We are pleased to announce the first edition of the VIB Conference ‘Tumor heterogeneity, plasticity and therapy’. This international conference will take place May 14-15th 2020 in the beautiful historic city of Leuven.
Tumors are complex and evolving ecosystems composed of a wide variety of cell types, in addition to the cancer cells themselves. Increasing evidence indicates that the bi-directional interplay between tumor cells and their tumor microenvironment shape tumor evolution and therapy resistance.
Within a tumor, many cancer cells differ from each at the (epi-)genomic, transcriptional and proteomic level, as well as phenotypically and functionally. In addition, cancer cells can switch from one state to the other and acquire specific phenotypic properties such as stem cell or metastatic potential in response to a changing environment. The advent of single-cell profiling techniques allows to study the magnitude of phenotypic diversity and its dynamics during metastatic dissemination and therapy exposure
Tumor heterogeneity represents a major hurdle for therapy, which may only target a subset of tumor cells. In addition, cancer cell plasticity permits rapidly adaption to therapeutics and development of tolerance and resistance, presenting additional challenges for both targeted and immunotherapies.
This conference aims provide you with a platform to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow researchers on the following session topics:
- Plasticity in initiation, progression and metastasis
- Heterogeneity and reprogramming of the tumor immune- and microenvironment
- Adaptation and resistance to targeted therapies
- Adaptation and resistance to immunotherapies
We will welcome a range of world leaders from academia and industry who will discuss the latest developments in basic research, translational and clinical research and therapeutic avenues.
In addition to the scientific program with plenary talks and poster sessions, there will be ample opportunities to network and discuss collaborations during the breaks, reception and conference dinner.
