|
 Haematological and solid cancers contain small populations of cells that are believed to play a critical role in the progression of the disease. These cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor-initiating cells, have been found in leukaemia, myeloma, breast, prostate, pancreas, colon, brain and lung cancers. CSCs are also thought to be involved in the development and metastatic spread of cancer. More recently, CSCs have also demonstrated resistance to a number of conventional anti-cancer therapies. Hence, the selective targeting of CSCs may open novel avenues in cancer therapeutics. 
| Cancer stem cells represent the main theme of the 3rd “Josephine Nefkens Symposium” to be held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, on November 13, 2009. The symposium is organized under the auspices of the Josephine Nefkens Institute, the Erasmus Medical Center, and of the MCSCs (www.mcscs.eu) and SCDD (www.stemcells.nl) stem cell research consortia. The general aim of the international symposium is to gather the thought-leaders in cancer stem cell biology from around the world and to foster a discussion of ideas. To this aim, a total of 8 lectures will be delivered with the point of educating an audience, but also to outline current level of knowledge and to act as a baseline to stimulate discussion. Invited speakers (and related topics) will include Hans Clevers (intestinal stem cells in homeostasis and cancer), Gabriela Dontu (breast CSCs), Markus Frank (melanoma CSCs), Louis Parada (brain CSCs), Michael Clarke (colon CSCs and CSC resistance to ionizing radiation), Christoph Klein (disseminated CSCs), Thomas Brabletz (EMT and CSC), and Riccardo Fodde (Wnt signaling and cancer stemness). We are looking forward to seeing you in Rotterdam on Nov. 13, 2009! |
|
|
