James P. Allison Institute
Unlocking the full potential of science and medicine for humanity
Exceptional Science. Enabling Cures.
Immunotherapy has transformed care for many patients with cancer, resulting in dramatic responses that last for years. However, not all patients benefit from immunotherapy. Our goal is to change that.
The James P. Allison Institute at MD Anderson is a visionary research and innovation hub created to conduct groundbreaking science that integrates immunobiology across all disciplines. With exceptional discovery, translational and clinical research, the Allison Institute will rapidly advance breakthroughs into novel and synergetic therapies that bring the benefits of immunotherapy to all patients.
The Allison Institute builds upon the legacy of its namesake, James P. Allison, Ph.D., who was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly with Tasuku Honjo, M.D., Ph.D., for fundamental discoveries that launched the field of cancer immunotherapy.
Launching a new era for immunotherapy
James P. Allison, Ph.D.
Director
Allison Institute
The immune system has endless possibilities for treating disease.
Empowering breakthroughs
Exceptional science drives our ambitious goals. We’ve built and innovative research model and established focused areas to accelerate progress.
Learn more about our research
Padmanee Sharma, M.D., Ph.D.
Director of Scientific Programs
Allison Institute
We will empower our researchers to make scientific breakthroughs.
Institute Members
Building on a deep commitment to discovery science, Allison Institute members will combine breakthroughs with insights from the clinic to advance treatment approaches that effectively integrate immunotherapy with conventional cancer therapies in synergetic combinations.
Learn about our membersThe Future of Immunotherapy
With a deeper understanding of immunology, we can develop synergetic combinations across the pillars of cancer care and offer truly individualized options for patients.
Read full articleLearn More About Immunotherapy
Which cancers can be treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors?
Updated April 28, 2025
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that does not target the cancer itself, unlike traditional treatments. Instead, immunotherapy trains the immune system to fight cancer. Several types of immunotherapy are...
Why doesn’t immunotherapy work for everyone?
In the last decade, immunotherapy has become a viable treatment option for many cancer patients. Unlike radiation and chemotherapy, immunotherapy does not target the cancer itself. Instead, it enables a patient’s own immune system to...