Defects in the DNA damage response (DDR), comprising DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint signalling, can promote tumorigenesis by creating increased genomic instability. These defects create tumour vulnerabilities that can be exploited for therapeutic gain. This conference aims to promote and advance the exciting and rapidly changing field of exploiting DDR dysregulation for cancer therapy. It will bring together experts in basic, translational and clinical research to discuss the current research and the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead of the field, as we seek to translate the concepts of synthetic lethality, gene addiction and checkpoint inhibition into cancer therapies together.

The focus of this conference is the translation of basic science understanding of the DNA damage response (DDR), and its dysregulation in cancer to its therapeutic exploitation. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• DNA function and its dysregulation in cancer, including epigenetic and post-translational mechanisms

• Role of the DDR in immune signalling

• Targeted therapies exploiting DDR dysregulation and translation of determinants of sensitivity to predictive biomarkers

• Clinical studies with DDR-targeted therapies

There will be seven specific sessions:

Session 1: Overview of targeting DDR dysfunction in cancer

session 2: DNA damage cell cycle checkpoints

Session 3: DNA repair, defects in cancer and their exploitation

Session 4: MMR defects, mutator phenotype

Session 5: SUMO and ubiquitination and other epigenetic and post-translational mechanisms

Session 6: Targeting with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Session 7: Overview and use of biomarkers in clinical trials