Global Conference on Oncology

Session – 1: Fundamentals of Oncology

In the first session, attendees can discuss or update their knowledge of the fundamentals of oncology. This session has various tracks i.e. carcinogenesis, cancer stages and cancer grades, tumor pathology, tumor microenvironment, precision oncology, interventional oncology, hematologic malignancies, and many more. This session is for discussion on basic theory, working principles, research updates, trends, and advancements of some key topics of oncology.

Track – 1: Carcinogenesis

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1. 1. Carcinogenesis or oncogenesis is the process through which healthy, normal cells develop into cancer cells. A single cell that has developed malignant characteristics due to cellular DNA damage is the first step in the genesis of a malignant tumour in healthy tissue.
2. 2. DNA sequence errors disrupt genetic codes, leading to cell survival, proliferation, and clones with similar genetic errors and malignant properties.
3. 3. Malignant cells require daughter cells to divide and double the clonal population size, forming a tumour with one billion cells.
4. 4. Carcinogenesis is a multi-step process that includes initiation, growth, promotion, conversion, propagation, invasion, and metastasis.
5. 5. Carcinogens are agents that cause malignant tumours by causing cellular genetic changes. Most human cancers result from exposure to environmental or exogenous carcinogens, while endogenous factors also contribute to malignant transformation.

Track – 2: Cancer Stages and Cancer Grades

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1. 1. Grade refers to how cancer cells look like healthy tissue, while biomarkers are substances found in higher-than-normal levels in the cancer itself or in blood, urine, or tissues.
2. 2. Biomarkers help determine the likelihood of cancer spreading and help doctors choose the best treatment.
3. 3. Tumour genetics, which identifies genes involved in various cancer types, can predict cancer spread and treatment effectiveness, allowing doctors to target treatment to each individual's cancer.
4. 4. The grade of a cancer is determined by its appearance under a microscope, with lower grades indicating slower-growing cancers and higher grades indicating faster-growing ones. The grading system is based on three categories: normal (cancer cells are slow-growing and mimic normal cells), abnormal (cancer cells lack the appearance of regular cells and proliferate more quickly than healthy cells), and aggressive (abnormal-appearing cancer cells that may develop or spread more quickly).
5. 5. Number staging and TNM staging are the two primary staging types used for various cancer kinds.
6. 6. Doctors use a number staging system to classify cancer stages: stage 0 (in situ, not spread), stage 1 (small, not spread), stage 2 (grown, not spread), stage 3 (larger, possibly to surrounding tissues), and stage 4 (metastatic, spread to at least one other organ).
7. 7. The TNM system uses letters and numbers to describe cancer, with T representing tumor size (with the numerals 1 to 4; 1 for little, 4 for huge), N representing lymph nodes (with numbers 0 to 3; 0 indicates that no lymph nodes are affected by cancer, while 3 indicates that many are), and M indicating metastases or cancer spread (with either a 0 or 1; 0 indicates that it hasn't spread, and 1 indicates that it has). It is used depending on the type of cancer.
8. 8. The stage of a cancer remains unchanged during diagnosis and initial treatments, allowing doctors to understand progress, prognosis, and treatment effects. Restaging, with a small "r," is performed if the cancer returns or spreads. Repeated tests are typically conducted to assign the cancer to restage or "r stage."

Track – 3: Gut Microbiota Implications in Cancer

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1. 1. Cancer has been linked to the gut microbiota, and studies have shown that it can affect how well anticancer drugs work.
2. 2. A growing body of research has shown that altering the gut flora may improve the effectiveness of anticancer medications.
3. 3. Alterations in the gut microbiota are linked to resistance to chemotherapy treatments or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), whereas the addition of specific bacterial species improves sensitivity to anticancer medications.
4. 4. Despite the important results from preclinical models and clinical data of cancer patients, a deeper comprehension of the interactions of the microbiota with cancer therapy aids researchers in identifying novel strategies for cancer prevention, stratifying patients for more effective treatment, and minimizing the side effects of treatment.

Track – 4: Tumour Pathology

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1. 1. A tumour is an abnormal growth involving cells pushing normal tissue out of its way. It can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). The tumour’s behaviour depends on its location, cells, and whether it's benign or malignant. Most benign tumours grow large but are unable to spread, while malignant tumours can spread into surrounding tissues.
2. 2. Benign tumours are symptomless, have well-defined margins, and are usually excised. They are rarely fatal unless they press on vital structures or secrete hormones. Normal cells can become cancerous through abnormal changes like hyperplasia and dysplasia. Hyperplasia is a pre-neoplastic response, while dysplasia is not cancerous.
3. 3. Carcinoma in situ is a severe premalignant change, where abnormal cells remain within the epithelium without invading neighbouring tissue.
4. 4. Pathologists play a crucial role in determining the benign or malignant status of a tumor by examining tissue under a microscope, identifying common malignant features.
5. 5. Malignant tumours exhibit invasion, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and metastasis, which are distinct features from benign tumours. Invasion refers to the spread of tumour cells into normal tissue, while perineural invasion involves tumour cells attaching to nerves.
6. 6. Lymphovascular invasion involves tumour cells entering lymphatics vessels or blood vessels, allowing them to spread to other parts of the body. Metastasis involves tumour cells spreading to other body parts, including lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and bones.

Track – 5: Tumor Microenvironment

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1. 1. The ecology that surrounds a tumor inside the body is called the tumor microenvironment. It consists of extracellular matrix, blood vessels, immune cells, and other cells, such as fibroblasts. The microenvironment around a tumor is continually interacting with it and influencing it, either favorably or unfavorably.
2. 2. TME is made up of tumour cells, tumour stromal cells such as stromal fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells like macrophages, microglia, and lymphocytes, as well as extracellular matrix molecules like collagen, fibronectin, hyaluronan, and laminin.
3. 3. Three major categories can be used to describe the immunological landscape within the TME: immune infiltrated, immune excluded and immune silent.
4. 4. The tumour microenvironment is crucial for cancer development, providing nutrients and space for tumour growth. Researchers are studying its role in risk, development, and treatment.
5. 5. TME is a crucial component of the tumor mass and plays a crucial role in the development, progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment of the tumor. TME targeting would therefore be a successful cancer treatment strategy.
6. 6. Understanding the tumour microenvironment can improve cancer treatment by identifying the organization of cell types and their varying microenvironments.
7. 7. There are several biological characteristics of the tumour microenvironment (TME) that are widely documented, including increased redox, special enzymes, cooper ions, an acidic extracellular environment, and others. Based on these TME variables, enhanced nanotheranostics with TME activation have recently been created to treat lethal tumours.

Track – 6: Surgical Oncology

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1. 1. Surgical oncology is a medical field that uses surgery to treat cancer by removing harmful tumours and detecting cancer growth. Oncologists collaborate with primary care doctors to develop treatment plans, remove tumours and surrounding tissue, and perform biopsies to determine cancer severity.
2. 2. Surgical oncology focuses on surgery to diagnose, stage, and treat cancer, and manage symptoms. Surgical oncology can be used to diagnose, remove, stagger, prevent, support, restore appearance, function, or relieve side effects of cancer. It can also help determine cancer location, spread, and organ function.
3. 3. Treatment options include curative, debulking, supportive, palliative, and reconstructive surgery. Curative surgery removes a tumour in one place, while debulking removes as much as possible and treats the rest with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Supportive surgery helps other cancer treatments work better. Palliative surgery relieves symptoms of advanced cancer, such as nerve or bone pain. Reconstructive surgery restores the appearance and function of affected areas.
4. 4. Cancer surgery consists of two main types: open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. Open surgery involves a large incision, while minimally invasive techniques include laparoscopy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, and robotic surgery. Non-surgeons may perform other procedures, such as endoscopies, embolization, and mohs micrographic surgery. Non-surgical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy, can be performed before or after surgery to prevent cancer growth, metastasis, or recurrence.
5. 5. Complications from surgical oncology procedures include infection, swelling, fatigue, pain, lymphedema, and nausea.
6. 6. Cancer surgery treats various types of cancers, including breast, brain, cervical, endocrine, gynecologic, gastric, head, lung, neck, pancreatic, melanomas, and sarcomas.

Track – 7: Precision Oncology

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1. 1. Precision oncology is a cutting-edge kind of cancer therapy that makes sure your care is tailored to your particular type of cancer. It is the science of developing a treatment plan specifically for each patient based on their unique genetics—the genes that are mutated, driving the growth of their cancer.
2. 2. Genomic profiling of tumors is a step towards precision oncology that identifies abnormalities that can be corrected. Modern clinical practice has quickly adopted targeted medicines and breakthroughs in clinical next-generation sequencing from both tumor tissue and liquid biopsy. Precision oncology uses techniques including blood type, targeted treatments, and immune therapy.
3. 3. Multiplex molecular testing, including NGS (next-generation sequencing), has started to make precision oncology a reality. To make it easier to choose the most suitable and affordable testing platform, oncologists should be knowledgeable about the technical elements of NGS.
4. 4. Precision oncology is crucial for the best chance of cancer recovery.
5. 5. Precision oncology, a new field, has multiple names, including personalized cancer medicine, personalized genomic medicine, personalized cancer treatment, and personalized oncogenomics.

Track – 8: Interventional Oncology

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1. 1. Interventional oncology (IO) is a minimally invasive cancer treatment that uses medical imaging, such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, and X-rays. Doctors from various disciplines perform IO treatments using real-time images to target tumours and deliver drugs like chemotherapy. Nuclear medicine uses radioactive substances to target tumours, leaving healthy tissue intact.
2. 2. Interventional oncology (IO) is a rapidly growing branch of radiology that focuses on cancer diagnosis, treatment, and palliation using minimally invasive procedures under image guidance.
3. 3. Interventional oncology (IO) is the fourth pillar of modern cancer care, together with medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and interventional oncology. And IO can be applied to shrink tumours or weak patient groups.
4. 4. Interventional oncology (IO) techniques can be combined with other treatments to increase efficacy. Interventional oncology (IO) can be combined with surgery, radiation therapy, or drugs, and can treat cancer symptoms.
5. 5. Patients benefit from IO treatments, as IO treatments have less pain, fewer side effects, and shorter recovery times. Most IO procedures are outpatient, requiring no overnight hospital stay, which helps to reduce costs.

Track – 9: Oncology Informatics

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1. 1. The oncology informatics market is expanding rapidly due to factors such as the increasing global cancer prevalence, personalized medicine demand, and technological advancements like artificial intelligence, cloud-based solutions, and machine learning.
2. 2. These advancements enable healthcare organizations to manage and analyze cancer-related data more effectively, leading to more targeted treatment plans. Government initiatives, increased investments, and digital health technologies contribute to the market's growth. However, challenges like data privacy, security, high costs, and a shortage of skilled professionals remain. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to continue growing due to ongoing technological advancements and increased understanding of the importance of oncology informatics in cancer care.
3. 3. Oncology bioinformatics is a specialized field that uses oncology and bioinformatics principles to study cancer at the molecular level. It analyzes biological data using computational tools and techniques, including DNA, RNA, protein sequences, and high-throughput data from omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics).
4. 4. This helps understand disease mechanisms, identify therapy targets, and develop personalized treatment strategies for cancer patients. Oncology bioinformatics is rapidly expanding, transforming cancer research and clinical practice by revealing new insights into cancer biology and enabling more personalized and effective treatment strategies.
5. 5. Oncology informatics solutions are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for drug discovery, clinical trials, and post-marketing surveillance. They analyze patient data, clinical trial results, and develop personalized treatment plans for cancer patients. Academic institutes, research centers, and contract research organisations (CROs) also use oncology informatics solutions to manage and analyze clinical trial data for pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations.

Track – 10: SNP and Cancer

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1. 1. SNPs are common genetic variations in the human genome, linked to cancer susceptibility. Understanding their mechanisms is crucial for understanding molecular pathogenesis and potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in various cancer types.
2. 2. Genes with cancer-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect gene expression through various mechanisms, depending on their genetic elements. These SNPs also alter epigenetic regulation, complicating cancer susceptibility.
3. 3. Genetic association studies with SNPs targeting cancer can be divided into two categories: susceptibility and outcomes.
4. 4. SNPs play a crucial role in cancer genetic predisposition, affecting various aspects of gene expression. Promoter region SNPs affect methylation and histone modifications, while exons and introns affect RNA splicing, genomic imprinting.
5. 5. The complex mechanisms related to gene polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility require further investigation.

Track – 11: MicroRNA and Cancer

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1. 1. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. They are found in various cancers and can be tumor suppressors or oncogenes. MiRNA profiling is crucial for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and some miRNAs may be diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
2. 2. MicroRNAs are dysregulated in human cancer through various mechanisms, including amplification, deletion, abnormal transcription, epigenetic changes, and defects in miRNA biogenesis.
3. 3. These dysregulated miRNAs affect cancer hallmarks, including proliferative signaling, growth suppressors, cell death, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. miRNAs are potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targets, but further investigation is needed.
4. 4. Identifying critical miRNA targets and their contribution to malignant transformation is a future challenge.
5. 5. Exosomal miRNA biomarkers, which offer stability, specificity, and sensitivity, are still in the early discovery stage. Further research into novel miRNAs, their biological functions, and target genes will enhance our understanding of miRNA roles in tumorigenesis and warrant the development of miRNA-related cancer prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment.

Track – 12: Cancer Pathobiology Research

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1. 1. Cancer pathobiology is an integrative discipline focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms driving cancer growth. It uses molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical approaches to characterize abnormalities and treatment responses.
2. 2. Cancer pathological mechanisms involve abnormal endogenous molecules as tumour biomarkers, crucial for clinical management and prognosis.
3. 3. Researchers of cancer pathobiology have identified alternative mRNA splicing as a key mechanism driving B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia resistance to immunotherapy, the GS3K pathway making certain lymphoma cells resistant to chemotherapy, and cellular DNA repair proteins being manipulated by viral oncoproteins

Track – 13: Multiple Myeloma

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1. 1. Multiple myeloma is a cancer affecting plasma cells, which help fight infections by producing antibodies.
2. 2. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in bone marrow, causing complications.
3. 3. Treatment may not be immediate, and doctors may recommend close monitoring for slow-growing cases. Multiple myeloma can persist in some people for years. Options for controlling the disease include chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments.
4. 4. Multiple myeloma is a condition causing a lack of chromosomes and a mutation in oncogenes. Researchers are exploring genetic mutations, environmental factors, inflammatory diseases, and obesity.
5. 5. Multiple myeloma symptoms include bone pain, mental fogginess, nausea, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite, frequent infections, leg weakness, weight loss, and excessive thirst. Early symptoms may be absent.

Track – 14: Sarcoma

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1. 1. Sarcoma is a cancer affecting bones and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and joints. Treatment varies based on type, location, and other factors. There are over 70 types.
2. 2. Sarcomas form when immature bone or soft tissue cells undergo DNA changes, developing into cancer cells that grow unregulated. Untreated, these cancers can spread to other organs, making treatment challenging. Researchers are unsure of the cause of sarcoma formation.
3. 3. Sarcoma symptoms include painful lumps, unexpected bone fractures, bone pain, abdominal pain and weight loss.
4. 4. Sarcoma risk factors include inheritance syndromes, chronic swelling (lymphedema), radiation therapy, exposure to chemicals, and exposure to viruses. Inherited syndromes, such as familial retinoblastoma and neurofibromatosis type 1, can increase the risk of sarcoma later in life. Chronic swelling, exposure to chemicals, and exposure to viruses, such as human herpesvirus 8, can also increase the risk of sarcoma.
5. 5. Healthcare may use tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone scans, PET scans, and biopsys to identify bone disorders, tumors, and potential treatments. These tests help determine the type of sarcoma and determine the most effective treatments. A biopsy involves removing tissue from a tumor and analyzing it under a microscope to determine the type of sarcoma and the best treatment options.

Track – 15: Nuclear Medicine

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1. 1. An effective technique to treat cancer is nuclear medicine. It employs specialized radioactive medicines known as radiopharmaceuticals to locate and eradicate cancer cells. It is now used to treat a number of cancer types, and doctors want to add many more in the future.
2. 2. Nuclear medicine therapy is a cancer treatment method that uses radioactive molecules as a drug to target tumour cells and deliver radiation directly. It is often used alongside other treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. The drug recognizes tumour cells, sticks to them, and kills them. It is often repeated multiple times to maximize benefits.
3. 3. It is also known as therapeutic nuclear medicine, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), radionuclide therapy, targeted radiotherapy, and a theranostic approach.
4. 4. Side effects of nuclear medicine therapy vary depending on the treatment and medical condition. Nausea and hair loss are less common, and some may experience hair growth. However, it's rare for someone to develop blood cancer.
5. 5. Nuclear medicine targets cancer cells with minimal damage, delivers steady radiation doses, boosts therapy power, treats resistant cancer, and is non-invasive.

Track – 16: Hematologic Malignancies

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1. 1. Hematologic malignancies are cancers that start in immune system cells or blood-forming tissue like the bone marrow. Leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma are the three main kinds of hematologic malignancies.
2. 2. An essential component of the immune system called the lymphatic system is where lymphoma, a type of cancer, first develops. The lymph system, a component of the immune system that fights infection, is where lymphomas begin to develop. As there are lymph nodes all over the body, lymphoma can start practically anywhere. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the two main varieties.
3. 3. The white blood cells known as plasma cells, which produce antibodies to stave off infection, are cancerous in myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a malignancy that affects plasma cells and develops in the bone marrow.
4. 4. In the bone marrow or blood, leukemia develops into cancer. Leukemia comes in a variety of forms, classified according to how quickly (acute) or slowly (chronic) it progresses and whether it originates in lymphocytic or myelogenous cells.
5. 5. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and multiple myeloma are the blood malignancies that are most frequently diagnosed.

