New insights in cancer research
This year’s topic ‘Fundamental cancer biology’ brought together world-class speakers from different parts of the globe. The two days were packed with excellent presentations on exciting new insights in cancer research.

Bernhard Küster (Technical University of Munich) kicked of the event with a presentation on proteome-wide characterization off the targets and mechanisms of action of cancer drugs. He presented exciting new chemical proteomics data revealing that many FDA-approved kinase inhibitor drugs display substantial off-target effects, which has important implications for cancer treatment and cancer drug repurposing.

During the immunology session Eric Vivier (Marseille-Luminy Immunology Center) presented how in addition to mobilizing T-cells to attack tumors, Natural Killer cells (NK cells) are effective in anti-tumor responses as well. Decades of basic research on NK cell receptors by Vivier has now led to two drug candidates that are currently tested in patients.

At the start of the second day, Karen Knudsen (Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center) presented novel findings on the functional connection between Androgen Receptor action in prostate cancer and DNA damage response (DDR). Multiple DDR proteins are under the direct transcriptional control of the Androgen Receptor, providing a mechanistic explanation for synergistic effects of hormonal treatment with DNA-damage inducing therapy.

Presentation by Karen Knudsen

After lunch, Duncan Odom (German Cancer Research Center) presented a new study in which they analysed the genomes of hundreds of chemically induced liver tumors in a large cohort of mice. They found interesting patterns of mutations that reflect inheritance mechanisms and repair processes.

Poster presentations
On both days during lunch, researchers from both CGC and Oncode were able to showcase their research in the poster session. All researchers had made an effort to develop something special and visually appealing. Lisa Donker, of the lab of Martijn Gloerich (UMC Utrecht, PI at CGC), won the prize for best poster with her research ‘E-cadherin adhesions mechanically sense cell density to control CDK1 activity and mitotic entry’.

Find your fellow amino acids
Apart from an interesting scientific program, networking opportunities are equally important at events like these. After the first day, a social event was hosted at Café De Tropen. To make sure everyone’s network expanded, all participants were categorized in different groups, the ‘amino acids’. The first assignment was to find your fellow amino acid members and form a group. Next, the group had to showcase ‘collaboration’ or ‘connection’ via a group picture. It is safe to say that most scientists secretly have a very creative side and many new connections were made!

Photos taken at the social event

5 & 6 November 2020: Basic biology meets cancer research
CGC and Oncode would like to thank all speakers and participants for making it a great conference. Next years’ conference will be held on 5 and 6 November, so make sure to mark your calendar!