The inaugural Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer Therapeutic Development conference was held September 12 - 15, 2006 in Chicago and provided a forum for the trans-disciplinary exchange of new ideas and information among basic scientists, translational researchers, physician-scientists and others involved in and committed to advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutics development – from bench to bedside. The conference program featured presentations from outstanding leaders in these two areas of science and cancer medicine and many of the related, multifaceted areas of applied cancer research. The conference was enriched by a variety of session formats including an educational session, plenary sessions, a panel discussion, as well as a special professional advancement session for young investigators. There was no overlap in the scientific sessions to maximize the opportunities for trans-disciplinary interactions – a key hallmark of this conference and an essential element for the integration of molecular diagnostics with cancer drug development.
INAUGURAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
EDUCATIONAL SESSION
The conference opened with an Educational Session on Tuesday afternoon, September 12, designed to provide an overview of the "New Frontiers in Diagnostic Technologies."
OPENING SESSION
On Tuesday evening, September 12, at 8:00 p.m. the Opening Session was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The evening began with a brief introduction by Dr. David Sidransky, Program Committee Chairperson and was followed by two Keynote Addresses. Dr. Daniel A. Haber of Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center discussed "Molecular Correlates of Response to EGFR Inhibitors." Dr. Y. M. Dennis Lo of The Chinese University of Hong Kong discussed "Molecular Detection and Monitoring of Cancer Using Tumor-derived DNA in Plasma."
PLENARY SESSIONS
The program included eight major sessions that were intended to provide state-of-the-art data on relevant scientific topics of interest to a wide spectrum of investigators. The Plenary Sessions, each two hours and fifteen minutes in length, featured presentations from three to four experts in various fields along with talks from proffered abstracts.
PANEL DISCUSSION
A special panel discussion was held on Thursday, September 14, as part of the plenary session on Regulatory Integration of Diagnostic Markers and Therapeutic Trials. Representatives from academia, industry, government, and advocacy groups discussed ways for "Overcoming Hurdles in Moving a Product from the Bench to the Bedside."
POSTER SESSIONS
Over 200 abstracts were presented on Wednesday and Thursday, September 13 and 14, during two two-hour poster sessions. Each poster session presented abstracts on a range of topics.
PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT SESSION
A special session was created for young investigators to provide them the opportunity to meet recognized leaders in molecular diagnostics, cancer therapeutic development, and many of the related areas that were the focus of the conference. This "Meet-the-Experts" Roundtable session was held on Wednesday, September 13. During this informal session, participants were able to assess their career goals, discuss scientific issues, exchange ideas, and network with others working in these fields. This was an invaluable opportunity for young investigators to receive guidance and insight from senior-level scientists about the opportunities and challenges in these areas of science and cancer medicine.