Delivering Discovery: Cell Therapy Administration in the Clinical Research Setting

This half-day symposium is designed to equip clinical research professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage and support cell therapy trials. Through expert-led sessions, attendees will explore the evolution of cell therapy, operational and coordination challenges, biosafety considerations, and financial planning strategies. The activity supports interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to enhance the delivery of innovative therapies in clinical settings.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should better be able to:

1. Describe the foundational principles and current landscape of cellular therapy, including key terminology, therapeutic modalities, and clinical applications.
2. Demonstrate operational competencies by identifying best practices for protocol development, trial logistics, and stakeholder engagement in cell therapy research.
3. Facilitate effective interdisciplinary collaboration by applying strategies to enhance communication and coordination among clinical, research, and administrative teams.
4. Integrate financial planning and regulatory compliance into the design and management of cell therapy trials, with attention to budgeting, billing, and biosafety requirements.

This accredited continuing education activity is designed for research professionals including investigators, nurse coordinators, clinical research coordinators, research finance, and others involved in the conduct of cellular therapy trials.

Thursday, July 31, 2025

The speaker handouts (in PDF) are available for download until Aug. 20, 2025. No part of these materials may be reproduced without prior written permission.

11:30 a.m.        
Check-In / Refreshments

12:00 p.m.        
Introduction to Cell Therapy: How It Started and Where It’s Going
Matthew Lunning, DO, FACP

12:45 p.m.        
Biologic Production Facility Considerations 
Scott Koepsell, MD, PhD

1:30 p.m.           
Break / Refreshments

1:45 p.m.           
Cellular Therapy in Research: Coordinator Considerations      
Amy Fitzgerald, BSN, RN and Sarah Snook, BSN, RN

2:30 p.m.           
Institutional Biosafety Committee Considerations
Jenna McKenzie, PhD

3:00 p.m.           
Break / Refreshments

3:15 p.m.           
Minimizing Financial Risk in Cell Therapy Clinical Trials
Veronica Hernandez, CPC-A; Lisa Hughes-Potter, BSN, RN, OCN; Toree Pruett; and Lara Uphoff, MPH

4:00 p.m.           
Adjourn

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine. University of Nebraska Medical Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physicians

The University of Nebraska Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses

3.5 Contact Hours Awarded
Nebraska Medicine is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Midwest Multistate Division, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Complimentary parking for registered symposium participants is available in Lot 17. Enter the lot via 45th & Leavenworth (next to LaCasa) or Saddle Creek & Jones (by QuikTrip). Stairs from Lot 17 provide access to Emile Street.

Download the campus map (PDF) showing Lot 17 parking, entrance routes, and walking access to the UNMC Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

If you are an employee/student of UNMC/Nebraska Medicine, please park in your regularly assigned parking area. UNMC CCE is not liable for any parking citation a participant may incur while attending this symposium.

If you have any accessibility needs or medically indicated dietary requirements, please email Tori Greenlee by July 30, 2025 so appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Read the UNMC CCE Disclosure Declaration Policy

Disclosures

The accredited provider has mitigated and is disclosing identified relevant financial relationships for the following faculty, planners, and others in control of content prior to assuming their roles.

FACULTY

The following has disclosed relevant financial relationships:

• Scott Koepsell, MD, PhD
  CONSULTANT: Werfen
• Matthew Lunning, DO, FACP*
  CONSULTANT: AbbVie, Inc., Acrotech Biopharma, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Fate Therapeutics, Genentech, Genmab, Miltenyi Biotec, Morphosys, Nurix, Pharmacyclics
  HONORARIUM RECIPIENT: AbbVie Inc., Acrotech Biopharma, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Fate Therapeutics, Genentech, Genmab, Miltenyi Biotec, Morphosys, Nurix, Pharmacyclics
  CONSULTANT (Terminated): ADC Therapeutics, EUSA, InstilBio, Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  HONORARIUM RECIPIENT (Terminated): ADC Therapeutics, EUSA, InsilBio, Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  GRANT/RESEARCH SUPPORT (Terminated): BMS, Curis Inc.
  

The following have nothing to disclose:

• Amy Fitzgerald, BSN, RN *
• Veronica Hernandez, CPC-A
• Lisa Hughes-Potter, BSN, RN, OCN
• Jenna McKenzie, PhD
• Toree Pruett
• Sarah Snook, BSN, RN*
• Lara Uphoff, MPH

PLANNING COMMITTEE

The following have nothing to disclose:

• Serena Gaines, MBA, MSN, RN, CPN
• Tori Greenlee
• Julie Huglin
• Jacqueline Siebels, BSN, RN, NPD-BC

 

*Faculty and planning committee members