Patient advocates

We have a limited number of discounted registrations of €370 for this conference for patient advocates affiliated with patient advocacy organisations. 

To apply for a discounted registration, you must:

• Be employed by or volunteer for a registered non-profit patient advocacy organisation
• Provide a headed letter from the organisation you represent, indicating how your attendance at the conference will further its charitable aims for the benefit of patients
• Please contact us before the registration deadline to apply.

Lay summary of the conference topic

Cancer develops in the body’s tissues, which are made up of different types of cells working together in three-dimensional (3D) structures. These structures perform essential jobs like carrying oxygen, absorbing nutrients, and removing toxins. When cancer forms, it disrupts these structures and stops them from working properly. 

Cancer researchers are working to understand how cancer starts and grows, and to discover better treatments. Traditionally, they’ve relied on animal models to study cancer. However, these are expensive, raise ethical concerns, and aren’t suitable for testing lots of potential treatments quickly. On the other hand, simpler lab models where cells grow in flat layers don’t reflect the 3D nature of real tissues, so they often fail to give useful insights into how cancer behaves. 

To overcome these challenges, scientists have developed more advanced 3D tissue models that mimic both healthy and cancerous tissues more accurately. These models have become essential tools for studying how cancer develops, spreads, and responds to treatment. They’re also easier to manipulate, cheaper to use, and allow researchers to test drugs and investigate therapy resistance more effectively. 

The EACR Goodbye Flat Biology Conference brings together leading researchers from around the world who are pioneering the use of 3D models to better understand and treat cancer. The event also plays a key role in training the next generation of cancer scientists through talks, discussions, expert sessions, and career development activities.