Track – 17: Gastrointestinal Malignancies

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1. 1. Gastrointestinal cancer involves various organs in the digestive tract, including anal, colon, rectal, esophageal, gallbladder, liver, pancreatic, small intestine, and stomach cancers.
2. 2. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer typically develops without symptoms in its early stages, making screenings crucial. Symptoms may include abdominal cramping, dark stool, and changes in bowel habits, difficulty swallowing, digestive problems, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, and fatigue. These symptoms can be detected during screenings or after the cancer has advanced to a more severe stage.
3. 3. GI tract cancers develop when cells in organs mutate, causing tumours and spreading to lymph nodes. Causes remain unclear, but cell damage from infections, obesity, smoking, and environmental factors increases the risk.
4. 4. Early detection of gastrointestinal cancer is crucial for prevention. Gastrointestinal cancer screening tests detect colon and rectal cancer early, often before symptoms develop. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption, can help reduce risk factors.
5. 5. Surgery may be the only treatment for easy-to-reach gastrointestinal cancers, while chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy may be used for more challenging cases. Targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be used to suppress the immune system.

Track – 18: Preventive Oncology and Translational Oncology

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1. 1. Preventive oncology focuses on preventing malignant disease development and progression through healthy lifestyles, such as avoiding tobacco, and regular screenings. Many organizations of preventive oncology raise public awareness about early cancer detection.
2. 2. It involves three main levels: primary cancer prevention, secondary cancer prevention, and tertiary cancer prevention. Primary prevention involves identifying cancer-causing factors, reducing risk through lifestyle changes, screening, and preventing complications. Secondary cancer prevention involves detecting cancer before symptoms appear, while tertiary cancer prevention delays progression and prevents secondary malignancies.
3. 3. Preventive services include awareness programs, screening camps, OPD, cancer screenings, health packages.
4. 4. Preventive oncology aims to increase cancer awareness, detect common cancer signs and symptoms early, provide necessary treatment, decrease incidence, improve community health, and collaborate with NGOs.
5. 5. Translational oncology involves laboratory cancer research influencing new treatments, with potential for therapeutic and commercial applications in academia, pharmaceuticals, medical writing, and biotech industry.

Track – 19: Cancer Prognosis

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1. 1. Prognosis is a cancer patient's estimate of progress and recovery chances, influenced by factors like type, stage, treatment, and similar cases. Recovery chances increase with time after treatment, and understanding what to expect can be helpful for both patient and family.
2. 2. Survival rates are often based on the number of people who survived 5 years after diagnosis and treatment. Statistics used to estimate survival rates are based on data collected over years, but cannot predict treatment outcomes. Newer treatments and varying patient responses may affect the results. Prognosis is a provider's best guess and not a fixed number, but it helps predict treatment response and pinpoints difficult-to-control cancers.
3. 3. Knowing the prognosis helps make decisions about treatment, palliative care, and personal matters like finances. It also provides control over life. Some may find it confusing or scary, but they can choose how much information they want.
4. 4. Survival rates depend on thousands of individuals, and recovery depends on treatment response, cancer cell control, and lifestyle factors. Physical and emotional health, diet, exercise habits, and ongoing research increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
5. 5. Complete remission after cancer treatment means no traces of cancer are found, and signs and symptoms are gone. Partial remission reduces symptoms but is not completely gone, and some cancers can be controlled for months or years. Most cancers return within 5 years, and those in remission for 5 years or more are less likely to return. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for cancer prevention and peace of mind.

Track – 20: Cancer Epigenetic

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1. 1. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, can lead to cancer development. Epigenetic drugs can treat cancers with aberrant epigenetic changes, reactivating tumor suppressor genes and overcoming chemotherapy resistance in certain cancers.
2. 2. Epigenetic changes impact cancer prognosis, with lower histone post-translational modifications causing poor outcomes in prostate, lung, and kidney cancers, and higher H3K9ac modifications affecting lung cancer survival. MiRNAs, which regulate gene expression, can lead to disease onset.
3. 3. Early and accurate cancer detection is crucial for successful treatment. Targeted methylation sequencing detects abnormal methylation patterns, promoter hypermethylation, and histone modifications. Histone modifications, such as lower H3 and H4 levels, are associated with poor prognosis and mortality in lung cancer. MiRNA methylation, including miR-124a and MiR-29, is a novel epigenetic biomarker in various cancers.
4. 4. Combined epigenetic therapies show promising outcomes in treating cancer patients, as tumorigenesis involves multiple epigenetic changes. Targeting specific genetic and epigenetic changes is crucial for optimal benefits. In bladder cancer, inhibiting tumor suppressor genes can be achieved using histone methyltransferase enzyme inhibitors and DNA methylation inhibitors.
5. 5. Epigenetic therapeutics can be combined with conventional chemotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce aggressive cancer growth. Epigenetic drugs increase sensitivity to chemotherapy, while high-dose chemotherapy can trigger epigenetic changes, leading to drug resistance. Treatment with inhibitors improves cancer prognosis.

Session – 2: Cancer Biology

The second session is designed to discuss recent advancements, new research, current trends, improvements, basic theory, challenges, policy, strategies, evolution, future, and many important aspects of cancer biology. This session includes various tracks like innovations and advances in cancer research, immune responses & DNA repair in cancer fields, cancer genomics, cancer metabolism, next-generation cancer models, tumor heterogeneity, and many more topics.

Track – 1: Innovations and Advances in Cancer Research

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1. 1. New advances in treatment can help combat and overcome cancer, but it's essential to be aware of the latest developments to make informed decisions.
2. 2. Immunotherapy is a cutting-edge cancer treatment that utilizes the immune system to combat various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and melanoma. Various types of immunotherapy stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells or help recognize them better. Although generally safe, potential side effects like fatigue, nausea, and fever may arise, but immunotherapy offers new hope for cancer patients.
3. 3. Targeted therapy targets specific genes or proteins in cancer cell growth, treating various types and often combined with other treatments like surgery or radiation. New targeted therapies are being developed, showing promise in treating various cancer types.
4. 4. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment using light-activated drugs to kill cancer cells. It involves two or more sessions, with the first session applying the drugs to the skin and the second session exposing the cancer to a special light. PDT is a safe, effective option with few side effects and can treat various cancers, including skin, lung, and pancreatic cancer.
5. 5. Hyperthermia is a cancer treatment using heat to damage and kill cancer cells, available externally or internally. It is effective for various types of cancer, including breast, brain, and skin. With increasing success rates and new treatments, the future of cancer treatment looks promising.
6. 6. Personalized cancer treatment using genetic information has become the holy grail, replacing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. By analyzing tumor DNA, physicians can target specific mutations, identifying high-risk individuals for specific cancer types, and implement prevention-focused screening and treatment protocols.
7. 7. Important cancer biology findings include cell biology, immunology, hematology, DNA and chromosome aberrations, biophysics, and metastasis.
8. 8. Artificial intelligence, CRISPR, telemedicine, cryo-electron microscopy, the Infinium Assay, and robotic surgery are just a few of the technologies and advances that are accelerating the fight against cancer.

Track – 2: DNA Damage, Mutagenesis and Cancer

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1. 1. The etiology of human cancer has been linked to numerous physical and chemical factors, including UV light and gamma radiation. An essential initial stage in the development of cancer is the induction of DNA damage, often referred to as DNA adducts or lesions, by various substances.
2. 2. DNA damage, induced by agents, is a crucial step in carcinogenesis. Evolutionary processes have evolved DNA repair tools, but high-frequency replication can lead to gene mutations and altered proteins. Chronic exposure to carcinogens, such as tobacco, can induce human cancer through initiation, promotion, and progression stages.
3. 3. DNA repair tools that are effective at fixing damaged DNA were developed through evolutionary processes; however replication of damaged DNA can still occur before repair, especially when it is triggered frequently. Gene mutations caused by defective DNA replication could result in changed proteins.
4. 4. Mutations in a gene that controls the cell cycle, an oncogene, or a tumour suppressor gene can produce a clonal cell population that has a particular advantage in proliferation. The commencement of human cancer can be caused by a number of such events, which are roughly categorized into the stages of initiation, promotion, and progression.
5. 5. These events can take place over a long period of time and occur in the context of chronic exposure to carcinogens. The increased risk of lung cancer caused by long-term cigarette use serves as an illustration of this.

Track – 3: Immune Responses & DNA Repair in Cancer Fields

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1. 1. In order to keep the genetic material of a cell stable, DNA repair processes are essential. The genetic instability that results from the dysfunction of these pathways in cancer cells can boost their capacity to elicit an immunological response.
2. 2. Anticancer immunotherapies can be made more successful by blocking the DNA damage response, a mechanism that aids in DNA damage repair. The efficacy of several types of cancer treatments, including cancer immunotherapies, may be increased with a greater understanding of these pathways.
3. 3. Multiple tumor forms may exhibit genomic instability due to deficiencies in DNA repair mechanisms, which increases tumor immunogenicity. It has been shown that inhibiting the DNA damage response (DDR) makes tumors more susceptible to anticancer treatment.

Track – 4: Cancer Genomics

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1. 1. Genes are blueprints that guide the body how to produce every protein required for growth and survival. The study of genes and how gene mutations can result in cell changes that cause cancer is known as cancer genomics.
2. 2. Cancer is a genetic disease caused by uncontrollable DNA changes, which can be inherited or acquired. In 5% of cases, an inherited variant significantly increases the risk of developing cancer. There are two types of cancer variants: inherited and acquired.
3. 3. Over the past decade, advancements in understanding human diseases, especially cancer genetics, have revealed the complexity of malignancies. Identifying high-penetrance mutations and low-penetrance variants is crucial for sporadic cancer development. Further research requires new statistical and computational approaches.
4. 4. Precision medicine, an approach based on genomic information, improves cancer diagnoses and treatment strategies by targeting enzymes, gene expression, and signaling pathways. Cancer genomics research also helps define cancer types and subtypes, enabling more precise diagnoses and personalized treatment strategies.
5. 5. Cancer genomics improves treatment options through precision oncology, drug discovery, and cancer evolution tracking.
6. 6. Cancer Genomics Technologies: Whole exome sequencing, Whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, Focused sequencing panels, ChIP sequencing and bisulphite sequencing.
7. 7. Cancer genomics faces challenges like rare genetic alterations, high-quality samples, big data management.

Track – 5: Cancer Metabolism

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1. 1. Cancer metabolism is the study of the changes in cellular metabolic pathways that are distinguishable in cancer cells from the majority of healthy tissue cells. Aerobic glycolysis, decreased oxidative phosphorylation, increased production of biosynthetic intermediates required for cell growth and proliferation, and other metabolic changes can all be found in cancer cells.
2. 2. Targeted therapies are a new approach to cancer treatment that prevents cancer cells from growing by slowing their metabolism. This prevents tumor shrinkage and death, unlike chemotherapy and radiation. These therapies can treat various types of cancer, including bladder, breast, lung, kidney, gastric, melanoma, leukemia, and lymphoma.
3. 3. Researchers are developing new ways to disrupt cancer metabolism, primarily through lab studies and animal tests. Potential targets include reducing glucose through medications or diet changes, targeting amino acids, targeting cancer's messaging systems, and examining the effects of fasting and keto diets.
4. 4. While there are no guidelines yet for targeting cancer metabolism, experts recommend a diverse diet with vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and water, as well as limiting red meat, processed meat, sugar-sweetened drinks, and highly processed foods.
5. 5. Cancer metabolism targets glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and transporters.

Track – 6: Single-cell and Spatial Multiomics in Cancer Research

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1. 1. Advances in single-cell and spatial multi-omics technologies enable new insights into intracellular and intercellular molecular mechanisms.
2. 2. New single-cell multi-omics sequencing technologies enable the collection of a cell's epigenome, transcriptome, epi-transcriptome, and proteome, among other modalities. Integrative analyses involving the combination of various layers of information also require specially designed computational tools.
3. 3. Research on cancer biology tumor heterogeneity, cancer growth and its interactions with the milieu, and mechanisms of therapeutic response or resistance is best served by multiomics sequencing techniques.
4. 4. Single-cell multi-omics (scMulti-omics) has successfully described novel immune subsets and identified key regulators of antitumor immunity, providing paradigm-shifting insights into immuno-oncology.

Track – 7: Next Generation Cancer Models and Next Generation Sequencing for Cancer

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1. 1. The conventional cancer research approach can be significantly enhanced by using next-generation cancer models like organoids, conditionally reprogrammed cells (CRCs), and 2D culture models. These models help researchers comprehend the biology of cancer and other associated diseases.
2. 2. Need to develop genome editing vector systems and high-throughput screening methods for slowly proliferating Human Cancer Models Initiative’s (HCMI) next-generation cancer models (NGCMs).
3. 3. The Human Cancer Models Initiative (HCMI) is a global initiative to create cancer cell models of the future that more accurately reflect the characteristics and diversity of human cancer.
4. 4. Previously, mutation testing involved specific tests or multiple individual tests. Now, personalized medicine research has identified numerous target mutations for cancers. Next generation sequencing (NGS) enables simultaneous testing of multiple cancer genes, using tumor material or blood samples, potentially shedding tumor DNA from the cancer.
5. 5. With the help of NGS, cancer patients can obtain specialized care, receive an accurate tumour diagnosis and prognosis, and learn which targeted medicines are required.

Track – 8: Cancer Pathophysiology

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1. 1. Cancer pathophysiology involves damage to cells' genetic apparatus, leading to malignant tumors. This damage, along with the inactivation of anti-tumor genes, is essential for malignant tumor development.
2. 2. However, the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes is a natural physiological reaction, which can become a pathophysiological condition, resulting in cancer development.
3. 3. Cancer pathophysiology includes physical and hormonal changes associated with cancer and paraneoplastic syndrome. Cancer occurs in four main stages: Stage 1, which is usually localized, Stage 2, which increases cancer size, Stage 3, which spreads to certain parts, and Stage 4, which has grown and spread to most parts.

Track – 9: Human Microbiome and Cancer

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1. 1. The human microbiome is a complex community that interacts with the host, impacting various physiological processes and disease conditions. It has been suggested to influence cancer development, progression, metastasis formation, and treatment response. Understanding the molecular pathogenic mechanisms in microbial niches is crucial for cancer treatment and precision cancer therapeutics.
2. 2. The human body contains 10-100 trillion microbes, collectively known as microbiota. The microbiome, including genes, plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy gut function, food digestion, vitamin biosynthesis, and protection from pathogens. Dysbiosis, when gut microbes become imbalanced, is associated with colorectal cancer development. Management of gut bacteria can help cure CRC.
3. 3. Researchers discovered differences in bacteria in breasts and vaginal environments of women with and without breast cancer, indicating distinct microbes compared to healthy women.
4. 4. The microbiome plays a crucial role in aiding immunotherapy. High beneficial bacteria ratios increase drug response. Modulating microbes in less responsive patients can improve immune system responsiveness and modify overall drug response.
5. 5. Understanding the relationship between cancer and the human microbiome is crucial for clinicians to identify the best treatment and suggest ways to modify individuals' microbiomes for improved outcomes. Exploring the complexity of this relationship offers new insights into cancer biology and patient care.

Track – 10: Virus and Cancer

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1. 1. Viruses are small organisms with genes containing DNA or RNA. There are several oncoviruses that cause cancer, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV. Epstein-Barr virus increases the risk of Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and stomach cancer.
2. 2. Hepatitis B is a leading cause of liver cancer, and the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all children and adults. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and can cause non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. HIV is spread through infected semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and breast milk, and can cause cancer-associated diseases like Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, cervical cancer, and lung cancers. There is no vaccine against HIV.
3. 3. Herpes virus 8 is related to Kaposi sarcoma in people with weakened immune systems. HPV has at least 12 strains that can cause cancer in men and women, and human T-cell leukemia virus type, also known as human T-lymphotrophic virus, is linked to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
4. 4. Viruses can disrupt cell behavior through DNA damage, insertion of genes, or the presence of their own genes. These processes can benefit the virus but can also be detrimental to the host. Some viruses carry altered genes, which can cause disregulation and cancerous growth when inserted into new host cells.
5. 5. Cancer is linked to various viruses and pathogens, including bacteria and parasites. Prevention strategies include vaccinations, avoiding risky behaviors, screening and testing, and boosting the immune system. Research is developing on vaccines and strategies using viruses to fight cancer, with a suppressed immune system increasing the risk of viral-induced cancers.

Track – 11: Bacteria and Cancer

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1. 1. Bacterial infections have been linked to cancer through chronic inflammation and the production of carcinogenic bacterial metabolites. Helicobacter pylori infection is the first bacterium to be considered a definite cause of cancer in humans.
2. 2. Mutagenic bacterial metabolites, such as bile salt metabolites, increase colonic cell proliferation and can produce mutagens like rutin and fecapentaenes. Local bacterial infections may also predispose to nonnodal lymphomas, with gastric lymphomas and immunoproliferative small intestinal disease being most strongly linked to underlying infections. Identifying bacterial causes of malignancy could have important implications for cancer prevention.
3. 3. Chlamydia trachomatis is a common bacteria that can infect the female reproductive system and other parts of the body, spreading through sex. Most women don't know they're infected until tested during a pelvic exam. It's common in younger, sexually active women and can persist for years unless detected and treated. Studies suggest women with past or current chlamydia infections are at higher risk for cervical cancer.
4. 4. Bacteria are increasingly considered a promising cancer therapy platform due to their unique properties, including tumor-targeting ability, high motility, immunogenicity, and use as gene or drug carriers.

