Molecular Biology in Clinical Oncology

ORGANIZERS
William G. Kaelin, Jr., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Jennifer R. Grandis, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
Mark W. Geraci, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO

The goal of this workshop is to provide a substantive overview of the essential role that molecular biology plays in the clinical world. The organizers are primarily seeking students who are motivated to build a career in translational cancer research, i.e., the exciting research front at the interface between basic research and clinical investigations.

Exciting new research on the molecular mechanisms that control cell growth and differentiation has resulted in rapid expansion of our understanding of the fundamental nature of cancer cells and has suggested valuable new approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment. These advances promise even greater applications of basic research findings to clinical cancer research and patient care in the future. The purpose of this workshop is to accelerate this process by increasing the clinical oncologist’s awareness and working knowledge of molecular biology concepts and techniques. Participants will benefit greatly from attending this workshop, because participants will be able to interact closely in an informal setting with experts in the field of molecular biology; learn the language and terminology of molecular biology; be able to discuss relevant literature in molecular biology; be able to communicate more effectively with their basic science colleagues; and acquire the background necessary to apply the advances of molecular biology to the problems of clinical oncology.

Comments from attendees of the 2007 Workshop:
• I have been blown away at the level of science and by the sincerity of the commitment of the faculty to passing on their knowledge.
• This has been one of the most valuable experiences of my professional career. This course is inspiring and leaves me feeling invigorated to return to my work in the lab!
• I thought this was an excellent course and very conducive to my needs as an MD starting out in the laboratory. I found it very helpful to have the opportunity to interact with what I believe are truly excellent role models among the faculty.
• Labs really stressed the pros and cons of different techniques and reasons behind each step.
• I thought the course provided me with solid principles on which to begin to develop a career in academic oncology and laboratory research.
• The course exceeded my expectation by far. Lab courses were excellent and provided many new aspects for techniques. Some of the ideas and techniques I learned during the week will be directly useful for my current project. Interactions with faculty and co-fellows were absolutely valuable. I heard and learned from their experiences and expertise, got advice for research and professional questions.

Supported by a generous grant from the National Cancer Institute

For further information, please contact Sarah Robertson, Program Administrator, at (267) 646-0666 or sarah.robertson@aacr.org.