Cell Death Mechanisms and Cancer Therapy

Cell death suppression is extremely relevant for tumor development, progression, and resistance to therapy. The mechanisms of cell death and cell survival are complex and involve much more than previously thought (apoptosis and necrosis) with cross-talk and other programmed processes such as autophagy, post-mitotic death, or entosis. In addition, the tumor microenvironment has a great impact on cell death, cell signaling, tumor metabolism, cell survival, and therapeutic response. It is important to learn about how these aspects are inter-related and how different cell types including stem
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Cell death suppression is extremely relevant for tumor development, progression, and resistance to therapy. The mechanisms of cell death and cell survival are complex and involve much more than previously thought (apoptosis and necrosis) with cross-talk and other programmed processes such as autophagy, post-mitotic death, or entosis. In addition, the tumor microenvironment has a great impact on cell death, cell signaling, tumor metabolism, cell survival, and therapeutic response. It is important to learn about how these aspects are inter-related and how different cell types including stem cells undergo cell death in response to external microenvironment stimuli or targeted therapeutics. The central focus of the meeting is cell death regulation and how to mine and exploit it for therapeutic gain. This conference includes new complexities of cell death and cell survival, new technologies, and clinical translational aspects necessary for the evolution of new therapeutic strategies. The organizers have reserved a significant number of slots throughout the agenda to feature short proffered talks from submitted abstracts. A special session will also be offered to update attendees on various NIH funding opportunities at the time of the meeting.