Track – 12: Oncolytic Virus and Cancer

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1. 1. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have shown potential in cancer treatment by mediating antitumor effects, infecting cancer cells, and presenting tumor-associated antigens. The success of OVs was first demonstrated in melanoma treatment with genetically modified herpes virus talimogene laherparepvec.
2. 2. Oncolytic viruses, modified to target tumors, offer a promising approach to treating cancer due to their ability to reduce infective ability and deliver therapeutic payloads.
3. 3. These viruses can cause cancer cells to burst, killing them and releasing antigens, which stimulate immune responses to eliminate remaining tumor cells. Cancer vaccines have shown potential in preventing and protecting against these viruses.
4. 4. Clinical trials are evaluating oncolytic virus platforms like adenovirus, Herpes simplex, Maraba virus, measles, Newcastle Disease Virus, picornavirus, reovirus, vaccine virus, and vesicular stomatitis virus. These viruses can cause mild symptoms, such as sore throat, fatigue, and cold-like symptoms.

Track – 13: Tumor Heterogeneity

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1. 1. Tumor heterogeneity is a complex phenomenon involving multiple clonal subpopulations of cancer cells, varying in properties such as karyotype, growth rate, metastasis ability, immunological characteristics, marker production, and sensitivity to therapeutic modalities.
2. 2. This heterogeneity has been observed in various animal tumors, autochthonous and transplanted tumors, and human cancers. The origin of tumor heterogeneity may be due to genetic errors or the production of cellular variants. Tumor subpopulations can interact to affect each other's growth, immunogenicity, metastasis ability, drug sensitivity, and clonal stability.
3. 3. This interaction can lead to tumor progression, where tumors undergo qualitative changes over time. Tumor subpopulation interactions may play a regulatory role in this process. Tumor heterogeneity impacts the design of effective therapy, suggesting early and comprehensive treatment and the potential for treatment failure to be effective later.
4. 4. Next-generation sequencing technologies reveal tumor heterogeneity, involving different subpopulations of malignant cells with different biological behaviors. This affects therapy, but no fundamental steps have been introduced.

Track – 14: Metastasis Cancer

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1. 1. Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells break off from the tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymph system, and spread to distant areas of the body. While most metastatic cancers are manageable, they are not curable. Treatment can improve symptoms, slow cancer growth, and improve quality of life.
2. 2. Metastatic tumors can occur in three ways: directly into the tumor tissue, traveling through the bloodstream, or through the lymph system. Cancer metastasizes to various organs, including the lungs, liver, bones, and brain.
3. 3. Metastatic cancer symptoms vary depending on tumor size and location, but common signs include pain, fractures, headaches, seizures, shortness of breath, and liver jaundice or swelling. These symptoms depend on the tumor's size and location.
4. 4. Metastasis is treated based on the original site of cancer, such as breast cancer spreading to the liver. Treatment options include bone metastasis, brain metastasis, lung metastasis, liver metastasis, and organ transplant. Bone metastasis may require monitoring or drug therapy, while brain metastasis may require surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, gamma knife surgery, or steroids. Treatment for lung metastases depends on the patient's situation, and liver metastases may require surgery or radiofrequency ablation.
5. 5. End-of-life care is essential for cancer patients who cannot be controlled. Palliative care helps control symptoms and side effects of treatment. Researchers are studying new ways to kill or stop cancer cell growth, including immune system support, disrupting cell spread processes, and targeting specific genetic changes.

Track – 15: Circulating Tumor Cells

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1. 1. Cancer-related deaths stem from tumour cell metastatic spread; detecting and characterizing Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) in patients' blood opens new research avenues.
2. 2. CTCs play a significant role in late-stage cancer metastasis, with advancements in isolation and culture techniques enabling single-cell omics and animal models for personalized therapies.
3. 3. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are rare blood-circulating tumor cells with increased metastatic capacity. Emerging technologies, like epithelial cell adhesion molecules, provide insights into their biology and clinical applications, particularly in monitoring treatment response and prognosis.
4. 4. A new biomarker-independent technique captures CTCs from 1 mL clinical blood, revealing correlations between enumeration and molecular profiling in clinical blood and cancer prognosis, offering valuable insights for cancer management.
5. 5. With CTC count being significantly correlated with a higher risk of malignant disease, CTC screening has been demonstrated to be a highly sensitive predictive biomarker for cancer identification.

Track – 16: Recurrent Cancer

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1. 1. Recurrent cancer returns after treatment, often months or years after completion, and can be managed with treatments, potentially extending a patient's life.
2. 2. Recurrent cancer is categorized by its location, with three types: local recurrence, regional recurrence, and distant recurrence. Local recurrence occurs when the same cancer returns to the same place as the original tumor, while regional recurrence occurs in lymph nodes or tissues near the original tumor. A distant recurrence occurs when the cancer has spread to another area of the body, typically the lungs, liver, bone, or brain.
3. 3. Recurrent cancer rates vary depending on factors like type and initial treatment. Ovarian cancer, metastasized melanoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma have high recurrence rates. Healthcare providers are essential for information on recurrence rates, as they are estimates that vary.
4. 4. Common symptoms of recurrent cancer may mimic initial symptoms, such as persistent pain, coughing, weight loss, unusual bleeding, fever, frequent headaches, dyspnea, blood in the bowel, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
5. 5. Cancer is a constantly evolving target, making it challenging for treatment to capture and kill all cancerous cells. Treatment may not work against all cells, as they may continue growing despite treatment. Recurrent cancer treatment depends on the type and extent of spread.

Track – 17: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

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1. 1. Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare cancer-like condition resulting from excessive production of immature Langerhans cells, which can form tumors or damage tissue, bone, and organs. Commonly found in skin, bones, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and organs.
2. 2. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the disease's severity and affected tissues. Symptoms may include persistent pain, broken bones, loose teeth, ear infections, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, liver problems, bulging eyes, cough, weight loss, difficulty eating, thirst, and fever. It is crucial for children to see a doctor to determine the potential cause.
3. 3. The most prevalent kind of histiocytic disease is Langerhans cell histiocytosis. These are ailments when the body overproduces histiocyte cells. Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), and Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) are other histiocytic illnesses.
4. 4. Doctors treating Langerhans cell histiocytosis use a biopsy, pathology tests, and PET scans to identify disease signs. Additional testing, such as DNA sequencing, can identify gene mutations causing the disease and help create a personalized treatment plan. These tests help create a comprehensive diagnosis and personalized care for children with LCH.
5. 5. Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a severe and challenging disease affecting organs and bone marrow. However, personalized treatment, like gene inhibitor treatment at Cincinnati Children's, has significantly reduced its life-threatening nature and side effects compared to standard chemotherapy.

Session – 3: Types of Cancers

The third session is particularly designed to discuss different types of cancers based on various fields or human organs. This session includes tracks like lung cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, bone cancer, thyroid cancer, and other types of cancers. This session will help to understand and update the knowledge through deep discussion on cutting-edge treatments, indications, recent advances, prevention, challenges, risk factors, case study, research updates, managements, awareness and other important topics of various types of cancers to help cancer treatment in upcoming days.

Track – 1: Lung Cancer

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1. 1. Lung cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division in the lungs, causing tissue tumors and organ dysfunction. It typically starts in the airways or small air sacs, while metastatic cancers originate elsewhere and move to the lungs.
2. 2. Lung cancer is a term used to describe two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC accounts for over 80% of lung cancer cases and includes adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. SCLC, on the other hand, grows more quickly and is harder to treat. Other types of cancer in the lungs include lymphomas, sarcomas, and pleural mesothelioma. Lung cancer is typically staged based on tumor size, depth, and spread to lymph nodes or organs.
3. 3. Lung cancer staging involves various combinations of size and spread, with Stage 0 (in-situ) being the most common stage. Stage I is the least common stage, with Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV being the most advanced. Stages III and IV are more advanced stages, with more tumors in each lobe of the lung.
4. 4. A persistent cough or pneumonia after treatment can indicate lung cancer, but it can also be a sign of less serious conditions. Common signs include shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, and weight loss. Early symptoms can occur in stages I or II, but they often progress to later stages. Screening is crucial for higher risk individuals.
5. 5. Lung cancer occurs when cells continue dividing without proper regulation. Normal cells have an off switch that prevents senescence or apoptosis. Cancer cells, which have mutations that remove this switch, multiply unchecked, causing damage to normal cells. Factors like smoking tobacco products can increase the risk of lung cancer.
6. 6. Lung cancer is primarily caused by smoking tobacco products, with 80% of deaths being linked to smoking. Other risk factors include secondhand smoke, exposure to harmful substances, previous chest radiation treatments, and a family history of lung cancer.

Track – 2: Skin Cancer

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1. 1. Skin cancer is a disease involving abnormal cell growth in skin tissues. When UV light exposure disrupts this process, cells grow faster, potentially causing harm or cancer. Early detection and treatment can cure most cases, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider if suspect skin cancer.
2. 2. Skin cancer consists of three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma occurs in the lower epidermis, squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the outer layer, and melanoma form in melanocytes. Other types include kaposi sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
3. 3. Overexposure to sunlight causes skin cancer, causing DNA damage, abnormal cell formation, and disorganized cell division, leading to cancerous growth.
4. 4. Cancer stages indicate the amount of cancer in the body, with skin cancer ranging from stage 0 to stage IV. Higher stages indicate more cancer spread and harder treatment. Melanoma staging consists of stages 0 (in situ), Stage I (low risk, curable with surgery), Stage II (recurrence), Stage III (spreading to lymph nodes or skin), and Stage IV (spreading to internal organs).
5. 5. Non-melanoma staging involves cancer in different layers, with Stage 0 being the top layer, Stage I being the top and middle layers, Stage II targeting nerves, Stage III spreading to lymph nodes, and Stage IIIV affecting organs.
6. 6. Treatment for skin cancer varies by stage, with some treatments like biopsy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and photodynamic therapy being used alone or in combination.

Track – 3: Stomach Cancer

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1. 1. Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when cancer cells grow out of control in the stomach, affecting the esophagus and stomach lining. Untreated, the tumor can grow deeper into the stomach walls and spread to nearby organs.
2. 2. Adenocarcinoma of the stomach originates in mucus-producing cells in the inner lining, and is divided into two main classes: gastric cardia cancer, which begins in the top inch of the stomach, and non-cardia gastric cancer, which begins in other sections. Intestinal adenocarcinomas are well differentiated, while diffuse adenocarcinomas are undifferentiated and harder to treat.
3. 3. Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJ) is a cancer affecting the esophagus-gastric cardia area, similar to stomach or esophageal cancer. Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors originate in neuroendocrine cells, controlling digestive juices and muscle movement. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are soft tissue sarcomas. Primary gastric lymphoma is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma forming in the stomach, with most forms being mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) gastric lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Other types of cancer (small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and leiomyosarcoma) can also begin in the stomach.
4. 4. Staging assesses stomach cancer's spread, ranging from 0 to IV, and is diagnosed using endoscopy, ultrasound, radiologic tests, blood tests, and laparoscopy.
5. 5. Stomach cancer symptoms include appetite loss, swallowing difficulties, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, heartburn, black stool, gassiness, abdominal pain, and feeling full.

Track – 4: Colorectal Cancer

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1. 1. Colon cancer is a growth of cells in the colon, the longest part of the large intestine, affecting older adults. It usually starts as small polyps, which can develop into colon cancers over time. Regular screening tests help identify and remove polyps, and treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. It is also known as colorectal cancer.
2. 2. Colon cancer begins in the mucosa, the inner lining of the colon, where cells secrete mucus and fluids. Over time, colon polyps can form, and if left untreated, can spread through tissue, muscle, and outer colon. Untreated colon cancer can spread to other parts of the body via lymph nodes or blood vessels.
3. 3. Colon cancer typically doesn't show symptoms initially, but they may include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, bowel inconsistency, weakness, tiredness, and weight loss without trying. Symptoms depend on the cancer's size and location in the large intestine.
4. 4. Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas, originating from mucus-making cells, with some subtypes like signet ring and mucinous having worse prognosis. Other less common types include carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), lymphomas, and sarcomas. Carcinoid tumors originate from hormone-making cells in the intestine, while GISTs originate from interstitial cells in the colon wall. Lymphomas are immune system cancers, while sarcomas are rare in the colon or rectum.
5. 5. Colon cancer risk can be reduced by managing risk factors such as avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, tracking family medical history, and following colon cancer screening guidelines. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you have a history of colon cancer or chronic irritable bowel disease.

Track – 5: Prostate Cancer

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1. 1. Prostate cancer, a common cancer affecting the prostate gland, is a small, walnut-shaped gland responsible for nourishing and transporting sperm. It can grow slowly and be confined to the gland, but aggressive types can spread quickly. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
2. 2. Prostate cancer stages may not show symptoms, but advanced stages may cause issues like urinary trouble, semen blood, decreased urine force, weight loss, bone pain, and erectile dysfunction.
3. 3. Prostate cancer is primarily an adenocarcinoma, originating from gland cells secreting fluid; less common types include small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, transitional carcinomas, and sarcomas.
4. 4. Experts are uncertain about the cause of prostate cancer, which forms when cells divide faster than normal. Cancer cells multiply, forming a tumor, which can spread to other parts of the body. Fortunately, prostate cancer usually grows slowly, and most tumors are diagnosed before it spreads beyond the prostate.
5. 5. Prostate cancer risk factors include age, race and ethnicity, family history, genetics, smoking, prostatetitis, obesity, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). People over 50 are more likely to develop prostate cancer, and close family members with prostate cancer are two to three times more likely to develop it.

Track – 6: Liver Cancer

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1. 1. Liver cancer is a condition affecting the liver, the largest internal organ responsible for waste elimination, nutrient absorption, and wound healing. It destroys liver cells and interferes with liver function. Primary liver cancer begins in liver cells, while secondary liver cancer develops when cancer cells from another organ spread to the liver or metastasize. Cancer cells can break away from the primary site and travel to other organs or tissues.
2. 2. Primary liver cancer typically doesn't show early signs, but symptoms may include weight loss, appetite loss, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, abdominal swelling, and white, chalky stools.
3. 3. Primary liver cancer is a malignant tumor originating in the liver, with three types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), and angiosarcoma (blood vessel cancer), more common in people over 70.
4. 4. Hepatitis B or C viruses are the primary risk factor for primary liver cancer. Other factors include fatty liver disease, genetic disorders, type 2 diabetes, alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking, and exposure to chemicals.
5. 5. Liver cancer occurs when DNA mutations affect healthy liver cells, affecting genes that control cell growth, division, and death. In HCC, DNA changes activate oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes, leading to cancerous cells. Hepatitis B and HCV viruses, such as HBV and HCV, cause over half of all HCC cases, affecting liver cells and causing cancer.

Track – 7: Esophagus Cancer

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1. 1. Esophageal cancer is a cancer affecting the esophagus, a long, hollow tube from the throat to the stomach. It typically starts in the lining cells and is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Incidence rates vary globally, with higher rates in some regions due to tobacco, alcohol, or nutritional habits.
2. 2. Esophageal cancer symptoms include dysphagia, weight loss, chest pain, worsening indigestion, and coughing. Early cases usually have no symptoms.
3. 3. Esophageal cancer diagnosis involves barium swallow study, endoscopy, and biopsy. Barium swallow study involves swallowing a liquid containing barium and X-rays, while endoscopy examines the esophagus with a video endoscope. Biopsy collects tissue samples for testing, which are sent to a laboratory for cancer cell analysis.
4. 4. Esophageal cancer occurs when cancerous cells in the esophagus multiply, creating a tumor. It is aggressive and often not noticed until after the cancer has spread. There are two types: adenocarcinoma, which affects the mucus-making tissue, and squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the upper and middle parts of the esophagus.
5. 5. Prognosis and treatment options for esophageal cancer depend on stage, surgical removal feasibility, and patient health. Early detection increases recovery chances, but advanced stages often require treatment. Clinical trials may improve treatment options.

Track – 8: HPV & Cervical Cancer

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1. 1. Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus, connecting the uterus to the vagina. It develops slowly, with dysplasia causing abnormal cells to appear in cervical tissue. If left untreated, these abnormal cells may become cancerous and spread deeper into the cervix and surrounding areas.
2. 2. Over 95% of cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. HPV infections typically resolve spontaneously, but there is a risk of chronic and invasive cervical cancer. Cervical cancer develops in 15-20 years in women with normal immune systems, while it takes 5-10 years in women with weakened immune systems, like those with untreated HIV infection.
3. 3. Early-stage cervical cancer lacks symptoms; advanced cancer may cause vaginal bleeding, watery discharge, and pelvic pain.
4. 4. Cervical cancer starts when healthy cells in the cervix develop DNA mutations, leading to abnormal growth and proliferation. These abnormal cells form tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and spread. HPV is a common cause, but other factors like environment and lifestyle choices also contribute to the development of cervical cancer.
5. 5. The type of cervical cancer determines prognosis and treatment. Common types include squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in thin, flat cells, and adenocarcinoma, which begins in glandular cells. Sometimes both types are involved, and rare cases occur in other cervix cells.
6. 6. To reduce cervical cancer risk, consult your doctor about the HPV vaccine, have routine Pap tests, practice safe sex, and quit smoking. Vaccination can prevent cervical cancer and other related cancers. Regular Pap tests can detect precancerous cervix conditions, and limiting sexual partners can help prevent cervical cancer.

Track – 9: Kidney Cancer

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1. 1. Kidney cancer, a common form of cancer, originates in the kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs behind the abdominal organs. It is more common in adults, with Wilms' tumor being more common in young children. The incidence of kidney cancer is increasing due to the use of CT scans, which may lead to accidental discovery of more kidney cancers.
2. 2. Kidney cancer typically lacks early signs and symptoms, but may develop over time, including persistent pain, appetite loss, weight loss, tiredness, and fever.
3. 3. Kidney cancer is a common form in adults, with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounting for 85% of cases. It develops in the kidney's tubules, with clear cell renal cell carcinoma being the most common. Transitional cell carcinoma, which affects the renal pelvis, accounts for 6% to 7% of kidney cancers. Renal sarcoma is the least common form, affecting only 1% of cases. Wilms tumor, the most common type in children, accounts for 5% of kidney cancers.
4. 4. Most kidney cancers result from DNA mutations, causing cells to rapidly grow and divide, forming tumors that can extend beyond the kidney and spread to distant parts of the body.
5. 5. Factors contributing to kidney cancer risk include older age, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic kidney failure treatment, inherited syndromes, and family history of kidney cancer. Quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk, while treatment for chronic kidney failure increases the risk of kidney cancer. Inheritable syndromes and family history also play a role in kidney cancer risk.

