Cancer initiation and progression involves complex processes that cannot be modelled completely using conventional 2D cultures of tumour cells. This meeting will cover the integrated multidisciplinary efforts that have led to the development of a wide range of novel approaches involving 3D culture, organoids, bioengineered systems, and in vivo models that more accurately reflect the biochemical, spatial and mechanical properties of tumours in their tissue environment. 

This edition of the conference will seek to emphasize complex 3D model systems that capture the dialogue between cancer cells, the cellular stroma (e.g. fibroblasts, immune cells), and the extracellular matrix, with a focus on how this dialogue affects cancer progression and treatment response.

Topics to be covered

• Molecular regulation of cancer cell adhesion, invasion, migration, and survival
• Force generation and mechanotransduction in tumours
• Interactions of cancer cells with the immune and fibroblastic microenvironment
• 3D in vitro systems for target identification and compound screening