AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Fusion-Positive Cancer: From Discovery to Therapy
January 13-15, 2026
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conference Cochairs
Natasha J. Caplen, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
Mark E. Hatley, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
Ross A. Okimoto, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Kimberly Stegmaier, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
Hosted by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the AACR Special Conference on Fusion-Positive Cancers 2026 will bring together leading researchers, clinicians, and translational scientists to discuss the latest advances in fusion oncogene biology, carcinogenesis, and targeted therapeutic strategies. This premier event will explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving fusion-driven malignancies, highlighting key topics such as tumor modeling, condensate biology, gene regulatory networks, and novel therapeutic approaches, including small molecule inhibitors, targeted protein degradation, and CRISPR-based technologies. Through plenary sessions, keynote lectures, and poster presentations, attendees will engage in discussions on how cutting-edge research is shaping the future of fusion-positive cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding fusion-driven cancers requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from basic science, translational research, and clinical advancements. The conference will feature sessions on the discovery of new oncogenic drivers, mechanisms of transcriptional dysregulation, and emerging therapeutic opportunities for both pediatric and adult fusion-driven cancers. Experts will also present on the clinical translation of novel therapeutics, early-phase clinical trials, and personalized treatment strategies. This meeting provides a unique platform for collaboration and scientific exchange, fostering innovation and accelerating progress toward more effective treatments for patients with fusion-positive cancers.
Please Note: All presentations at this event represent the opinions of the presenter and do not represent the position or the opinion of the AACR or its members.
