Introduction

Tumour phenotypes are profoundly influenced by the plasticity of cancer cells, which allows them to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. Cancer cell plasticity refers to the ability of cancer cells to adapt their phenotype, function, and behaviour in response to intrinsic and extrinsic cues. This intrinsic flexibility represents a significant challenge in cancer treatment, as it underlies tumour heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that non-genetic mechanisms, such as epigenetic modifications, metabolic reprogramming, and dynamic phenotypic transitions, play a pivotal role in driving this plasticity.

Despite decades of intensive research, our understanding of how cancer cell plasticity is orchestrated and how it contributes to tumour progression and therapy evasion remains incomplete. Advancing this knowledge is imperative for developing more effective therapeutic strategies to counteract the adaptive prowess of cancer cells.

This conference will explore the fundamental mechanisms that control cancer cell plasticity at multiple biological levels, including the epigenome, transcriptome, metabolome, and cellular microenvironment. Experts will also discuss innovative approaches to target cancer cell plasticity using novel pharmacological interventions, aiming to prevent or reverse the adaptive mechanisms cancer cells use to circumvent conventional therapies.

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Target audience:

The target audience for this conference includes scientists from both academia and industry who have a keen interest in the forefront of cancer research, with a specific focus on cancer cell plasticity and tumour heterogeneity. The conference will be particularly beneficial for those who are studying non-genetic adaptations in cancer cells, including phenotypic changes, metabolic reprogramming, and microenvironmental interactions, and how these contribute to cancer progression and therapy resistance. 

Attendees will gain insights into the mechanistic aspects of epigenetic regulation, cellular microenvironment influences, metabolic flexibility, and phenotypic transitions. In addition to these thematic areas, the conference will also address cutting-edge OMICS-based approaches that offer a global perspective on cancer cell plasticity, providing a comprehensive framework for tackling one of the greatest challenges in cancer therapy today.

Topics to be covered:

• Cancer cell plasticity 
• Metastasis
• Therapy resistance
• Tumour heterogeneity
• Non-genetic adaptations in cancer cells
• Tumour-microenvironment interactions
• Therapy resistance

Scientific Programme Committee:

• Cédric Blanpain (Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium)
• Chris Marine (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Human Genetics, Belgium)
• Dana Pe’er (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKK), USA)
• Eduard Batlle (institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Spain)

Lay summary of the conference topic:

This conference explores the remarkable ability of cancer cells to change their characteristics – a property called plasticity. Imagine a shape-shifting enemy that constantly adapts to attacks. This is what cancer cells do, making them difficult to treat. We'll examine how cancer cells change, what triggers these changes, and how the immune system interacts with these shifting cells. Leading experts will discuss the latest technologies for tracking these changes and explore innovative treatment strategies that either stop this shape-shifting or even turn it against the cancer itself. Ultimately, understanding and manipulating cancer cell plasticity promises to revolutionise cancer treatment, leading to more effective and long-lasting cures.

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Monitoring melanoma cell state diversity in space (and time) - Image courtesy of Chris Marine at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Human Genetics, Belgium.