Events – Bridging Cancer Frontiers

30.6.2023

BRIDGING CANCER FRONTIERS

Metabolism, Viral Oncology, and Global Infrastructure

August 29-31 2023

Pharmacity Auditorim, Turku, Finland

DETAILED PROGRAM TO BE FOUND BELOW

The symposium will be streamed at

Bridging Cancer Frontiers, Aug. 29 – 31, 2023, Pharmacity Auditorium, Turku, Finland

We proudly present the collaborative cancer research symposium “Bridging Cancer Frontiers”. This three-day event, scheduled from Aug. 29-31, unites top scientists from across the globe for a deep dive into cutting-edge research and innovative strategies to tackle the challenges of cancer research. The symposium explores the intricate landscape of cell signaling and metabolism, provides an in-depth examination of HPV-driven cancers, and charts the European frontline tools and strategies to tackle the grand challenges of cancer research. We aim to devote enough time to stimulating discussions, gain insights from leading researchers, and engage with the latest advancements in cancer therapeutics, biobanks, big data, bioimaging, and AI applications. 

TUESDAY, Aug 29 – JACOBAEUS SYMPOSIUM – WHEN CELL SIGNALING MEETS METABOLISM

The symposium will start with the Jacobæus Prize Lecture and Symposium, where Professor Sir David Lane is awarded the 2023 Jacobæus Prize for his groundbreaking discovery of the p53 protein and its multifaceted roles in cellular functions and endocrinology. The work of Prof. Lane has advanced our understanding of the roles of p53 in various physiological processes, including metabolism and how important p53 is in the context of tumor suppression and DNA repair. The Prize honors his enduring contributions to cellular physiology, cell cycle, cancer research, and endocrinology.

The Jacobæus Prize, established in 1939, honors the legacy of Swedish professor Hans Christian Jacobæus. Awarded annually by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, this prestigious prize recognizes exceptional contributions to physiology or endocrinology. The Prize fosters medical research and is mainly presented at Scandinavian universities or key European medical research locations. For more information on the Jacobæus Prize, please check: Professor Sir David Lane receives 2023 Jacobæus Prize for exceptional scientific legacy – Novo Nordisk Fonden

The overall aim of the Jacobæus Prize session is to explore the intricate interplay between metabolic and oncogenic signaling. Often, signaling systems that are first found in the context of cancer are later found to be critical for metabolic regulation, demonstrating how key pathways that regulate cell growth and metabolic functions are interlinked.

Chair: John Eriksson, co-chair: Jannica Roininen

14.00-14.15 (15’)


14.15-15.10 (45’ + 10’)

15.10-15.20


15.20-16.10 (40’ + 10’)


16.10-17.00 (40’ + 10’)

Welcome and Jacobaeus Prize Ceremony, John Eriksson

David Lane, Karolinska Institute, SE/A*Star, SG: “p53 beyond cancer”

Short break

Brendan Manning, Harvard University, USA: “Metabolic control of cell growth via PI3K-mTOR signaling”

Mikael Rydén, Karolinska Institute, SE: “Navigating the complexity of insulin resistance”

WEDNESDAY, Aug 30 – HPV HORIZONS – CONQUERING HPV-DRIVEN CANCERS

This day aims to capture both the history and the latest advances in the multifaceted relationship between HPV and oncogenesis, covering molecular mechanisms, tumor microenvironments, and innovative strategies against HPV-associated cancers. The presentations will cover understanding the role of HPV in cellular transformations, the development of therapy strategies, and global initiatives to address the cancer burden of HPV. 

