Abstract Submission will open May 1st, 2025.

Key Dates:

Please note, dates are subject to change.

May 1 - Abstract Submission Site Opens (12:00am EST) and Congress Registration Opens 9:00am EST.

July 14 - Abstract Submission Site Closes at 11:59pm EST.

July 15 - Late Breaking Abstract Submission Site Opens at 12:00am EST.

Week of July 28 - Oral, Poster and Travel Award Announcements.

Withdrawal of Abstracts - 48-Hours After Notification of Announcement.

September 10 - Early Bird Registration Rate Cut-Off.

September 22 - Late Breaking Abstract Submission Site Closes at 11:59pm EST.

Week of September 29 - Late Breaking Abstract Announcements.

Abstract Categories Include:

Please click on the down arrows to the right for descriptions of each abstract category

  • This session will explore the biology of melanocytes, including melanocyte origins and anatomical locations, and how melanocytes interact with their microenvironment, such as UV-light, neighboring immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, to drive tumor progression. Topics will cover developmental biology and stem cells, melanoma initiation, early detection and prevention, aging and cellular communication mechanisms.

  • This session will highlight cutting-edge advancements in translational melanoma research, with a focus on novel biomarkers and predictive models, new technologies, and how these insights can guide personalized treatment strategies.

  • This session will delve into the intricate relationship between the microbiome and melanoma, exploring how gut and skin microbes influence tumor progression and immune responses. This includes strategies to define and modulate microbiome composition, including probiotics, dietary interventions and fecal microbiota transplants, to enhance therapeutic outcomes in melanoma patients.

  • This session will explore the dynamic nature of melanoma, focusing on phenotype switching and metabolic adaptations that drive disease progression and therapy resistance. Topics will include novel strategies to analyze tumor heterogeneity and target metabolic vulnerabilities, paving the way for more effective precision medicine approaches and biomarkers.

  • This session will explore how the tumor microenvironment influences melanoma initiation, progression, and vice versa. Topics will include the role of the niche in malignant transformation, the impact of aging on the tumor immune microenvironment, and the emerging connection between the "macroenvironment", like the gut microbiome, and melanoma control.

  • This session will focus on the unique biology of rare melanoma subtypes including acral and mucosal melanomas, and clinical challenges, such as brain metastasis. Topics include advances in our fundamental characterization of these subtypes, disease etiology and progression and novel treatments.

  • These sessions will focus on understanding the key determinants of immunotherapy response in melanoma, including immune cell dynamics, resistance mechanisms, and biomarkers. This includes novel strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome treatment resistance through combination approaches and patient-specific interventions.

  • This session will explore a diverse range of emerging and interdisciplinary topics in melanoma research that do not fall within the scope of the other sessions. This session provides a platform for presenting exciting new directions in melanoma science and fostering collaboration across disciplines.

Abstract Guidelines:

  • Abstract submissions are free of charge and must be completed online via the abstract submission site.

  • Abstracts submitted by e-mail, post, or fax will not be considered.

  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • Abstracts must be written in English, the official language of the congress.

  • Tables and charts are not permitted in the abstract submission.

  • List affiliations of author(s) as briefly as possible with city, state (if applicable), and country.

  • Use standard and well-accepted abbreviations only.

  • The person who is submitting the abstract is the “submitting author" and will be the main point of contact for that abstract. All correspondence will be directed to the submitting author only. They will be responsible for communication with all authors associated with the abstract(s). Third parties or other authors are not authorized to discuss the submitted abstract and will not be provided with any information.

  • You will need to indicate the name of the presenting author at the congress. This is the person who will present the oral and poster presentation during scheduled times if accepted.

  • Upon acceptance, your abstract will be published in the PCMR journal the exact way it is entered into your submission. Please be sure all information is entered correctly (i.e. capitalization, spelling, grammar, etc.)

  • Abstract content should be single-spaced and typed in lowercase. You have up to 2,500 characters (counting spaces) that includes the abstract body (does not include authors and affiliations). Please do NOT separate this section with subheaders (i.e. methods, results, conclusions).

  • Encore abstracts will be reviewed. However, the scientific committee is looking for unpublished work to be presented at the congress.

Late Breaking Abstracts:

  • The purpose of late breaking abstracts is to allow for presentation of the most up-to-date clinical research.