Track – 10: Bladder Cancer

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1. 1. Bladder cancer occurs when bladder cells grow uncontrollably. The bladder, a hollow organ in the lower abdomen, stores urine and works with the kidneys to remove toxins and wastes. Bladder cancer, a rare form, originates in the bladder lining. Early-stage bladder cancer is treated, but 75% of cases return.
2. 2. Bladder cancer symptoms include hematuria, painful urination, frequent urination, and back pain. Bladder cancer develops from DNA mutations, causing cells to multiply rapidly and survive when healthy cells die. These abnormal cells invade and destroy normal tissue, eventually breaking away and spreading.
3. 3. Bladder cancer is a condition involving various types of cells, with urothelial carcinoma being the most common type. Squamous cell carcinoma, associated with chronic bladder irritation, is rare. Adenocarcinoma, a rare condition, begins in mucus-secreting glands in the bladder. Doctors use this information to determine the best treatments for each individual.
4. 4. Researchers are unsure of the exact cause of bladder cancer, but various risk factors increase the risk of developing the disease. These include smoking, radiation exposure, chemotherapy, exposure to chemicals, frequent bladder infections, and chronic catheter use. These factors contribute to the overall risk of developing bladder cancer.

Track – 11: Breast Cancer

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1. 1. Breast cancer is a disease involving uncontrolled growth of breast cells, affecting the lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. It typically begins in the ducts or lobules and can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When metastasized, the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
2. 2. Breast cancer symptoms include lumps, changes in size, shape, skin over the breast, dimpling, newly inverted nipples, peeling, scaling, crusting, flaking, and redness or pitting of the skin.
3. 3. Breast cancer is caused by abnormal growth of breast cells, which divide more rapidly than healthy cells and accumulate, forming lumps or masses. It typically begins in milk-producing ducts or lobules, and is linked to hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The complex interaction between genetic makeup and environment is likely responsible for some cases while others never develop.
4. 4. Breast cancers are classified by the specific cells affected, with most being carcinomas. Common adenocarcinomas, such as invasive carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), start in milk gland cells. Other types, like angiosarcoma and sarcoma, are not considered breast cancer. Breast cancer cells are tested for progesterone receptors, estrogen receptors, and HER2 genes after biopsy, determining the stage and treatment options.
5. 5. Breast cancer can spread through the lymph system, a network of lymph nodes, ducts, and organs that collect and carry lymph fluid. Cancer cells can enter these vessels and grow in lymph nodes, which drain into various locations. If cancer cells spread to lymph nodes, they may have metastasized to other parts of the body. However, not all women with cancer cells in their lymph nodes develop metastases, and some women without cancer cells may develop metastases later.

Track – 12: Brain Cancer and Brain Tumors

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1. 1. Brain tumors are cell growths in or near the brain, occurring in brain tissue or near nearby locations like nerves, the pituitary gland, and membranes. Primary brain tumors are noncancerous, while secondary tumors are metastatic. Brain tumors can range in size from small to large, with some causing immediate symptoms while others grow rapidly. Treatment options depend on the type, size, and location of the tumor.
2. 2. Brain tumors are classified based on the type of cells present. Lab tests provide information for diagnosis, and healthcare teams use this information to determine the type. Noncancerous brain tumors are benign, while malignant brain tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors are slow-growing, while malignant tumors are fast-growing.
3. 3. Brain tumors can be classified into various types, including gliomas and related tumors, choroid plexus tumors, embryonal tumors, germ cell tumors, pineal tumors, meningiomas, nerve tumors, pituitary tumors, and other rare tumors.
4. 4. Secondary brain tumors occur when cancer starts elsewhere and spreads to the brain, causing metastatic cancer. Common types include breast, colon, kidney, lung, and melanomas. Secondary brain tumors are more common in adults with a history of cancer and are rarer than primary brain tumors.
5. 5. Brain tumors can cause headaches, nausea, eye problems, balance issues, speech problems, fatigue, confusion, memory problems, personality changes, seizures, hearing problems, dizziness, vertigo, and weight gain.

Track – 13: Ovarian Cancer

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1. 1. Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in ovaries or fallopian tubes multiply uncontrollably, affecting the female reproductive system.
2. 2. Ovarian cancer initially develops without visible symptoms, but symptoms often arise from common conditions, such as abdominal bloating, weight loss, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, back pain, and frequent urination.
3. 3. Ovarian cancer types include epithelial, stromal, and germ cell tumors. Epithelial cancer is the most common, with subtypes like mucinous carcinoma and serous carcinoma. Stromal and germ-cell ovarian cancers are rare, diagnosed earlier and occur at younger ages.
4. 4. Ovarian cancer is caused by genetic mutations in DNA, often inherited or inherited. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase the risk of ovarian cancer, as well as breast and other cancers. Lifestyle and environmental factors also impact ovarian cancer risk.
5. 5. Ovarian cancer is not yet a known cause, but risk factors include being over 60, obesity, having a family history, inherited gene mutations, not being pregnant or having children later in life, and endometriosis.

Track – 14: Bone Cancer

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1. 1. Bone cancer, a rare disease, affects the pelvis, arms, and legs, making up less than 1% of all cancers. Noncancerous bone tumors are more common than cancerous ones. Treatment varies among types, with surgical removal being the most common, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
2. 2. Primary bone cancers are the most serious types, affecting bones or surrounding tissue. Secondary bone cancers are more common. Common primary bone cancers include osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, and multiple myeloma. Osteosarcoma, the most common type, affects children and adolescents, while Ewing's sarcoma affects children and young adults. Chondrosarcoma is less common, forming in the subchondral tissue between bones. Multiple myeloma, the most common type, affects older adults and begins in plasma cells.
3. 3. Bone cancer symptoms include pain, swelling, fractures, fatigue, and weight loss.
4. 4. Bone cancer is caused by atypical cellular growth, radiation therapy, and chromosomal mutations. Healthy cells divide and replace older ones, leading to the formation of tumors. High doses of radiation can contribute to osteosarcoma development. Genetic mutations that increase bone cancer risk may be inherited or result from radiation or radiation exposure.
5. 5. Bone cancer diagnosis involves a doctor's examination, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and bone scans. Blood tests may also be conducted to detect blood cancer signs. A biopsy, a procedure where a technician takes a sample of the tumor, can confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's benign, primary, or secondary cancer.

Track – 15: Gynaecologic Cancer

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1. 1. Gynecologic cancer originates in a woman's reproductive organs, starting in the pelvis below the stomach and between hip bones. Gynecologic cancers can occur in various locations, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. The extremely rare fallopian tube carcinoma is the sixth variety of gynecologic cancer.
2. 2. Each type has unique signs, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Risk increases with age, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
3. 3. Gynecological cancer can cause early symptoms, but they are often missed due to mimicking other common conditions. Early diagnosis is crucial, and discussing unusual symptoms with a doctor is essential. Common signs include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, back pain, abdominal bleeding, cramping, changes in urination, infertility, vulva changes, abnormal lumps, and pain during sex.
4. 4. Gynecological cancer risk factors vary, with age increasing the likelihood. Hormone levels, family history of cancer, HPV infection, smoking, alcohol consumption, radiation exposure, environmental toxins, and being overweight or obese can also increase cancer risk. Lifestyle and environmental factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, radiation exposure, and heavy metal exposure, also contribute to the development of gynecological cancer.
5. 5. To reduce risk, get the HPV vaccine, practice abstinence, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and discuss hormone therapy options. In rare cases, women at high risk may undergo elective surgery, such as a hysterectomy, to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Track – 16: Head and Neck Cancer

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1. 1. Head and neck cancers typically originate in squamous cells in the mouth, throat, or voice box, with less common cases in sinuses or salivary glands.
2. 2. Head and neck cancers include oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, nasal, salivary gland, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinus cancers. These cancers can spread to lymph nodes in the upper part of the neck. Brain, eye, esophageal, and thyroid cancers are not typically considered head and neck cancers and require different treatments.
3. 3. Alcohol and tobacco are major risk factors for head and neck cancers. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to 70% of oropharynx cancers. Exposure to UV rays, Occupational exposures, and Epstein-Barr virus infections can increase the risk of nose, salivary gland, and nasal cancers. Radiation treatments can also cause head and neck cancers.
4. 4. Head and neck cancer is difficult to diagnose due to its mild symptoms, which can mimic less serious conditions like a cold or sore throat. Common symptoms include persistent sore throat, frequent headaches, horseness, chewing or swallowing pain, upper tooth pain, facial numbness, neck pain, difficulty breathing or speaking, lumps, earaches, sinus infections, mouth or tongue sores, white or red patches, and swelling in the jaw, neck, or face.
5. 5. To reduce the risk of head and neck cancer, quit smoking, use smokeless tobacco products, limit alcohol consumption, and discuss HPV vaccination with your doctor. Consistent use of condoms and dental dams during oral sex, sunscreen, and regular dental checkups can help prevent new infections and early detection of head and neck cancers.

Track – 17: Thoracic Cancer

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1. 1. Thoracic cancer encompasses various types, including lung, esophageal, thymus, and pleural cancers. Dignity Health offers personalized treatment plans for thoracic cancer, including support from oncology professionals.
2. 2. Thoracic cancers result from cellular DNA damage, leading to abnormal cell growth in the chest cavity. The cause is unclear, but biological factors like genes, age, and hormones contribute to increased risk. Environmental factors like exposure to sunlight and carcinogenic substances like asbestos and radioactive materials also contribute. Lifestyle factors like diet, body weight, and smoking significantly increase the risk of thoracic cancer.
3. 3. Thoracic cancer encompasses all cancers in the chest cavity, including lung, thymic, and tracheal cancers. Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) account for 85 percent of lung cancers, while small-cell cancers are 10-15%. Mesotheliomas, thymomas, and other cancers can also metastasize to the chest cavity, affecting the lymph system and white blood cells. Other cancers, such as breast and pancreatic, can also cause thoracic cancer.
4. 4. Thoracic cancer is primarily caused by smoking, exposure to radiation, workplace exposures, exposure to carcinogens like heavy metals, silica, coal, air pollution, and diesel fumes, and family history of lung cancer. Smoking, exposure to radiation, exposure to asbestos, and exposure to other carcinogens increase the risk of thoracic cancer.
5. 5. Thoracic cancer symptoms vary depending on the cancer type and tissue affected. Early stages may not show symptoms, making diagnosis difficult until advanced. Common symptoms include persistent coughing, chest pain worsening with laughter, bloody mucus, fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, vomiting, hoarseness, shortness of breath, weight loss, and weakness. These symptoms are common in other conditions, and a doctor is the only way to determine if a patient has cancer.

Track – 18: Pancreatic Cancer

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1. 1. Pancreatic cancer originates in the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen that releases enzymes and hormones for digestion. The most common type occurs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which is often not detected until it spreads. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
2. 2. Pancreatic cancer symptoms typically develop in advanced stages, including abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, light-colored stools, dark urine, itchy skin, diabetes, blood clots, and fatigue.
3. 3. Pancreatic cancer is a rare condition caused by mutations in DNA in pancreatic cells. It occurs when cells develop uncontrollable growth and continue living after normal cells die. Pancreatic cancer cells can spread to organs, blood vessels, and distant parts of the body. Most cases begin in the pancreas' ducts, while less frequently, it can form in hormone-producing or neuroendocrine cells. Factors such as smoking and inherited gene mutations may increase the risk of this type of cancer.
4. 4. Pancreatic tumors are primarily exocrine, with adenocarcinoma being the most common type, and neuroendocrine tumors, with less than 10% being neuroendocrine tumors.
5. 5. A risk factor increases the likelihood of developing a disease, such as pancreatic cancer, due to factors like smoking, obesity, diabetes, exposure to chemicals, chronic pancreatitis, hereditary chronic pancreatitis, and hereditary syndromes. These factors can lead to sudden-onset diabetes, exposure to pesticides, and genetic mutations.

Track – 19: Pediatric Cancer

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1. 1. Childhood cancer affects children and teenagers aged 14-19, affecting their lives and families. Newer treatments have saved over 80% of children and teenagers five years after diagnosis. However, survivors face increased risks of second cancers and other medical conditions.
2. 2. Children are more likely to develop cancers than adults, with leukemia being the most common type, accounting for about 28% of all cancers in children. Brain and spinal cord tumors make up about 26% of childhood cancers, with different treatment and outlooks for each. Most brain tumors in children start in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or brain stem.
3. 3. Neuroblastoma, which starts in early forms of nerve cells found in a developing embryo or fetus, accounts for about 6% of childhood cancers. Wilms tumor, also called nephroblastoma, starts in one or both kidneys and is most common in children about 3 to 4 years old. Lymphomas, which start in immune system cells called lymphocytes, can affect the bone marrow and other organs. Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for about 3% of childhood cancers, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma makes up about 5% of childhood cancers.
4. 4. Rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children, accounts for about 3% of childhood cancers. Retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye, accounts for about 2% of childhood cancers. Primary bone cancers, which start in the bones, occur most often in older children and teens, but can develop at any age. Two main types of primary bone cancers occur in children: osteosarcoma, which is most common in teens, and ewing sarcoma, a less common type, most often found in young teens.
5. 5. Childhood cancers are primarily caused by inherited mutations, with 5% of cases being caused by these mutations. These mutations result from uncontrolled cell growth and cancer, reflecting aging and exposure to cancer-causing substances. Identifying environmental causes of childhood cancer is challenging due to its rarity and the difficulty in determining early exposure.

Track – 20: Lymphoma

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1. 1. Lymphoma is a blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system, affecting white blood cells. There are two main categories, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, and over 70 subtypes. Treatment can either remit or cure lymphomas, affecting adults.
2. 2. Lymphoma occurs when white blood cells in the lymphatic system mutate into cancerous cells. Genetic mutations cause lymphoma spontaneously, but certain conditions increase the risk: having HIV, Epstein-Barr, Kaposi sarcoma, a family history, weakened immune systems from medical treatments, or an autoimmune disease.
3. 3. Lymphoma symptoms include painless swelling, fatigue, fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, weight loss, and itchy skin.
4. 4. Treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Indolent lymphoma may not require treatment, and watchful waiting may prevent spread. If necessary, treatment may include biologic therapy, antibody therapy, chemotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, steroids, or surgery.
5. 5. A doctor performs a biopsy to detect lymphoma, removing cells from an enlarged lymph node. A hematopathologist examines the cells to determine their type. Additional tests, such as chest X-rays, blood tests, lymph node tests, bone marrow aspirations, spinal taps, and abdominal ultrasounds, can identify cancer spread and additional tumors or enlarged lymph nodes.

Track – 21: Leukemia

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1. 1. Leukemia is a cancer affecting blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system. It typically affects white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. It is a non-tumorous cancer, with various types common in children and adults. Treatment for leukemia is complex, depending on the type and other factors. Strategies and resources can help ensure successful treatment.
2. 2. Leukemia symptoms include fever, fatigue, weakness, infections, weight loss, lymph node swelling, bleeding, nosebleeds, skin red spots, excessive sweating, and bone pain.
3. 3. Healthcare providers classify leukemia based on its progression and the type of blood cell involved. There are four main types: acute leukemia, which rapidly divides and progresses, and chronic leukemia, which often behaves as both immature and mature blood cells. Myelogenous leukemia develops from myeloid cells, while lymphoid leukemia develops from lymphoid cells. Both types have life-threatening consequences and require immediate therapy.
4. 4. Leukemia originates in bone marrow, where blood cells are made. Normal blood cells include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Hematopoietic stem cells develop into myeloid or lymphoid cells, which mature into red blood cells, platelets, and certain types of white blood cells. However, leukemia cells, or leukemia cells, multiply out of control, taking over bone marrow space and blocking healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
5. 5. Major leukemia types include acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and rarer types like hairy cell leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders. All are common in young children and adults, with CLL causing years of well-being without treatment.
6. 6. Factors that increase the risk of developing leukemia include previous cancer treatment, genetic disorders, exposure to chemicals like benzene, smoking, and family history of leukemia. However, most known risk factors don't lead to leukemia, and many people with leukemia have none of these risk factors.

Track – 22: Thyroid Cancer

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1. 1. Thyroid cancer is a growth of cells in the thyroid gland, which produces hormones for heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. It can cause symptoms like neck swelling, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing. There are several types, with most growing slowly and some aggressively.
2. 2. Thyroid cancer typically doesn't cause early symptoms, but as it grows, it may cause neck lumps, tight collars, voice changes, swallowing difficulties, swollen lymph nodes, and neck and throat pain.
3. 3. Thyroid cancer is classified based on the type of cells it grows from. Papillary thyroid cancer, which grows slowly and is highly curable, accounts for 80% of thyroid cancer diagnoses. Follicular thyroid cancer, which accounts for 15% of diagnoses, spreads to bones and organs, and is more difficult to treat. Medullary thyroid cancer, which accounts for 2% of thyroid cancer diagnoses, has a family history of the disease and may be caused by a faulty gene. Anaplastic thyroid cancer, which accounts for 2% of thyroid cancer diagnoses, is the hardest to treat.
4. 4. Experts are uncertain about the cause of cancerous cells attacking the thyroid, but factors like radiation exposure, low iodine intake, and faulty genes increase the risk. Other risk factors include enlarged thyroid, family history of thyroid disease, thyroiditis, gene mutations, obesity, and radiation therapy.
5. 5. Thyroid cancer can return despite treatment or removal, especially if the cancer cells spread beyond the thyroid. Most thyroid cancers aren't likely to recur, but aggressive or growing beyond the thyroid are more likely. Recurrence usually occurs within the first five years after diagnosis. Recurring thyroid cancer has a good prognosis and is treatable. It may recur in lymph nodes, small pieces of thyroid tissue left after surgery, or other areas.

