Introduction

One-third of cancer patients will experience recurrence and succumb within five years of diagnosis, despite an encouraging initial response to therapy. Over the past decade, a rare subset of cells known as cancer persister cells has emerged as a significant factor in treatment failure. Unlike resistant cells, which harbour genetic alterations enabling survival despite therapy, persister cells exhibit transient drug tolerance through reversible, non-mutational mechanisms.

This burgeoning field has rapidly expanded since its inception 13 years ago, revealing the involvement of persister cells across various cancer types and treatment modalities. The upcoming meeting will bring together investigators to delve into molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targets and emerging clinical implications of cancer persister cells, fostering collaboration and community-building in this pivotal rapidly growing area of research.

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Target audience

This meeting will bring together researchers and physicians who study cancer persister cells in various contexts to discuss key questions in the field and lay the foundations for generating a community dedicated to the study of non-genetic drug resistance. 

Topics to be covered:

• Molecular mechanisms of persistence 
• Novel methodologies for studying persister cells
• Emerging vulnerabilities: Targeting persister cells
• Persister cells in the clinic

Scientific Programme Committee

• Yaara Oren (Chair), Tel Aviv University, Israel 
• Ultan McDermot, AstraZeneca, UK
• Caroline Robert, Gustave Roussy, France 
• Mariangela Russo, University of Torino, Italy

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Above: the beautiful conference city, Lyon