subtypes, and leads innovative clinical and translational research efforts aimed at improving outcomes for patients with advanced disease. Her work focuses on immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and biomarker-driven treatment strategies, with the goal of advancing precision oncology and expanding therapeutic options for both common and rare skin cancers.
Prior to joining the University of Colorado, Dr. Patel spent more than 16 years at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she held leadership roles including Director of the Uveal Melanoma Program and Director of the Melanoma Fellowship Program. During this time, she helped build one of the largest clinical programs for metastatic uveal melanoma and led numerous investigator-initiated and multicenter clinical trials.
Dr. Patel serves as Chair of the Melanoma Committee of the SWOG Cancer Research Network and was the study chair of the landmark SWOG S1801 trial, a practice-changing study demonstrating the benefit of perioperative immunotherapy in melanoma, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
She received her MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed her internship and residency at the University of Colorado, followed by a fellowship in medical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Through her leadership in clinical trials, translational research, and multidisciplinary care, Dr. Patel continues to advance the field of melanoma and cutaneous oncology, helping to shape the future of precision cancer therapy.