Introduction

Chromosomal instability and chromosomal alterations are key drivers of tumour initiation, evolution, heterogeneity, and response to therapy. From aneuploidy and translocations to chromothripsis and ecDNA formation, cancer cells frequently experience catastrophic genomic events that reshape their genome and massively change their phenotype.

The EACR Conference on Chromosomes in Crisis: From Chromosomal Instability to Catastrophes in Cancer Genomes will bring together leading experts to explore the mechanisms, consequences, and therapeutic vulnerabilities associated with these genomic rearrangements. Join us in Berlin, Germany, to uncover how chromosomal chaos shapes cancer biology and opens new avenues for clinical intervention.

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Target audience

Basic and translational scientists and clinicians, both senior and young investigators from academia and industry, who are interested in various aspects of chromosome biology, chromosomal catastrophes and cancer.

Topics to be covered

• Genetics & genomics of chromosomal catastrophes
• Cell biology of chromosomal catastrophes
• Emerging technologies & model systems to measure and study chromosomal instability and its outcomes
• Therapeutic vulnerabilities & clinical opportunities
• Various types of chromosomal alterations, their formation, and their cellular consequences, including, but not limited to: 
  • Mechanisms of chromosome mis-segregation
  • Chromosome instability (CIN) 
  • Whole-genome doubling (WGD)
  • Aneuploidy
  • Translocations and gene fusions
  • Chromothripsis and structural rearrangements
  • Telomere attrition 
  • ecDNA

Lay summary of the conference topic:

Cancer is driven by damage to the DNA in our cells, and in many cases, this includes large-scale changes to chromosomes — the structures that carry our genes. These changes can cause cancer cells to grow uncontrollably, resist treatment, or spread to other parts of the body. This conference will explore how and why chromosomes become unstable in cancer, what happens when entire genomes are duplicated or when chromosomes are shattered, and how these dramatic events might be targeted with new therapies. By understanding the roots of chromosomal chaos, researchers aim to find better ways to treat cancer, predict how it behaves, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.

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Scientific Programme Committee

• Uri Ben-David (Co-Chair) - Tel Aviv University, Israel
• Aurélie Ernst (Co-Chair) - DKFZ, Germany
• Florian Markowetz - CRUK Cambridge Institute, UK
• Renata Basto - Institut Curie, France

Above: Berlin landmarks