2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference
Posted by Amy Johnson, on 1 August 2024
Synopsis
The possibility of engineering mice genetically over four decades ago heralded a transformative era in scientific inquiry, including in the cancer research field. Since then, continuous refinements and innovations have propelled the creation of experimentally controllable, genetically precise animal models for an array of human cancers. Recent strides in genome editing technologies have further accelerated the pace of advancement in this domain, serving as a catalyst for reshaping the trajectory of precision medicine for patients with cancer. With the new ability to manipulate genes more rapidly and with a higher throughput, researchers in the field can now delve into intricate but fundamental details of cancer biology. The crux of these technological advancements lies in their capacity to facilitate the functional evaluation of an unprecedented number of alterations found in human tumors. This, in turn, has given rise to pre-clinical and co-clinical platforms that provide invaluable insights into the efficacy of novel therapeutic interventions. These platforms extend beyond mere assessments, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the intricate mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance—a critical frontier in contemporary cancer research.
For this conference, our focus converges on three pillars, each representing a crucial facet of the expansive landscape before us. The first pillar encapsulates the exploration of novel approaches for the precise manipulation of genetic elements in mice and other animal models. Key objectives are to “humanize” these models and to enable more nuanced in vivo studies of cancer gene functionality. The second pillar continues to focus on fundamental investigations into the mechanisms governing cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. This includes deciphering the elusive cell type(s)-of-origin of tumors to unraveling the intricacies of tumor evolution, metabolism, and the dynamic interplay with the immune system. Deepening our understanding of the multifaceted nature of cancer also means exploring differences linked to sex or aging. The final pillar explores the pivotal role of genetically engineered animal models in evaluating the efficacy of novel therapeutic approaches, as well as the mechanisms underpinning therapeutic resistance.
This conference will discuss how genetically engineered animal models of cancer continue to be the linchpin in unraveling the complexities of human cancer and charting new frontiers in precision medicine.
Key Sessions
New technologies for cancer modelling
Modeling the early steps of cancer development
The tumor microenvironment: metabolism, immune responses, aging
Mechanisms of metastasis
Preclinical trials and resistance
Important Deadlines
Early Bird – 19 Sep 2024
Talk Submission – 19 Sep 2024
Poster Submission – 19 Dec 2024
Registration Deadline – 19 Dec 2024