Synopsis
Defects in DNA damage repair and checkpoint control are underlying mechanisms driving tumorigenesis, since they allow for the accumulation of genetic alternations. In addition, defects associated with these pathways are the underlying cause of several human cancer-prone syndromes. On the other hand, defects in DNA repair and checkpoint control create vulnerabilities in cancer cells that can be targeted by DNA damaging agents and inhibitors that disrupt checkpoint pathways. This conference will focus on exploring these vulnerabilities, taking advantage of the synthetic lethality concept and targeting particular DNA repair and checkpoint pathways for cancer therapy. This conference will bring together basic, translational and clinical investigators to discuss current and future directions, opportunities and obstacles to the development of these anti-cancer modalities and how to best translate these concepts to clinical practice.

Key Sessions

• Highlight recent advances in the field of DNA damage repair

• Identify novel targets in DNA repair and checkpoint pathways

• Explore the concept of synthetic lethality for cancer treatment

• Assess the therapeutic potential of new anti-cancer modalities

• Discuss mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and ways to improve cancer therapy