Track – 23: Endometrial Cancer

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1. 1. Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, originates from the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. It is often found early, causing irregular vaginal bleeding, and can be treated with surgical removal.
2. 2. The uterus is a reproductive system in women and assigned female at birth, developing a fetus during pregnancy. Uterine cancer affects the body of the uterus, while cervical cancer is a separate type.
3. 3. Endometrial cancer is caused by DNA changes in the endometrium, which cause cells to multiply rapidly and continue living despite natural death. This leads to the formation of tumors, which can invade and destroy healthy tissue, eventually spreading to other parts of the body.
4. 4. Endometrial cancer is a common condition caused by changes in hormone balance, such as estrogen and progesterone. Factors that increase the risk include diseases that increase estrogen levels but not progesterone levels, such as obesity, diabetes, and irregular ovulation patterns. A rare type of ovarian tumor also increases the risk of endometrial cancer. More years of menstruation, not having been pregnant, older age, obesity, hormone therapy for breast cancer, and Lynch syndrome, an inherited syndrome, also increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
5. 5. Endometrial cancer, the most common type, originates in the endometrium cells. It can be divided into histologic types, including adenocarcinoma, uterine carcinosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, transitional carcinoma, and serous carcinoma. Less common endometrial adenocarcinomas, such as clear-cell, mucinous, undifferentiated, dedifferentiated, and serous adenocarcinoma, grow and spread faster than most endometrial cancers, often causing external spread.

Track – 24: Neuroendocrine Cancer and Rare Endocrine Tumors

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1. 1. Neuroendocrine tumors are rare cancers originating from specialized neuroendocrine cells, similar to nerve and hormone-producing cells. They can occur anywhere in the body, with various types and growth rates. Diagnosis and treatment depend on tumor type, location, hormone production, aggressiveness, and spread. NET, once considered a rare cancer, is now more common due to improved diagnostic tests and early treatment, increasing the number of people living with NET for years.
2. 2. Neuroendocrine tumors are classified as primary or secondary, with primary tumors not spreading to other areas of the body. Secondary tumors have spread to lymph nodes, liver, or bones. Common primary neuroendocrine tumor types include gastrointestinal tract (GI), lung (lungs), and pancreas (PNETs), which represent 7% of all pancreatic cancers.
3. 3. Neuroendocrine tumors may cause initial symptoms like pain, lumps under the skin, unusual tiredness, and weight loss. Functional tumors produce excess hormones, causing skin flushing, diarrhea, frequent urination, increased thirst, dizziness, shakiness, and skin rash.
4. 4. Researchers are unsure of the cause of NETs, but they have linked them to inherited syndromes like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1), MEN2, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, and Tuberous sclerosis complex. These conditions cause overactive thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, pancreas, pancreas, pancreas, and nerves, as well as epilepsy, autism, and skin birthmarks.
5. 5. Rare endocrine tumors, affecting children, teens, and young adults, form in glands or hormone-producing cells like thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, and pancreas. Common names include adrenocortical carcinoma, anaplastic thyroid cancer, carcinoid tumor, and paraganglioma.

Session – 4: Cancer Therapy and Treatments

The fourth session particularly focused on cancer therapy and treatments. Through this session, attendees can do in-depth discussions on various aspects related to cancer therapy and treatments like types, innovations, recent updates, case study, treatment procedures, mechanisms, benefits, challenges, applications, ongoing research, key strategies, news, improvements, technical advancement and many important subjects related to cancer therapy and treatments. This session includes various tracks like gene therapy, stem cell transplant, cancer immunotherapy, cancer radiation therapy, hormone therapy, cancer targeted therapy, chemotherapy, theranostics therapeutics, and many more.

Track – 1: Gene Therapy

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1. 1. Gene therapy involves replacing or inactivating disease-causing genes, or introducing new ones to treat specific diseases. Doctors deliver healthy copies of genes to cells, which can replace damaged or introduce new ones. Vectors transport these genes, typically modified viruses or bacteria. Additional methods are being explored, including nanoparticles, lipid encapsulation, and electric currents. Injection or IV infusion introduces vectors into the body, with cells collected, added, and returned to the patient.
2. 2. Current clinical trials use gene therapies like gene addition, gene correction, gene silencing, reprogramming, and cell elimination to destroy malignant cells and inhibit non-cancerous growth.
3. 3. Gene therapy uses a vector to deliver genetic material to a diseased gene, with viruses being the most common. Microscopic particles have been discovered for delivery, eliminating risks associated with viral vectors. Gene therapy can be used to modify cells inside or outside the body, with doctors injecting the vector directly into the patient or separating specific cell types in the lab. The new gene is then used to produce the desired effect.
4. 4. Gene therapy can be divided into two types: somatic gene therapy, which involves transferring therapeutic genes to somatic cells, and germline gene therapy, which involves introducing healthy DNA into germline cells to treat genetic diseases. Somatic gene therapy is considered the best and safest method, while germline gene therapy is less legal due to potential risks.
5. 5. CAR T-cell therapy is a unique form of cancer gene therapy that involves lab-generated fighter cells with specific anti-cancer genetic code. The process involves drawing blood from patients and separating T cells, which are white blood cells responsible for the immune system's defense against viruses and diseases. The CAR T-cell therapy process involves identifying a protein biomarker, creating a chimeric antigen receptor, adding the receptors to the extracted T cells, multiplying them in the laboratory, and reinserting them into the body through infusion.

Track – 2: Stem Cell Transplant

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1. 1. Stem cell transplants restore blood-forming stem cells damaged by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, crucial for maintaining healthy blood cells. These stem cells produce white, red, and platelets, essential for immune system function, oxygen transport, and blood clotting.
2. 2. Bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones, produces blood cells for circulation. There are two main types of stem cell transplants: allogeneic and autologous. Syngeneic transplants involve receiving stem cells from identical twins. Other terms for stem cell transplants include bone marrow transplant, peripheral blood stem cell transplant, blood cell transplant, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and high-dose therapy with stem cell rescue.
3. 3. The type of transplant depends on the donor, with autologous transplants using stem cells from the patient's own bone marrow or blood. Double autologous transplants involve two transplants, with high-dose chemotherapy before each. Allogeneic transplants use stem cells from someone else, and mini-transplants offer lower doses of chemotherapy and radiation. Syngeneic transplants use stem cells from an identical twin.
4. 4. Cancer stem cells advance cancer by reproducing, making them essential in treating and preventing relapse. They are not just cells fighting cancer; they advance the disease through rapid growth and reproduction.
5. 5. Tumor initiating cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been found to play a dual role in human cancers, acting as tumor-initiating cells and treatment-resistant sources. Traditional therapies targeting bulk populations and CSC-specific drugs offer therapeutic benefits. The mechanisms behind CSC resistance remain unknown. Laboratory researchers are studying CSC escape and progression using expression profiles from normal and resistance models.

Track – 3: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Cancer

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1. 1. Monoclonal antibody therapy uses lab-created antibodies to treat various cancer types, targeting and killing cancer cells, aiding immune defense and used alone or in combination with other treatments.
2. 2. Monoclonal antibody therapy targets cancer cells by targeting specific antigens through antibodies, which are proteins that search for specific antigens. These antibodies, shaped like Y-shaped letters, attract other immune system components to kill cancer cells by binding to specific antigens.
3. 3. Monoclonal antibodies are versatile tools for disrupting cancer cells. They can make immune system targets, carry targeted treatments, block cancer cell signals, and inhibit the checkpoint system, which protects against overreaction. These antibodies can also inhibit T-cells, enabling the immune system to eliminate targeted cancer cells. Overall, monoclonal antibodies play a crucial role in preventing cancer cell growth and promoting overall health.
4. 4. Monoclonal antibodies can be modified to be more effective, such as creating bi-specific antibodies that attach to cancer cells and T cells, or antibody-drug conjugates that deliver chemotherapy to cancer cells while avoiding healthy cells.
5. 5. Monoclonal antibodies, given intravenously, can cause allergic reactions, including fever, chills, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and rash.

Track – 4: Cancer Immunotherapy

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1. 1. Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses the immune system to find and destroy cancerous cells, potentially extending cancer life. Researchers are developing new drugs to treat various types of cancer.
2. 2. The immune system protects the body from intruders, including allergens and viruses, and destroys cancerous cells. However, cancerous cells constantly seek ways to bypass immune defenses. Immunotherapy involves training the immune system to find and kill cancerous cells and producing cancer-fighting immune cells.
3. 3. Healthcare providers use immunotherapy as a first-line treatment for metastatic cancer, often combining it with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and other treatments. Types include checkpoint inhibitors, adaptive cell therapy, monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines, and immune system modulators.
4. 4. Researchers are working on improving immunotherapy by finding solutions for resistance, predicting responses, understanding cancer cell evasion or suppression, and reducing side effects. They are testing combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. Understanding these areas could lead to new drugs and improved treatment outcomes.
5. 5. Immunotherapy modifies the immune system for effective cancer-fighting, but immune cells can attack healthy tissue, causing immune-related adverse effects (irAE). Severe irAE affects 20% of patients, causing fatigue, rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and decreased thyroid hormone levels.

Track – 5: Cancer Radiation Therapy

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1. 1. Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment using high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used alone or alongside other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation oncologists, healthcare providers, determine the best type of radiation therapy for the cancer and design a treatment plan to destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
2. 2. Cancer starts when healthy cells grow out of control, leading to faster growth and division. Radiation therapy damages cell DNA, stopping growth or destruction. It's a local treatment, affecting only the cancer's location, with some damaged healthy tissue healing after treatment ends. Different types work differently to destroy cancer cells.
3. 3. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and internal radiation therapy. EBRT involves directing high-energy radiation toward a tumor, such as X-rays, electrons, or protons, with precision being crucial. There are various forms of EBRT, including 3D conformal, intensity-modulated, arc-based, image-guided, particle therapy, stereotactic, stereotactic body, and intraoperative radiation.
4. 4. Internal radiation therapy treats smaller tumors in the body, such as the head, neck, breast, cervix, uterus, or prostate. It can be received through solid or liquid sources, such as brachytherapy, which implants a solid radioactive source inside or beside a tumor, and systemic therapy, which sends liquid radioactive material through the blood to find and destroy cancer cells. Radioimmunotherapy, a radioactive protein, recognizes specific cancer cells, attaches to them, and releases radiation to kill them.
5. 5. Radiation therapy is used for various cancer treatments, including primary treatment, neoadjuvant therapy before surgery, adjuvant therapy after surgery, and in combination with chemotherapy to destroy cells and relieve symptoms.
6. 6. Radiation therapy is typically administered over multiple sessions, allowing healthy tissue time to recover and reduce side effects. Oncologists may manage unpleasant side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, skin irritation, dry scalp, hair loss, mouth sores, swallowing pain, reduced appetite, throat or chest burning, frequent urination, abdominal bloating, and bowel movements.

Track – 6: Hormone Therapy

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1. 1. Hormones coordinate body functions and are released by glands into the bloodstream. They can fuel cancer, as some cancerous cells require hormones for growth, multiplying, and spreading. Hormone therapy eliminates these hormones, and healthcare providers may combine it with treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to reduce cancer risk.
2. 2. Hormone therapy can stop cancerous cells from producing hormones, block access to them, or substitute bioidentical hormones for natural hormones. These artificial hormones prevent cancerous cells from multiplying by preventing their growth and proliferation.
3. 3. Hormone therapy is used to treat prostate cancer and estrogen-dependent cancers like breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. It involves medications blocking hormones from connecting with cancerous cells, sometimes requiring surgery. Medications include aboraterone acetate, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, and antiandrogens. Combining hormone therapy and radiation therapy may also be considered.
4. 4. Hormone therapy for breast cancer involves lowering hormone levels or blocking hormone attachment to cancer cells. About 8 out of 10 breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive (ER-positive). Healthcare providers use hormone therapy after surgery to reduce recurrence risk, or before surgery to shrink tumors or treat cancer that spreads. Hormone therapy may include aromatase inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), or estrogen receptor down regulators (ERDs). These medications help prevent estrogen from connecting with cancerous cells and reduce the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells.
5. 5. Hormone therapy can be used to treat rare ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. It includes luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists like LHRH agonists, tamoxifen, and aromatase inhibitors. Progestin is the most common hormone therapy for uterine cancer, slowing cell growth. Other treatments include tamoxifen, LHRH agonists, and aromatase inhibitors.

Track – 7: Cancer Targeted Therapy

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1. 1. Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that targets proteins controlling cell growth, division, and spread. It is the foundation of precision medicine. Most targeted therapies are small-molecule drugs or monoclonal antibodies, which are designed to attach to specific cancer cell targets. These antibodies can mark cancer cells, stop growth, self-destruct, or carry toxins.
2. 2. Cancer develops when cell DNA mutates or becomes defective. Targeted therapy drugs target specific mutations, blocking growth signals, preventing blood vessel formation, stopping hormone production, and repairing cell shutting. They may also carry radiation or chemotherapy drugs directly to the mutated cell.
3. 3. Targeted therapies, including angiogenesis inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, and signal transduction inhibitors. Angiogenesis inhibitors block chemical signals that encourage blood vessel growth, proteasome inhibitors digest proteins, and signal transduction inhibitors disrupt the cancer cell's messaging system for growth and survival.
4. 4. Targeted therapy has drawbacks, as cancer cells can become resistant due to changes in the target or new growth methods. It may work best when combined with multiple therapies or other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Development of drugs for certain targets is challenging due to target structure, function, or both.
5. 5. Targeted therapy drugs target cancer cells and may cause fewer side effects than conventional treatments like chemotherapy. However, they may alter cell function, leading to potential side effects like rashes, dry skin, cracked nails, diarrhea, digestive problems, impaired blood clotting, high blood pressure, and fatigue. It's important to monitor and manage these side effects in caregivers and family members.

Track – 8: Photodynamic Therapy

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1. 1. Photodynamic therapy uses a photosensitizing agent activated by light to kill cancer cells, typically used as a local treatment in laser or LED sources. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment using light energy and a photosensitizer to destroy cancerous and precancerous cells. Activated by specific wavelengths, PDT targets various diseases like acne, psoriasis, and cancers. It also treats bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, triggering the body's immune response to destroy cancerous and precancerous cells.
2. 2. PDT offers benefits like no long-term side effects, short outpatient procedure, repeatability, less invasiveness, precision, and minimal scarring compared to other medical treatments.
3. 3. Photodynamic therapy kills cells by producing oxygen radicals, damaging blood vessels, and potentially triggering the immune system to attack tumor cells, even in other areas.
4. 4. Photodynamic therapy can cause side effects and harm normal cells due to its limited light penetration, making it suitable for treating tumors on or under skin or organ linings.
5. 5. Researchers are exploring expanding photodynamic therapy to other cancers, improving equipment and light delivery. ECP is being tested for blood cancers and stem cell transplants. Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) involves a photosensitizer and immune protein killing cancer cells, triggering an immune response. PIT is currently being studied in head and neck cancers. Other research focuses on developing more powerful photosensitizers, targeting cancer cells more precisely, triggering light through tissue, and reducing side effects.

Track – 9: Chemotherapy

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1. 1. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells, primarily used for cancer treatment. With various drugs available, it can be used alone or in combination. However, chemotherapy carries a risk of side effects, including mild and serious complications.
2. 2. Chemotherapy is a treatment used to kill cancer cells in individuals with cancer. It can be used as the primary or sole treatment, after other treatments, to kill hidden cancer cells, prepare for other treatments, or to ease cancer symptoms by killing some cancer cells.
3. 3. Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, preventing their growth and division. It can be used as adjuvant therapy, curative therapy, neoadjuvant therapy, or palliative therapy, depending on the patient's condition.
4. 4. Chemotherapy treats various cancers, including primary and metastatic, depending on location, stage, and overall health. It can also be used to treat bone marrow diseases and immune system disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Chemotherapy drugs can also help control overactive immune systems in certain diseases.
5. 5. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered through various methods, including infusions, pills, shots, creams, and direct injections. Infusions are typically given into veins, pills can be taken in pill or capsule form, shots can be injected with a needle, and creams can be applied to the skin for specific skin cancer types. Direct injections can be given to specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, chest cavity, or central nervous system. Direct injections can be made to the cancer or the tumor after surgery, releasing drugs through thin disk-shaped wafers or veins.

Track – 10: Alternative Therapy for Cancer Treatment

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1. 1. Hyperthermia uses heat to damage and kill cancer cells without harming normal cells, targeting small areas, organs, or the entire body. Heat delivered from external machine or probe to tumor.
2. 2. Laser therapy uses a focused beam of light to destroy cancer cells. Laser therapy destroys tumors, shrinks tumors blocking the stomach, colon, or esophagus, and treats cancer symptoms. It also seals nerve endings and lymph vessels to reduce pain and swelling. Laser therapy uses a thin, lighted tube to target cancer cells and skin. Lasers are often combined with radiation and chemotherapy.
3. 3. Cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery, uses cold gas to freeze and kill cancer cells, treating pre-cancerous cells on skin or cervix, and targeting internal tumors like liver or prostate.
4. 4. Mind-body therapies involve mental focus, breathing, and body movements to relax the mind and body. Examples include meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, yoga, tai chi, imagery, and creative outlets like art, music, or dance. These therapies help patients control body functions, become more aware of feelings, thoughts, and sensations, and promote healing.
5. 5. Acupuncture, a treatment using tiny needles, may help relieve chemotherapy nausea and pain. It's safe if performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile needles. Consult a provider for trusted practitioners. Acupressure, a related technique, uses mild pressure to relieve nausea in specific areas.