Chair: Lea Sistonen, co-chair: Jenny Pessa

09:00-09:10              

09:10-09:50 (35’+5′) 



09:50-10:30 (35’+5′) 



10:30-11:00 (30’)

Introduction

Douglas Hanahan, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, CH: “Systemic myeloid immunosuppression evoked by HPV16-expressing neoplasias and cancers”

Ruth Scherz-Shouval, Weizmann Institute of Science, IL: “The secrets of the tumor microenvironment: From cancer-associated fibroblasts to therapeutic resistance”

Coffee/Tea and a Small Sweet Treat

Chair: Silvia Gramolelli, co-chairs: Navid Delshad & Michael Silva

11:00-11:40 (35’+5′)                


11:40-12:20 (35’+5′)  


12:20-13:00 (35’+5′) 


13:00-14:00 (60’)    

14:00-14:40 (35’+5′) 


14:40-15:20 (35’+5′) 


15:20-15:30 (10’)         

Mario Schelhaas, University of Münster, DE: “HPV entry: slow but effective!”

Elizabeth White, University of Pennsylvania, USA: “Retinoblastoma-independent mechanisms of HPV E7 carcinogenic activity”

Karl Munger, Tufts University School of Medicine, USA: “HPVs and Cancer: Tales from the Dark Side”

Lunch for the whole symposium, BioCity Lobby Group picture

Haina Shin, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USA: “Strategies for alleviating HPV-related morbidity and mortality for women in low-resource settings”

David Lane, Karolinska Institute, SE/A*Star, SG: “Why do the DNA tumor viruses target p53 and Rb?”

Closing Remarks

NAVIGATING CANCER FRONTIERS – European Frontline Tools and Strategies to tackle the challenges of Cancer Research

Join us for the engaging topic of exploring ‘Europe’s Frontline Tools and Strategies to Answer the Challenges of Cancer Research.’ Top researchers and experts from Europe’s research infrastructures and organizations will converge to discuss cutting-edge strategies in cancer research, encompassing biobanks, big data, bioimaging, cancer cell dynamics, and AI applications. This interactive event promises to stimulate insightful discussions among researchers, healthcare professionals, and those devoted to cancer research. We warmly encourage you to join this collaborative expedition on how to tackle the major challenges of cancer.

Chair: John Eriksson, co-chair: Joakim Edman

15:30-15:40(10’)                      

15.40-16.05 (20’+5’)  


16.05-16.30 (20’+5’)  


16:30-16:55  (20’+5’)    


16:55-17:00               

18.30-22.30

Introduction

Douglas Hanahan, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, CH: “Disentangling the webs of cancer”

Eric Solary, Gustave Roussy Institute, FR: “UNCAN – Understanding cancer in cancer mission of Horizon Europe”

Jukka Westermarck, University of Turku, FI: “Non-genetic cancer therapy tolerance”

Closing remarks

Symposium Banquet with Concert and Dinner

THURSDAY, Aug 31: Navigating Cancer Frontiers – European Frontline Tools and Strategies to tackle the challenges of Cancer Research – Continued

Chair: John Eriksson, co-chair: Jenny Joutsen

09:00-09:05                   

09:05-09:30 (20’+5′)  


09:30-09:55 (20’+5′)  


09:55-10:20 (20’+5′)  


10:20-10:45 (20’+5′)           

11:10     


11:25-11:50 (20’+5′)       


11:50-12:15 (20’+5′)  

12:15-12:40 (20’+5′)  

12:40-13:05 (20’+5′)    



13:05-14:00    

14:00

Introduction and Welcoming Remarks (5 min)

David Lane, Karolinska Institute, SE/A*Star, SG: “Cancer signaling: Are we asking the right questions?”

Jens Habermann, Director General – BBMRI, AT: “Biobanks to unravel the secrets of specific cancers”

Olli Carpén, University of Helsinki, FI: “Biobanks – bridging research and patient care”

Niklas Blomberg, Director General – ELIXIR, UK: “Big data and cancer”

Coffee/Tea and Sandwich Break for the whole symposium in the BioCity Lobby

Johanna Ivaska, University of Turku, FI: “When cancer cells start moving around”

Emilia Peuhu, University of Turku, FI: “Cancer cell matrix”

Guillaume Jacquemet, Åbo Akademi University, FI: “Cancer cells sensing their surroundings”

Alan Lowe, Univ. College London, UK: “Artificial intelligence for quantitative cancer analysis”

Recapitulation and highlighting key points 

End of symposium