Introduction

This EACR-ESMO Joint Conference will provide a comprehensive overview of liquid biopsies in cancer. It will cover what is already in clinical practice, what is on the horizon for liquid biopsies in cancer patient management and the latest new techniques.

Background

This meeting aims to develop our understanding of the potential of liquid biopsies. This includes to support early detection of cancer; as prognostic, pharmacodynamic and predictive biomarkers of treatment efficacy and resistance; and for patient monitoring, including of minimal residual disease for early identification of disease relapse. It will also explore how liquid biopsies can be incorporated in cancer patient management and how implementation of liquid biopsies can change clinical practice.

Topics to be covered

From basic discoveries to clinical application using minimally invasive clinical bio-specimens. Circulating nucleic acids (ctDNA and RNA), circulating tumor cells, exosomes, patient-derived models (CDX) and CTC cultures.

Target audience

Translational scientists, biologists, geneticists, clinical chemists, molecular pathologists, oncologists, patient advocates, primary care (GPs), radiologists, clinical and non-clinical trainees, biotech and diagnostic companies, Pharma, bioengineers.

Scientific Programme Committee

• Alberto Bardelli University of Torino, Italy (EACR co-chair)
• Carlos Caldas CRUK Cambridge Institute, UK (ESMO co-chair)
• Sarah-Jane Dawson Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia (ESMO representative)
• Caroline Dive CRUK Manchester Institute, UK (EACR representative)