Track – 11: Theranostics Therapeutics

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1. 1. Theranostics use diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents to target cancer cells for destruction. Molecular imaging, like positron emission tomography (PET), helps doctors trace radioactive drugs and deliver radiation to destroy cancer cells, reducing risk to healthy tissues.
2. 2. The first step in theranostics involves a diagnostic test using a radioactive drug called a radiotracer. The radiotracer travels through the bloodstream and binds to cancer cells, emitting low radiation detected by PET/CT scans. After an hour, a nuclear medicine physician uses a PET scan to view the cancer's location.
3. 3. The second therapeutic phase involves an intravenous injection or infusion of the drug, targeting cancer cells while sparing nearby tissue. After an observation period, the patient can return home, and the body clears the drug within hours or days, eliminating radiation exposure risks.
4. 4. Theranostics provide precise radiation delivery through imaging, allowing healthcare providers to identify cancer patients, target them more precisely, and reduce damage to nearby tissues and organs. This multi-step procedure improves monitoring and treatment evaluation.
5. 5. Theranostics enable precise radiation delivery to abnormal tissues, reducing complications but potentially causing cancer. Some patients may experience decreased blood cell production, but these may return. Kidney function is monitored. Possible side effects include appetite loss, fatigue, nausea, temporary worsening of symptoms, and dry mouth. These side effects are managed through supportive care services before and after treatment.

Track – 12: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Cancer

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1. 1. HIFU is a minimally invasive medical procedure using ultrasound waves to treat conditions like tumors, modifying or destroying targeted tissues without producing images.
2. 2. Healthcare providers use high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat various conditions, including malignant and benign tumors in bones, brain, breast, connective tissues, and organs.
3. 3. HIFU is a non-invasive, non-radiation treatment that targets diseased tissue without causing harm to healthy tissue. It is often an outpatient procedure with short recovery times and fewer side effects compared to more invasive treatments.
4. 4. However, HIFU cannot be used to treat all tumor types. For instance, persons with early-stage, low-grade prostate cancer that is only in their prostate and that is evident on an MRI or ultrasound scan are good candidates for HIFU treatment. HIFU might not be a good option for therapy if the cancer has spread if the tumor is difficult to see with imaging testing.
5. 5. HIFU is low-risk for medical treatment, with rare skin burns. Common side effects include urinary problems and erectile dysfunction.

Track – 13: Cellular Therapies for Cancer

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1. 1. Cellular therapy uses living cells as medicine to destroy and control cancer cells, like adoptive T-cell transfer, which involves collecting cancer-killing T cells from the patient's blood, multiplying them, and returning them to the patient.
2. 2. Clinical trials offer cellular therapies for various cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, multiple myeloma, and specific solid tumors.
3. 3. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells: In a laboratory setting, a patient's own T cells are altered with a receptor known as CAR that is intended to identify substances known as antigens on the surface of cancer cells. To create a library of tumor-specific antigen markers for each kind of cancer, more study is required.
4. 4. Engineered T-cell receptor cells: A patient's own T cells are given a receptor that can recognize proteins that are produced inside cancer cells and displayed on their surface by a specific protein complex. These proteins are cancer-associated proteins, which are. To create modified T-cell receptor cells that can treat solid tumors in a safer, more efficient, and long-lasting manner, additional research is required.
5. 5. Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs): T cells that have already infiltrated a patient's tumor are extracted and multiplied in enormous quantities in the lab before being reinfused into the patient. To improve the efficacy of TILs and all other cell treatments, further research is required to combat immune-suppressing signals.
6. 6. Natural killer (NK) cells: can be altered to express receptors that direct the eradication of cancer cells, similar to T cells. Natural killer cells attack aberrant cells and infections, as their name suggests. To develop these more recent cell therapy techniques and get past their initial difficulties, such ensuring that cells survive when reintroduced into the patient, more research is required.

Track – 14: Developmental Therapeutics

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1. 1. Developmental therapeutics is clinical research focusing on discovering innovative anti-cancer therapies, including drugs, combinations, technologies, and cell and immune therapies. These therapies are tested in patients for safety, appropriate dosing, and efficacy.
2. 2. Academic drug discovery involves using computer-assisted drug design and chemistry to test compounds in various cancer models. This process includes cell-based, animal, and clinical trials, with safety and toxicology testing being crucial.
3. 3. Precision medicine faces challenges like safety, regression, and tumor resistance. Advances in biomarker research enable better determination of drug effectiveness, allowing for more efficient dosages to avoid regression.
4. 4. Developmental Therapeutics Program research targets protein-protein interactions, small molecule kinase inhibitors, epigenetic therapeutics, stem cell therapeutics, and radiation sensitizers for cancer treatment.

Session – 5: Cancer Screening & Diagnosis

The fifth session is for discussion on various techniques, recent advancements, digitalization, updates, treatment processes, applications, benefits, safety, research, news, current trends, working principles, policy, updates, strategies, management, and other various important aspects of cancer screening and diagnosis. This session includes tracks like cancer imaging techniques, cancer diagnosis, cancer screening, molecular pathology of cancer, robotic oncology, can radiation from medical tests causes cancer, mammography and cancer, etc.

Track – 1: Cancer Imaging Techniques

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1. 1. Imaging tests are essential for cancer diagnosis and treatment, helping to identify early stages of cancer, detect tumors, plan treatment, predict tumor growth or shrinkage, and determine the need for a biopsy. Imaging tests are often planned before treatment begins, called baseline studies, to track changes and compare treatment results over time.
2. 2. Common imaging tests include CT, MRI, breast MRI, X-rays, mammography, optical imaging, nuclear medicine scans (bone scans, positron emission tomography (PET), Thyroid scans, gallium scans, MUGA scans), Colonoscopy, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and ultrasound for detecting body changes and assessing various organs. Health care provider recommends tests based on tumor location, type, biopsy necessity, age, health, risk-benefit balance, preference, and cost.
3. 3. Imaging tests can be helpful in detecting cancer changes, but they cannot definitively show if a change is caused by cancer. Millions of cells are needed to create a tumor large enough for imaging tests to show up. Treatment may continue even when cancer cells are no longer visible. Additionally, imaging tests can sometimes show something resembling cancer, but further tests may reveal it's not cancer.
4. 4. A barium swallow is an X-ray test that examines the throat and esophagus. Patients drink a solution containing barium, which travels down the digestive tract. The X-rays reveal abnormal areas that doctors may need to examine more closely. The test can be part of an upper gastrointestinal series, examining the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A barium enema is used to take X-rays of the large intestine, including the colon and rectum.
5. 5. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA) scan measures bone mineral density, aiding doctors in evaluating bone health and predicting osteoporosis or fractures. It examines the entire skeleton or specific points, such as the spine or hip. Doctors may perform baseline scans before and during treatment to monitor bone health. The results are analyzed using T-Score and Z-Score, which determine bone density and bone density. High or low scores may require more testing.
6. 6. Laparoscopy is a procedure for diagnosing or treating pelvic pain, tumors, or abnormalities in the colon, kidneys, cervical, ovaries, and endometrium. It involves an incision near the navel and a laparoscope for examination, removal, or biopsy.

Track – 2: Cancer Diagnosis

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1. 1. A doctor may use various approaches to diagnose cancer, including physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging tests, and biopsy. Physical exams detect lumps, abnormalities, and changes in skin color or organ size. Laboratory tests, such as urine and blood, help identify cancer-related abnormalities. Common laboratory tests include blood tests, complete blood count (CBC), urine analysis, and tumor markers. Imaging tests, such as CT scans, bone scans, MRIs, PET scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays, allow noninvasive examination of bones and internal organs. Biopsies, which collect a sample of cells for testing, are the only definitive method for diagnosing cancer.
2. 2. Other procedures for cancer diagnosis include endoscopic examination, surgery, and genetic testing. Repeating testing may be necessary for changes in the condition or abnormal test results. Endoscopic examinations for cancer diagnosis include cystoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, EGD, and sigmoidscopy. Surgery's main objective is to completely remove the malignancy, if possible.
3. 3. Tests for cancer detection include anoscopy, which examines rectum abnormalities, and biopsy, which removes tissue or fluid samples to test for cancerous cells. Biopsies are the only reliable method for determining cancer presence. Bronchoscopy is a tool used to detect lung or esophagus cancers. Colonoscopy is a test for colon and rectum cancer, involving a colonoscope to remove and analyze suspicious growths. Lumbar puncture collects cerebrospinal fluid for brain, spine, or leukemia cancers. The Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer.
4. 4. There are three types of imaging used for diagnosing cancer: transmission imaging, reflection imaging, and emission imaging. Transmission imaging involves a beam of high-energy photons passing through the body structure, leaving a darkened area on the X-ray film. Reflection imaging involves sending high-frequency sounds to the body part or organ, analyzing the sound waves and producing a visual image. Ultrasound imaging detects and analyzes nuclear particles or magnetic energy, while emission imaging uses radio waves to create a strong magnetic field (MRI).
5. 5. A biopsy is a procedure to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. It can be performed in a physician's office or hospital setting, and may require anesthetic or no sedation. Common types include bone biopsy, endoscopic biopsy, excisional biopsy, punch biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, skin biopsy, and shave biopsy.
6. 6. Gene mutations in DNA can increase cancer risk, either acquired or inherited. Tests like advanced genomic testing and genetic testing detect mutations associated with a higher risk of specific cancers. Advanced genomic testing sequences cancerous cells' DNA, while genetic testing uses blood or mouthwash to detect potential mutations.

Track – 3: Cancer Screening

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1. 1. Cancer screening tests detect cancer signs before symptoms appear, helping to identify it early for treatment and cure. It's important to remember that a healthcare provider's recommendation doesn't necessarily indicate cancer. Cancer screening tests can detect potential cancer changes early, helping to prevent spread.
2. 2. Cancer screening guidelines vary by type and situation. Healthcare providers recommend checkups for individuals aged 20 and older to determine cancer risk factors, such as family history. Regular screenings generally don't occur until the 40s, except for pre-cancerous conditions and family history of cancer, especially younger family members.
3. 3. Common cancer screening tests include physical examinations, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. Physical examinations involve healthcare providers examining the body for changes, asking about health habits and family history. Laboratory tests include blood, tissue, and urine tests, while imaging tests like mammograms screen for cancer. Genetic tests may be recommended for hereditary cancers in the biological family.
4. 4. There are specific screening procedures for some cancer types. There is currently no reliable screening technique for other kinds. Research is now being done to create new cancer screening assays. Currently, screenings are available for the following cancers: skin cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.
5. 5. However, there are risks associated with cancer screening, such as false positives, overdiagnosis, increased testing, and false reassurance. False positives can cause anxiety and stress, while overdiagnosis may lead to harmful treatments. Increased testing can be costly and cause unnecessary stress. It's crucial to understand these risks before screening to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Track – 4: Molecular Pathology of Cancer

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1. 1. Pathology has become more integrated into clinics, particularly with targeted therapies and predictive biomarkers. Historical examples include HER2 amplification, KRAS mutations, and EGFR mutations.
2. 2. Molecular pathological investigations help identify therapy targets and resistance mechanisms, diagnosing and classifying tumors with recurrent genetic aberrations. Advancements in molecular pathology are driven by cancer research and technical innovations, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), which has become a crucial tool in clinical pathology.
3. 3. Patients with unique tumors that can be treated are found via gene-expression profiling; for instance, gene-expression arrays can assist identify which breast cancer patients will benefit from chemotherapy.
4. 4. Individualized therapies, like EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors for lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations, have been made possible by understanding the mutation profile of specific cancers.
5. 5. Somatic mutations associated with the initiation and progression of cancer is being discovered as a result of quick technical advancements in DNA sequencing and other molecular analysis methods. Many of the same signaling pathways, such KRAS mutations, which typically occur in both colon and lung cancer, are altered in other malignancies.

Track – 5: Robotic Oncology

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1. 1. Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, uses robotic technology to remove cancer from patients. This laparoscopic procedure involves placing a laparoscope through small cuts in the patient's skin, allowing surgeons to see inside without larger cuts. The main goals of robotic surgery are to fight the cancer effectively and make the patient's recovery as fast and smooth as possible. The goals for surgery may include removing the tumor, reducing it for chemotherapy or other treatment, or relieving symptoms like pain or loss of function.
2. 2. Robotic surgery is generally safe, especially for complex operations. It increases precision and control, with a high-definition, 3-D viewer. Benefits include smaller incisions, less scarring, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays, particularly for complex cancer surgeries.
3. 3. Robotic instrumentation improves visualization, high-precision control, and movement, enabling endo-wristed movements, surgical dexterity, and minimally invasive tumor resectability. Scaling motion improves precision and safety, minimizing trauma, and enhancing tumor resection and reconstruction procedures, ultimately improving functional and oncological outcomes.
4. 4. Robotic surgery has proven feasible and safe for various cancer entities and surgical approaches. However, challenges remain in surgical, technical, and scientific aspects. Long-term evidence of curative robotic surgery's superiority over traditional open and laparoscopic approaches is controversial. The more cost-intensive robotic method must be economically justified compared to traditional approaches, with proof of its superiority for functional and oncologic endpoints.
5. 5. Obtaining evidence for the use of robotic systems in surgical oncology is a significant challenge. While surgeons already use robotic systems in routine patient care, more high-level evidence is rare.

Track – 6: Cancer Cytopathology

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1. 1. Cytopathology studies individual cells from tissues using specialized diagnostic techniques to identify diseases. Cell samples are collected during routine procedures like bronchoscopy and cystoscopy, and techniques like the Papanicolaou test (Pap test) or fine-needle aspiration are used for diagnosis. A competent cytopathologist analyzes and interprets data from cytopathology tests, which involve staining cells, light microscopy, and examining them in an automated liquid Pap test. This method is more accurate than traditional Pap tests.
2. 2. Cytology (Cytopathology) tests are simpler, less painful, less likely to cause serious complications, and less expensive than biopsy tests. They can be used for screening or diagnosis, with screening tests identifying potential diseases like cancer before symptoms develop. Diagnostic tests, on the other hand, show if a disease is present and can help classify the disease. Some cytology tests are mainly used for screening, while others are more commonly used for cancer diagnosis.
3. 3. Cytology tests can detect cancer cells in various body fluids, including urine, sputum, spinal fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, and abdominal fluid. These tests assess the presence of cancer cells in various organs.
4. 4. Cytology tests are used by healthcare providers to examine various body areas, including gynecologic, urinary, breast, thyroid, lymph node, respiratory, eye, and ear. Exfoliative cytology involves either natural cell washing or manual scraping of tissue. Cytology samples can be obtained by gently scraping or brushing cells from organs or tissues, such as the Pap test. Other parts of the body can also be brushed or scraped for testing, including the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, bile, pancreatic ducts, and lungs.
5. 5. Intervention cytology involves healthcare providers piercing the skin to obtain a sample of cells for testing. The most common type is fine-needle aspiration (FNA), where a thin needle is inserted and fluid is drawn out. Pathologists examine the cells under a microscope. Common areas include fluid-filled lumps, solid lumps, lymph nodes, pericardial fluid, and pleural fluid.

Track – 7: Can Radiation From Medical Tests Causes Cancer?

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1. 1. Uncertainty exists on whether low doses of ionising radiation in medical imaging tests increase cancer risk, but high dose radiation effects suggest a slight increase. Pregnant women and children face higher radiation risks due to their longer life expectancy and increased radiosensitivity. High doses increase the risk of developing second cancer, but benefits outweigh potential risks.
2. 2. Ionising radiation from x-rays, CT, and nuclear imaging can damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer. Despite being exposed to higher doses, CT scans offer superior accuracy and speed for diagnosing conditions that may require more invasive tests. The dose of radiation from x-rays is similar to the environment over a week, depending on the type.
3. 3. Radiation exposure from imaging tests depends on factors like test type, body area, and age. Experts believe that if radiation exposure increases cancer risk, it is likely small. Low-level radiation exposure is difficult to calculate, and children are more sensitive to radiation. Imaging tests should only be done for good reasons, and if x-ray, CT scan, or nuclear medicine scan is the best way to look for cancer or other diseases, the person will likely benefit more than the small dose of radiation can hurt.
4. 4. MRI scans, non-ionising radiation may carry risks but are not cancer-causing; discuss with doctor about risks and benefits. MRI is contraindicated for use in metallic objects, surgical clips, and wire mesh. Contrast dye may cause allergic reactions, and MRI contrast may affect other conditions like allergies, asthma, anemia, hypotension, and sickle cell disease.

Track – 8: Mammography and Cancer

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1. 1. There are two types of mammography: screening and diagnostic. Screening mammography examines both breasts to detect cancer in women without symptoms, detecting lumps or abnormal areas. It monitors breast changes over time and helps detect breast cancer at an early stage. Diagnostic mammography diagnoses breast problems, such as lumps or suspicious areas, and takes longer than screening mammography. It involves detailed images and views of the breast from different angles, allowing doctors to compare the tissue of both breasts.
2. 2. Mammography is a diagnostic test performed in clinics or hospitals using compression plates to flatten the breast tissue. This helps make the mammogram clearer and reduces radiation usage. Diagnostic mammography requires more views than screening mammography. Digital mammography uses electronic images of the breast, stored on a computer, for better detail and better views of abnormal areas. It can be used to examine abnormalities during screening or diagnose breast cancer in centers with available equipment.
3. 3. Mammography is a valuable test for early detection of breast cancer, but it can also result in false-negative or false-positive findings. Modern equipment uses low radiation doses, but repeated exposure increases the risk of developing cancer. Screening mammograms depend on a woman's overall health, as early detection may not extend life if she has other serious health issues. The benefits of mammography outweigh the risk of radiation exposure.
4. 4. Breast cancer detection is crucial to reduce the risk of death by 25-30%. Women should start mammograms at age 40 or earlier if at high risk. Mammography is fast, comfortable, and safe, with minimal radiation exposure. For dense breasts or under 50, consider digital mammograms for better quality.
5. 5. Digital and conventional mammography use X-rays to produce breast images, with conventional mammography storing images on film and digital mammography providing electronic files for easier evaluation and sharing. Digital mammography involves multiple images taken at different angles, providing a two-dimensional (2D) view. Digital mammograms include 2D and 3D types. 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, compresses each breast and uses low-dose X-rays to create clear images. Studies show that 3D mammography improves cancer detection and reduces false-positive rates.