  • Due to space constraints, submissions that are not considered to be late-breaking, will not be considered for posters.

Poster Guidelines:

  • Posters will be displayed in-person and through the conference app.

  • Posters must be no larger than 4 feet x 4 feet. Posters that exceed this size will not be displayed.

  • Warrant that he/she is an investigator with substantial involvement in the study presented in the abstract.

  • Posters can be displayed starting 12:00pm on Saturday, October 25th.

  • Posters must be removed down no later than 7:00pm on Monday, October 27th. Any remaining posters will be disposed of.

  • High traffic times for poster viewing will be during lunch breaks and poster receptions.

  • SMR is committed to minimizing commercial bias in poster presentations and handouts. Poster presentations should not contain any of the following: commercial logos, company names, brand or proprietary drug names.

  • Suggestions for formatting posters:

    • Place the heading in large-sized font at the top of the poster.

    • List the title and all authors.

    • All content should be readable from a distance of three feet or more.

    • Make all print dark on a light background.

    • Use letters, arrows, numbers, or other devices to show those who will be viewing your poster the preferred sequence in which your poster should be reviewed.

    • Charts, drawings, and illustrations should be similar to those you would use in making Powerpoint slides

    • If photographs are used, have them processed with a matte or dull finish

    • The poster can either be made on one sheet (rollup) or in several small sections. Do NOT mount illustrations on heavy cardboard because they may be difficult to keep in position on the poster board.

    • Write your presentation concisely, and keep captions brief.

    • The poster should be self-explanatory so that you are free to supplement the information and discuss particular points raised by questions during the poster session.

Abstract Regulations:

The first/submitting author must agree to the following:

  • Release full copyright to SMR and give full permission for the abstract, if accepted, to be published in the 2025 SMR Abstract book in electronic format, as well as published online at www.wiley.com.

  • Warrant that they are an investigator with substantial involvement in the study presented in the abstract.

  • Confirm that all authors are aware of, and agree to, the content of the abstract and support the data therein; furthermore, the submitting author will be responsible for obtaining, and, upon request, showing proof that all authors have given their permission for the submission of the abstract and content therein as well as for the potential inclusion of the abstract in the official 2025 SMR Congress Program.

  • Upon acceptance, your abstract will be published in the PCMR journal the exact way it is entered into your submission. Please be sure all information is entered correctly (i.e. capitalization, spelling, grammar, etc.)

  • Accept responsibility for the accuracy and confidentiality of the submitted abstract.

  • Acknowledge any editorial assistance on the printed poster or oral presentation (not in the abstract body) in the writing of the abstract that was provided by a third party, providing the name of the writer and the company who provided this service.

  • Fully declare all financial support of the work presented.

  • Ensure that all authors identify any financial interest in products or processes involved in their work. This includes stock ownership, membership on an advisory board or board of directors, corporate-sponsored research, or other substantive relationships.

  • Ensure that for all studies involving human or animal subjects, permission has been obtained from the relevant regulatory authority and that properly informed consent, where appropriate, has been given.

Withdrawal of Abstracts:

  • If the submitting author wishes to withdraw their abstract from the 2025 SMR Congress after outcome notifications have been made available, they must submit a written request within 48 hours to Parker@sswmeetings.com. Any abstract withdrawal requests made after 48 hours from notification cannot be assured of removal from the 2025 SMR Congress Abstract Book.

Publication:

  • Abstracts accepted for presentation (either Proffered Paper/Oral presentation or Poster Presentation) will be published in the Congress Abstract Book.

  • Your abstract will be published exactly as it is submitted.

  • Please ensure accuracy of your submitted abstract on or before the deadline of July 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

  • Please do not create a new submission for abstracts requiring edits or completion.

  • Accepted Abstracts should not be published online or in print prior to the beginning of the official Congress session during in which they are presented.

Media & Embargo Policy:

  • Authors may disclose or announce that their abstract has been accepted for presentation at the congress, including announcements via press release.

  • Abstracts will be available online.  As soon as they are available, disclosure or announcement of the data published in the abstract is fully permissible.

  • A press release describing the full details of the presentation can be timed for release on the day of presentation at the congress, not prior.

If you have additional questions, please contact Parker Stygles at Parker@sswmeetings.com or 518-399-7181.