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

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Corey Abate-Shen (Columbia University)
Iannis Aifantis (NYU School of Medicine)
Leila Akkari (Netherlands Cancer Institute)
Laura Attardi (Stanford University)
Karen Cichowski (Harvard Medical School)
Gina DeNicola (Moffit Cancer Center)
Luke Dow (Cornell University)
Marcia Haigis (Harvard Medical School)
Nikhil Joshi (Yale University)
Scott Lowe (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
Chris Marine (KU Leuven)
Pawel Mazur (MD Anderson Cancer Center)
Owen Samson (Beatson Institute)
Celeste Simon (University of Pennsylvania)
Rocio Sotillo (German Cancer Research Center)
Kate Sutherland (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute)

Student Offer

Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity for students! Register at the single or shared rate and bring one student for only $1,195. Unfortunately, Postdocs are not eligible. Both registration packages include; accommodation for the 26, 27, 28 February 2025 (on a shared basis for students) and a food and beverage package for the conference period. Once registered, please contact Chloe Trundle to obtain a special registration link for your student. 

Target Audience

• Basic scientists studying all aspects of cancer biology
• Scientists and clinicians performing translational work, especially those using mouse models for preclinical studies
• Investigators from the biotech and pharma industries who are interested in state-of-the-art animal modeling approaches

Educational Need

Multi-omic analyses provide an unprecedented view of key features of human tumors. Still, the mechanisms by which human tumors develop and respond to therapy remain challenging to investigate in patients with cancer. Animal models of cancer, including genetically engineered mice, provide an experimental system to investigate the biology of tumors and to evaluate the efficacy and resistance mechanisms associated with specific therapies. This conference will provide a forum for discussion on the past, present, and future of animal models for cancer, in particular the role that these models will play in the era of precision medicine.