Session – 6: Cancer Management and Prevention

The sixth session is for exploring cancer management, and prevention. This session includes topics like warning signs of cancer, cancer risk factors and prevention, causes of cancer, novel approaches to detect cancer early, cancer nursing, cancer epidemiology, rehabilitation of cancer survivors, palliative care in cancer, cancer: awareness, lifestyle and nutrition, and behavioural oncology. This session is very crucial to generating awareness, helping cancer patients, and providing deep learning for cancer management and prevention for a bright future of cancer fights.

Track – 1: Warning Signs of Cancer

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1. 1. General cancer symptoms include heavy night sweats or fever, fatigue, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. These symptoms can be caused by infections or medications, and can occur during menopause. Unexplained bleeding or bruising, including blood in the bowel, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding, should also be checked by a doctor.
2. 2. Abnormal periods, pelvic pain, changes in bathroom habits, bloating, and breast changes are all potential signs of cancer. Persistent pain or changes in cycles can indicate cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer. Significant changes in bodily functions, such as constipation, diarrhea, and blood in urine, can indicate colon, prostate, or bladder cancer.
3. 3. Chronic coughing, headaches, difficulty swallowing, and excessive bruising are signs of lung, brain, throat, lung, or stomach cancer. Chronic coughing, headaches, difficulty swallowing, and unusual bruises can indicate various blood cancers. These symptoms should be monitored and addressed promptly to prevent potential health issues.
4. 4. Frequent fevers, infections, or oral changes can indicate immune system vulnerability to lymphoma or leukemia. Painful areas in the mouth, especially in heavy smokers, may indicate oral cancer. Skin changes, such as moles or birthmarks, should be assessed by healthcare providers.
5. 5. Unusual stomach pain or nausea may indicate liver, pancreatic, or digestive system cancers. Unexplained weight loss or appetite loss may indicate cancers, especially those that spread. Persistent pain, sudden energy changes, and postmenopausal bleeding should be evaluated for potential cancers. Persistent pain, fatigue, and bleeding may indicate leukemia or lymphoma.

Track – 2: Cancer Risk Factor and Prevention

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1. 1. Cancer risk factors include exposure to chemicals, behaviors, and uncontrollable factors like age and family history. Epidemiology studies identify these factors, comparing individuals who develop cancer with those who don't. Studies show similar associations between risk factors and increased cancer risk, and a possible mechanism explaining the relationship between the two. Some risk factors, like age, alcohol, chronic inflammation, diet, hormones, immunosuppression, infectious agents, obesity, radiation, sunlight, and tobacco, can be avoided.
2. 2. Understanding personal cancer risk factors can help healthcare providers determine if screening tests, such as mammograms or colonoscopies, are beneficial. Screening increases the chance of finding cancer early and easier to treat. High-risk individuals may benefit from surgery or medication to lower their cancer risk.
3. 3. Absolute and relative risk are two risk factor calculations used by doctors and researchers to understand cancer risk. Absolute risk provides an average person's chance of developing cancer, while relative risk compares one group's risk to another. Both are crucial when considering one's own cancer risk, as they help determine the need for specific screenings and lifestyle choices.
4. 4. Aging is the most significant risk factor for developing cancer, along with previous and family history of the disease, infections, genetics, weak immune systems, prescribed drugs, and medical conditions like diabetes or chronic inflammation. Other uncontrollable factors include inherited cancer syndromes, weakened immune systems, and certain medications.
5. 5. Cancer risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle choices like tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, obesity, poor eating habits, and sun exposure. These factors can be changed to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
6. 6. Cancer risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes. Smoking, alcohol, and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men can reduce cancer risk. Physical activity, such as gardening, can also reduce lung cancer risk. Obesity, a leading cause of cancer, increases the risk of breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, pancreatic, and kidney cancer. Maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce cancer risks. A diet focusing on plants, whole fruit, whole grains, and protein from peas and beans is best for reducing cancer risk. Sun exposure, including sunscreen and safe sun exposure, can prevent skin cancer. Unsafe sex can increase the risk of HPV, HIV, and hepatitis B, all of which increase cancer risk.

Track – 3: Cause of Cancer

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1. 1. Our bodies have trillions of cells that constantly replicate, leading to hiccups in DNA replication. These abnormal cells create mutations, which the immune system removes. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, forming tumors or leukemia. Scientists are still trying to understand the process and the interplay between risk factors and cancer development.
2. 2. Cancers are often caused by a complex mix of risk factors, including age, smoking, genetics, genetic changes, obesity, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, exposure to harmful chemicals, and certain infections. Risk factors can play different roles in starting and growing cancer.
3. 3. Certain viruses, such as human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and HIV, increase the risk of certain types of cancer. HPV vaccines are given to children aged 12-13, while HPV vaccines may be available for those with an increased risk. Using condoms and dental dams during sex can protect against certain viruses, and never sharing needles when injecting drugs.
4. 4. Environmental factors, including sunlight exposure, radiation exposure, and chemical exposure, can contribute to cancer. Sunlight exposure can be reduced through sunscreen and skin protection. Other factors include radiation therapy, nuclear or industrial sources, and exposure to carcinogens from industries.
5. 5. Genes play a crucial role in cancer growth, with over 90% of cancers exhibiting genetic alteration. Three main types of cancer genes are oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and mismatch-repair genes. Oncogenes regulate normal cell growth, while tumor suppressor genes recognize abnormal cell growth and reproduction. Mismatch-repair genes repair errors in DNA replication, while tumor suppressor genes disrupt normal cell growth. Cancer is a loss of balance due to genetic alterations favoring excessive cell growth, ultimately leading to the development of cancer.

Track – 4: Novel Approaches to Detect Cancer Early

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1. 1. Early cancer diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment, preventing delayed or inaccessible care, lower survival chances, treatment problems, and higher costs. It is an essential public health strategy. Screening involves identifying unrecognized diseases in healthy, asymptomatic populations through tests, examinations, or procedures. It involves all core components, from inviting the target population to accessing effective treatment for diagnosed individuals.
2. 2. A non-invasive technique called a liquid biopsy can reveal details about malignant tumors by looking for tumor-associated DNA or proteins in bodily fluids. The majority of liquid biopsies created for cancer screening have encountered a number of drawbacks, such as their high cost and inability to identify all cancer forms.
3. 3. In a recent proof-of-concept study, 14 different cancer types were identified using the glycosaminoglycan profile, a class of carbohydrates, in urine and plasma samples as metabolic indicators. Due to its low cost and capacity to identify various cancer types missed by earlier tests, this assay shows promise for the early diagnosis of tumors; nevertheless, more research is required.
4. 4. Scientists have been searching for biomarkers to accurately indicate cancer risk and early-stage disease presence. These biomarkers, including genetic mutations, DNA changes, and abnormalities, can be detected in blood, stool, and tissue. Although numerous biomarkers have been reported, few have been validated or clinically useful.
5. 5. Big Data analysis, including single cell sequencing, has significantly impacted cancer research, allowing for better understanding of tumor types, immunotherapy effects, resistance, and metastasis prevention. This has led to the development of diagnostic imaging systems that provide more accurate diagnoses at earlier stages, particularly in breast cancer. The use of new technologies and data analysis in cancer research is crucial for achieving these goals.

Track – 5: Cancer Nursing

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1. 1. Oncology nurses are registered nurses with expertise in cancer pathology, treatments, and pain management. They work with patients in remission and bone marrow transplantation, focusing on cancer screening, detection, and prevention. Their responsibilities include patient assessment, patient education, coordination of care, direct patient care, symptom management, and supportive care. They ensure patient participation in decision-making, communication, and emergency response.
2. 2. Oncology nurses work in a multi-disciplinary team, assessing patients for treatment side effects and pre-, during, and post-chemotherapy. They must understand pathology results and expected side effects, as well as their emotional state. They are responsible for administering chemotherapy drugs, managing symptoms, and managing side effects.
3. 3. Nurses often experience physical and emotional burnout due to the challenges and stress of caring for cancer patients. Despite the challenges, oncology nurses find it rewarding to provide compassion and maintain a calm environment for their patients. They must push aside their bad days to accommodate their patients' needs and prioritize self-care to improve their care.
4. 4. A nursing diagnosis is formulated after a thorough assessment to address cancer challenges. It is based on the nurse's clinical judgment and understanding of the patient's unique health condition. The use of specific nursing diagnostic labels may vary in clinical situations, but the nurse's expertise and judgment shape the care plan, prioritizing patient health concerns and priorities.

Track – 6: Cancer Epidemiology

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1. 1. Cancer epidemiology is a branch of epidemiology that focuses on the disease cancer and its impact on populations. It is concerned with events occurring in populations, not separate individuals, and is different from clinical medicine. Epidemiologists are concerned with the population from which patients come, asking questions about leading causes of death or disability and reducing them.
2. 2. Cancer epidemiology may focus on precursors of cancer, such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or chronic atrophic gastritis, or a characteristic related to cancer, such as growth or fertility. Epidemiologists are concerned with health and preventing disease, examining the distribution of disease in a population and identifying higher-risk individuals. The basic task of cancer epidemiology is to describe the occurrence of human cancer, noting differences between males and females, ages, socioeconomic classes, occupations, time periods, countries, and countries.
3. 3. Epidemiologists study the relationship between exposure and disease, examining whether there is an association between an exposure and a disease and whether the observed relationship is likely to be causal. They are the only source of direct scientific evidence about exposure effects and the preventability of disease within human populations.
4. 4. Epidemiology aims to observe and compare these associations, determining the magnitude of possible effects. It is crucial to learn about the causes of disease and its natural history, leading to the introduction of preventive measures. Epidemiology can identify a cause and a means of prevention, even when the biology of a disease is not fully understood. While complete knowledge of causal mechanisms is not essential for effective preventive strategies, it is desirable in the spirit of scientific enquiry.

Track – 7: Rehabilitation of Cancer Survivors

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1. 1. Cancer treatment often causes physical, mobility, and cognitive issues, impacting daily activities, work, and overall quality of life. Cancer rehabilitation is a supportive healthcare program aiming to help individuals stay active, reduce side effects, maintain independence, and improve quality of life. It is provided by trained professionals during treatment, follow-up care, and long-term survivorship.
2. 2. Cancer rehabilitation addresses various physical problems caused by cancer treatment, including pain, range of motion, flexibility, balance, skin changes, neuropathy, fatigue, sexual health issues, and swallowing difficulties.
3. 3. Cancer rehabilitation can help individuals with mobility issues like getting up, climbing stairs, walking, dressing, and showering, as well as cognitive issues like multitasking, clear thinking, and memory trouble.
4. 4. During cancer treatment and recovery, various rehabilitation professionals may be involved. These professionals include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, physicists, lymphedema therapists, cognitive psychologists, vocational counselors, recreational therapists, registered dietitians, and exercise physiologists. Physical therapists help improve mobility and reduce pain, while occupational therapists manage daily tasks and manage fatigue. Speech language pathologists focus on communication and swallowing disorders, while physicists focus on nerve, muscle, and bone disorders. Lymphedema therapists evaluate and treat lymphedema by reducing swelling and controlling pain using techniques like massages, bandaging, compression garments, and exercises.
5. 5. Vocational counselors support individuals returning to work and provide job-related tasks assistance. Recreational therapists help maintain physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, while registered dietitians help understand nutrition guidelines and adopt healthy eating patterns. Exercise physiologists analyze fitness and design fitness plans to meet the needs of individuals during and after cancer treatment.

Track – 8: Cancer Signaling

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1. 1. Cancer is caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations that cause cells to overproliferate, bypass survival and migration mechanisms. These alterations affect signaling pathways controlling cell growth, division, death, fate, and motility. Mutations that convert proto-oncogenes to oncogenes cause hyperactivation, while inactivation eliminates critical negative regulators.
2. 2. The Hedgehog signaling pathway regulates embryonic development and human tumor formation. It consists of three parts: Hh signal peptide, transmembrane receptor (Ptch, Smo), and downstream transcription factor (Gli). Abnormal activation can lead to various tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and gastrointestinal malignancy.
3. 3. The Wnt signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway involved in embryonic development and central nervous system formation. It regulates cell growth, migration, and differentiation. Abnormalities in the Wnt pathway are found in various cancers, including breast, colorectal, gastric, liver, melanoma, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. The pathway is divided into three types: classical, cell-plane polar, and Wnt/Ca2+. Tumors can occur when these pathways are repressed or overactivated.
4. 4. Tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are enzyme protein receptors that transfer ATP to tyrosine residues in proteins, activating them. They control target molecules like Ras/MAPK, STAT, JNK, and P13K, and can modulate transcription factors. PTKs activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K/AKT kinase) pathways, promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, which are linked to tumorigenesis.
5. 5. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-B) regulates cell growth, differentiation, and death, promotes extracellular matrix synthesis, angiogenesis, and inhibits immune response. It has a close relationship with tumor occurrence and development. TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor in early stages, while in tumor progression, it promotes tumorigenesis by stimulating angiogenesis, cell dissemination, immunosuppression, and extracellular matrix synthesis. High expression of TGF-β is found in various cancers.
6. 6. NF-kB signaling pathway is involved in tumor cell occurrence, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis, and can be used as a marker for solid tumors like breast, ovarian, colon, pancreatic, thyroid, biliary, and prostate.
7. 7. Integrin transduction pathway regulates cell adhesion, affecting tumorigenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by interacting with tumor cells and extracellular matrix.

Track – 9: Palliative Care in Cancer

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1. 1. Palliative care is specialized medical care that provides relief from pain and symptoms of serious illnesses, as well as coping with side effects from treatments. It is offered alongside other treatments and is provided by a team of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families.
2. 2. Cancer patients experience their disease differently, with factors like age, race, culture, support system, and personality playing a role in their well-being. Palliative care, which begins when cancer is diagnosed and continues throughout treatment and follow-up, aims to reduce and relieve physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. It can help patients by addressing coping mechanisms, physical symptoms like pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite, and practical concerns like financial, legal, employment, transportation, and housing issues. Spiritual issues can also arise with a cancer diagnosis, and palliative care addresses these questions in light of cultural and religious traditions.
3. 3. Palliative care has been proven to improve quality of life, with lower healthcare costs and a sense of control over symptoms. It is essential to recognize that more treatment does not always lead to better care, and if curative treatments are no longer effective, palliative care can be used to meet all needs.
4. 4. Palliative care begins during cancer treatment, while hospice care focuses on quality of life. Palliative care prepares patients for physical changes, helps them cope with emotional issues, and provides support for family members and caregivers.

Track – 10: Cancer: Awareness, Lifestyle and Nutrition

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1. 1. To reduce the risk of cancer, it is essential to eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This helps maintain cell health and prevents the development of cancer. Limit added sugar content to maintain a healthy weight and lower cancer risk. Consider vitamin D supplements, as low levels are associated with an increased risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Exposure to sunlight can help increase vitamin D levels, and some people may benefit from vitamin D supplements. Eat high-fiber foods, such as whole grain cereals, beans, lentils, nuts, blueberries, and apples, to feel fuller and reduce the risk of colon cancer. Cut down on alcohol, as it is associated with increased risks of esophageal, throat, and breast cancers. Avoid cured, smoked, and nitrite-preserved foods, as studies show a high connection between stomach cancers and high consumption of salty foods.
2. 2. Stop smoking. Physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing cancer risk. Aim for simple exercises like walking, gardening, yoga, and housework. Limit fast foods and processed foods, as they can increase calorie intake and lead to weight gain. Avoid red meats and processed meats, as even small amounts can increase cancer risk. Avoid using supplements for cancer prevention.
3. 3. A high fat diet increases cancer risk, but healthy fats may protect against it. Avoid trans fats in packaged foods, and add unsaturated fats like fish, olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Omega-3 fatty acids support brain and heart health.
4. 4. GMOs are plants or animals with altered DNA for resistance to pesticides or insecticides. Animal studies suggest that GMOs may cause cancer, with increased use of toxic herbicides like Roundup and increased risk of certain cancers. However, research on the link between GMOs, pesticides, and cancer remains inconclusive.
5. 5. Skin cancer is a common and preventable form of cancer. To protect yourself, avoid midday sun, stay in shade, cover your skin, use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds or sunlamps. Get vaccinated against certain viral infections, such as Hepatitis B, which can increase the risk of liver cancer. HPV, a sexually transmitted virus, can lead to cervical cancer and other genital cancers.

