Tumor metabolism is a fundamental hallmark of cancer. The utilization of nutrients as fuel for cancer cell growth and spread has been a major field of study. Increasingly, our attention has shifted to the importance of dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells and nonmalignant cells within the microenvironment, as well as systemic metabolic features, in driving tumor evolution. However, a mechanistic and systems level understanding of the consequences of these metabolic interactions is missing.

This meeting brings together a diverse and multidisciplinary group of researchers to focus on studying tumor metabolism in context, including influences from the local and systemic environment. The program will focus on metabolic heterogeneity across spatiotemporal scales, from intracellular regulatory networks to diverse inter-cellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment. We will delve into therapeutic strategies aimed at addressing metabolic vulnerabilities.  Specifically, we will explore emerging research on biomarker discovery, the pursuit of novel therapeutic targets, and comprehensively review lessons learned in recent attempts to target cancer metabolism. Attendees will gain exposure to novel technologies, model systems, and computational approaches to tackle the complexities of tumor metabolism. We will discuss the opportunities for convergence of scientific disciplines to impact fundamental and clinical aspects of cancer research.  The meeting will spark thought-provoking dialogue on future directions in the tumor metabolism field, spanning mechanistic to translational perspectives including novel clinical trial strategies and how to ensure diversity and equity in our research and clinical approaches.

In the video below, meeting co-organizer Dr. Shannon Mumenthaler, talks about what to expect from this meeting:

And, check out the speaker highlights below: