EACR Persister Cells: from Bacteria to Cancer

This meeting will explore the burgeoning field of cancer persister cells, a rare subset of cells which have emerged over the last decade as a significant factor in cancer treatment failure. Unlike resistance cells, which harbour genetic alterations enabling survival despite therapy, persister cells exhibit transient drug tolerance through reversible, non-mutational mechanisms. Our conference on this topic will bring together investigators from across the world to delve into molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and emerging clinical implications of cancer persister cells, fostering collaboration and community-building in this pivotal and rapidly growing area of research. This conference will bring together researchers and physicians who study cancer persister cells in various contexts to discuss key questions in the field and lay the foundations for generating a community dedicated to the study of non-genetic drug resistance. Join us in Lyon between 18 and 20 March 2025 to learn more about this fascinating topic! Submit your abstract before 20 January and register before 17 February to secure your place. Speakers: Direna Alonso-Curbelo | Eduard Battle | René Bernards | Shruti Bhatt | Trever Bivona | Cedric Blanpain | Aaron Hata | Chris Marine | Ultan McDermot | Jan Michiels | Wendy Mok | Yaara Oren | Caroline Robert | Susan Rosenberg | Mariangela Russo | Johannes Zuber Keywords: cancer research, oncology, cancer persister cells, cancer resistant cells, non-genetic drug resistance, treatment response, treatment success, treatment failure, molecular mechanisms of resistance and persistence, novel study methodologies, targeting vulnerabilities within persister cells, clinical implications and applications Deadlines: Abstract submission deadline: 20 January 2025 Travel Grant application deadline: 20 January 2025 Registration deadline: 17 February 2025