Track – 11: Behavioural Oncology

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1. 1. Behavioural oncology uses psychology and social sciences to understand and treat malignant diseases. Clinicians can promote adjustment by establishing rapport, providing information, and involving patients in management decisions. Psychological interventions can minimize distress, improve side-effect control, and enhance quality of life. Behavioral health providers provide evidence-based therapeutic practices to help individuals and caregivers cope with cancer diagnosis and treatments, focusing on managing anxiety, navigating relationship concerns, managing depression, and improving overall quality of life.
2. 2. Cancer patients often face mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients transform distressing emotions into empowering responses, reducing pain, anxiety, insomnia, negative body image, depression, and sexual intimacy challenges.
3. 3. Coping skills training can help patients manage stress and manage cancer treatment and side effects. Psychoeducation, which combines education, support, and counseling, helps patients understand their diagnosis, treatments, symptoms, and symptom management.
4. 4. Cancer treatments can cause side effects that impact intimacy, sexual intercourse, and relationships. For example, chemotherapy may irritate mucous membranes, while surgery may impair bodily functions and self-image. Radiation therapy may cause scarring or nerve damage, while hormone therapy may reduce testosterone production, causing physical changes similar to menopausal symptoms. Breast, genitourinary, and gynecologic cancers are at higher risk for sexual dysfunction. Health professionals help patients cope with psychological and physical challenges
5. 5. Psycho-oncology focuses on implementing behavior change, such as reducing smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, exercise, and sun exposure. Screening procedures are crucial for cancer prevention, as fear and anxiety can hinder screening. Behavioral modification also improves the quality of life for cancer patients, such as reducing fatigue through physical activity. Treatment adherence is crucial for effective cancer management, and psycho-oncology addresses cognitive-behavioral causes of lack of treatment adherence.

Track – 12: Cancer Disparities

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1. 1. Cancer disparities refer to differences in cancer measures, including incidence, prevalence, mortality, survival, morbidity, and quality of life. These disparities can occur when overall outcomes improve but not in specific groups, such as those based on race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, income, education, age, sexual orientation, or national origin.
2. 2. Cancer disparities are influenced by various factors, including social determinants of health, behavior, biology, and genetics. People with low incomes, health literacy, and limited access to healthcare face more obstacles in accessing cancer screening tests and treatment. Environmental conditions, such as lack of clean water and air, also contribute to cancer risk. Even those with health insurance may experience disparities due to institutional racism, chronic stress, bias, mistrust, and fatalistic attitudes. In some cases, inherited or tumor biological factors may also contribute to cancer disparities.
3. 3. Cancer Disparities Research focuses on understanding and addressing social determinants of health, such as financial stability, access to healthy foods, and cancer-related services. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Lost Earnings from Cancer Deaths estimates the cost of racial disparities on cancer mortality. Structural Racism Can Kill Cancer Patients explores racism and inequality in cancer care.

Track – 13: Exercise Oncology and Yoga

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1. 1. Exercise oncology involves various physical fitness activities, including breathing exercises, stretching, balance exercises, strength training, and aerobic exercises. These activities improve breathing, lung function, and muscle strength. Stretching restores flexibility and increases blood and oxygen flow, while balance exercises prevent falls and injuries. Strength training adds muscle mass and curbs fatigue. Aerobic exercises increase heart rate and strengthen the heart and lungs.
2. 2. Exercise during and after cancer treatment can reduce side effects like fatigue, nausea, stress, depression, and anxiety. It improves mobility, mood, sleep, muscle loss prevention, weight loss reduction, pain relief, energy, strength, and cancer survival rates. Additionally, exercise enhances cancer treatments and reduces hospital stays.
3. 3. Research indicates that yoga can help cancer patients mentally and physically, alleviating fatigue, improving sleep, aiding recovery, and reducing depression, anxiety, and distress. It consists of physical poses, breathing techniques, and meditation exercises. Less strenuous yoga, like gentle hatha and restorative yoga, may help with side effects of treatment.
4. 4. Breast cancer surgery can cause distress for women, leading to longer hospital stays, pain, and complications. Yoga may help with recovery by reducing hospital stays, surgical drains, and stitches removal. However, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can cause nerve damage, and a preliminary study found that yoga and meditation improved flexibility, balance, and reduced falls risk after 8 weeks.
5. 5. Yoga breathing exercises can reduce fatigue in some cancer patients. Studies suggest that yoga can help with insomnia, improve sleep quality, and reduce the use of medication for lymphoma patients. Overall, yoga can be a valuable tool for managing cancer-related fatigue and improving overall well-being.

Track – 14: Coping with Cancer

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1. 1. Coping strategies are essential for meeting goals and challenges related to cancer, including medical, physical, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual aspects. Factors such as personality, current life situation, and past coping experiences also influence the best coping strategies. Cancer coping is a continuous process, with patients using different strategies over time, depending on their situation, relationships, and illness stage. Research shows that some coping strategies are generally better than others, and some can improve medical condition, emotional well-being, and immune system response.
2. 2. Patients often confront the reality of their illness, asking questions about the severity of their conditions and treatment options. This approach promotes psychological adjustment and helps them adapt to their situation. Maintaining hope and optimism is crucial for a better adjustment to their illness. Optimism often involves a feeling of luckiness. Emotional responses should be balanced, considering both the chance of survival and the risk of dying.
3. 3. Expressing emotions and seeking support are crucial for a better psychological adjustment to cancer. Patients with close loved ones who offer emotional and practical help tend to have better psychological adjustment to cancer. Reaching out for support involves expressing feelings and concerns to others, and asking for the type of support needed. Adopting a participative attitude involves actively participating in treatment, seeking out the best treatments and considering alternative or holistic approaches. By addressing emotions and seeking support, patients can better cope with their illness and improve their overall well-being.
4. 4. Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be challenging but also an opportunity for positive change. Patients often reflect on their values and priorities, identifying changes in lifestyles and relationships. Spiritual beliefs, faith, and prayer can help patients cope with cancer, providing a sense of peace, inner strength, and improved psychological adjustment.
5. 5. Coping strategies are generally helpful for cancer patients, helping them feel better and stronger. They face their illness with openness and maintain a perspective, preventing cancer from defining them or taking over their life. They find support from others and within themselves, and recognize their cherished reasons for living.

Track – 15: Cancer Side Effect Management

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1. 1. Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer and radiation treatment. It can start gradually or suddenly, and can lead to anemia. To manage fatigue, it's important to know your energy levels, plan ahead, prioritize daily activities, balance activity with rest, and focus on wellness. A well-balanced diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management are essential during cancer treatment and recovery.
2. 2. Hair loss is common after chemotherapy and cancer, with hair follicles sensitive to these treatments. It usually grows back within two to three months after chemotherapy and three to six months after radiation therapy. To manage hair loss, plan for changes in appearance, consider using a wig. Be gentle with hair, avoid using heat-damaging products, and use warm water for washing and drying. Protect your head and scalp by wearing a head covering when outdoors.
3. 3. Cancer and radiation therapy can cause skin irritation, itchiness, dryness, redness, swelling, and sores. To manage these changes, wash with care, avoid irritant products, avoid direct heat or cold, and choose natural fiber-based clothing. Avoid medical tape or bandages, and shield skin from direct sunlight. Wear a large-brimmed hat or protective clothing to minimize sun exposure and apply sunscreen with SPF 30.
4. 4. Cancer and radiation therapy can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to various factors. It is important to manage these symptoms to prevent dehydration and other gastrointestinal upsets. To manage nausea and vomiting, drink enough fluids, eat mindfully, and allow time between meals. Rest and relax after eating to allow food to digest.
5. 5. Cancer can cause appetite loss and eating difficulties due to changes in taste buds. Dysphagia, mouth sores, and sore throat are common side effects. To manage appetite loss and eating difficulties, improve food taste by rinsing the mouth before eating, using sour fruits or fruit-flavored sourballs, and increasing aroma. Combat dry mouth by sipping liquids, sucking ice chips or sugar-free candy between meals, and making meal substitutions like liquid nutritional drinks.
6. 6. Cancer treatment can cause trouble with thinking, concentration, and memory, especially in short-term memory. To manage these difficulties, it is essential to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, identify clear thinking times, and complete important activities when most alert. Regular exercise, reading, puzzles, and organized activities can also improve brain function.
7. 7. Bladder issues can occur due to radiation and cancer drugs irritating the bladder, making it difficult to pee or empty. To manage bladder issues, balance fluid intake, avoid beverages like coffee and alcohol, reduce infection risk by showering, wearing cotton underwear, and following catheter care instructions.
8. 8. Cancer diagnosis and treatments can impact sex life, and factors like fatigue, hormone changes, and self-image may affect desire to have children. To manage sex and fertility issues, discuss pregnancy plans with your healthcare provider, discuss fertility concerns, and discuss safe pregnancy timing. Openly discuss sex-related issues with your provider, who may recommend medications to improve sex life.

Session – 7: Cancer Drug and Treatments

The seventh session is for discussion on new discoveries, updates, recent research, basic theory, advancements, mechanisms, news, challenges, future, developments, current trends, and other related topics of cancer drugs and treatments. This session includes tracks like drug discovery, development and challenge in cancer, translational research in oncology, drug resistance in cancer, cancer vaccines, precision cancer medicine, etc.

Track – 1: Drug Discovery, Development and Challenge in Cancer

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1. 1. New cancer drugs can be discovered through various methods, including testing plants, fungi, and animals, studying the biology of cancer cells, understanding the chemical structure of drug targets, and creating biosimilars. Researchers can compare genes in DNA and cancer cell growth patterns to healthy cells to find drugs that target specific genes. Understanding the chemical structure of a drug target is crucial for creating chemical compounds that interact with the target drug. Biosimilars are drugs that are nearly the same as existing biologic drugs and have no significant differences.
2. 2. Anticancer drug development is a challenging task with a high level of evaluative systems. Key biological or pathological pathways and therapeutic failures, such as neoplasm metastasis, cancer stem cell revival, cancer cell plasticity, and drug resistance, remain unclear. To overcome these challenges, new ideological inputs, modern medicine updates, and pharmaceutical advances are needed. Economic concerns and global participation are necessary for drug development, while personalized/precision medicine (PM) is a growing concern due to the rapid genomic data explosion.
3. 3. Drug development faces challenges due to the vast diversity of cancer models, including over 1,000 in vivo and 10,000 in vitro tumor cell lines and models worldwide. Organizing these resources effectively is crucial for high-quality anticancer drug discovery and development.
4. 4. Medicinal chemistry and herbal medicine play a crucial role in anticancer drug development, as they save time and identify effective agents early. Natural chemotherapeutic drugs are more effective and less toxic, making them a promising pharmaceutical topic. Computational assistance, such as molecular-docking, can predict effective agents without drug activity evaluations. Mathematics and artificial intelligence (AI) are also essential for drug development, with high-quality communication and teamwork between scientists and mathematicians contributing to progress. New technology, such as tumor models and screening automation, can improve the quality of anticancer drug evaluations and clinical trials.
5. 5. Anticancer drug developments are crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes in clinical trials. High-quality drug researchers are more important than financial resources, as they contribute to the success of these efforts. Combining drugs can overcome the challenges of managing multiple causalities and steps in cancer. Addressing acquired tumor functionality, such as cancer stem cells, is essential for obtaining smarter cancer therapeutic drugs and paradigms.

Track – 2: Translational Research in Oncology

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1. 1. Translational research transforms scientific findings from patient settings into treatment options, bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice. It is particularly important in oncology and cancer research, where standard treatments target generalized diseases like chemotherapy. Translational research aims to develop targeted cancer treatments with less impact on healthy cells.
2. 2. Translational research involves identifying broader scientific findings and applying them to specific studies, allowing researchers to investigate the precise mechanisms involved in specific disease types or variants. It can be conducted in various ways, depending on the study, treatment, and complexities. Translational research often begins with generalized discoveries about disease behavior, such as cancer genetic mutations, and can also arise when questions arise about drug performance in clinical settings.
3. 3. Translational cancer research is crucial for clinical oncology's therapeutic progression, as it helps develop targeted diagnostic techniques, detection methods, prognostic markers, assessment techniques, and cancer prevention methods. Advancements in omics have broadened our understanding of tumorigenesis and molecular processes, enabling the development of individualized treatments and precise diagnostic markers for specific cancer types.
4. 4. Translational research in oncology aims to develop tailored treatments for various cancer types, advancing understanding of colorectal, ovarian, breast, lung, and prostate cancer. Molecular tumour classification is crucial for translational oncology research, enabling targeted treatments and improving patient diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention, and recurrence.
5. 5. Translational research faces challenges due to tumor heterogeneity, varying tumorigenesis processes across cancer types and individuals. To address this, translational studies investigate key mutational signatures through genome research, aiming to establish molecular-level classification systems for specific tumor types.

Track – 3: Drug Resistance in Cancer

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1. 1. Methotrexate's functions have led to a better understanding of drug resistance. Cells can acquire immunity to methotrexate through three ways: decreased drug concentration, increased DHFR concentration, and genetic changes in DHFR binding. These outcomes contribute to increased resistance to methotrexate, which is a primary complications of treatment. Acquired resistance is a key factor in the failure of many treatments, as it affects the effectiveness of methotrexate treatment.
2. 2. Cancer cells are not identical, as they acquire genetic changes at a high rate. When exposed to a drug, sensitive cells are killed, while resistant cells survive and multiply, leading to re-growth of a tumor not sensitive to the original drug. Initial drug-resistant cells in tumors are likely due to chemotherapy drugs being given in combination, but the large number of cancer cells makes it unlikely.
3. 3. Cancer drugs like methotrexate inhibit enzymes in key cell growth and division pathways. Increased expression of target proteins can cause a significant increase in the number of target molecules in the cell. However, drug concentration is limited by dosages, and many targets remain unaffected. The drug's effectiveness decreases as there are too many target molecules, potentially slowing cell growth. Gene amplification, which involves selectively replicating a region of the chromosome, can increase target gene expression, leading to the production of numerous proteins encoded by these genes.
4. 4. Drug failure in cancer cells can be caused by the amplification of the MDR1 gene, also known as P-glycoprotein. This transmembrane protein can prevent certain drugs from entering cells and eject them once they have entered. It is effective in reducing intracellular concentrations of chemotherapy agents. MDR-mediated drug resistance is being investigated for drug inhibition. MDR is being explored as a gene therapy treatment to increase drug tolerance in chemotherapy patients. Inserting the MDR gene into bone marrow stem cells can help patients tolerate higher doses of chemotherapy drugs.
5. 5. The size and location of a tumor can affect the effectiveness of treatments. Large tumors may have hard-to-reach central portions due to limited blood supplies. The blood-brain barrier, a network of blood vessels, restricts the movement of molecules, making some drugs ineffective against brain tumors. This selective movement is crucial for effective treatment.
6. 6. Cancer treatment can result in changes in target molecules, such as the loss of the estrogen receptor (ER) or mutations in the target gene. The loss of the ER indicates that cells are no longer dependent on estrogen as a growth stimulator, making the use of anti-estrogen drugs less effective. Gene mutations can also alter the target molecule, leading to drug resistance in patients treated with kinase inhibitors.

Track – 4: Cancer Vaccines

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1. 1. Scientists are exploring various types of cancer vaccines, including protein or peptide vaccines, DNA and RNA vaccines, whole cell vaccines, dendritic cell vaccines, and virus vaccines. Protein or peptide vaccines are made from specific proteins in cancer cells, while DNA and RNA vaccines are made with DNA or RNA found in cancer cells. Whole cell vaccines use whole cancer cells to make them easier for the immune system to find. Dendritic cell vaccines stimulate the immune system to attack abnormal cells. Virus vaccines use altered viruses as carriers to deliver cancer antigens into the body. T-VEC, also known as Imlygic, is a treatment using a modified strain of the cold sore virus to destroy cancer cells and help the immune system find and destroy other cancer cells. It is currently available for melanoma skin cancer and is being tested for head and neck cancer.
2. 2. Cancer treatment vaccines are immunotherapy treatments that strengthen the body's natural defenses against cancer cells. They work against cancer cells, not the cause of cancer. Cancer cells contain tumor-associated antigens that the immune system can recognize and react to, destroying them. Treatment vaccines can be made from tumor cells, tumor-associated antigens found on cancer cells of many people with a specific type of cancer, or from dendritic cells. Sipuleucel-T is used for advanced prostate cancer treatment in men, while oncolytic virus therapy uses a virus that infects and breaks down cancer cells without harming normal ones.
3. 3. Cancer treatment vaccines face challenges due to the suppression of the immune system by cancer cells. Researchers use adjuvants to improve the immune response. Cancer cells originate from healthy cells, making them difficult to eliminate. Larger or advanced tumors are difficult to eradicate with a vaccine alone. People with weak immune systems or weaker immune systems may struggle with vaccines.
4. 4. Vaccines targeting viruses can help prevent certain cancers, such as cervical, anal, throat, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers. HPV vaccines protect against cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Hepatitis B vaccines may lower liver cancer risk in chronic HBV infection-prone individuals. These traditional preventive vaccines target viruses but do not directly target cancer cells. Most cancers, including colorectal, lung, prostate, and breast, are not believed to be caused by infections.
5. 5. The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, originally developed for tuberculosis, is now approved for treating bladder cancer, using live bacteria injected via catheter to attract immune cells.

Track – 5: Precision Cancer Medicine

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1. 1. Precision medicine is a healthcare approach that focuses on specific care based on specific genes, proteins, and substances in a patient's body. It is often used in cancer treatment to analyze changes in cancer cells and their impact on treatment options. This approach can help make more accurate diagnoses, improve treatment, and inform decisions about healthy habits and screenings. Healthcare providers may use genetic, genomic, DNA, molecular testing, biomarkers, or genetic profiles to plan care.
2. 2. Precision medicine relies on understanding the impact of gene and protein changes within cells. Genes, DNA pieces, guide cell function by coding specific proteins. Gene changes, also known as variants or mutations, can be inherited from parents or acquired later in life. Some gene changes can be harmful, while others may not.
3. 3. Precision medicine focuses on the nature and specific features of cancer, allowing doctors to offer personalized treatments based on the cancer's characteristics. This approach allows for more effective treatment than traditional methods like surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Precision medicine includes targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which target specific genes and proteins involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Researchers identify genetic changes that help tumor growth and develop targeted therapies. Immunotherapy strengthens or restores a patient's natural immune defenses, helping them recognize and destroy cancer cells. Research on cancer immunotherapy is rapidly growing, with various types in development.
4. 4. Precision medicine in cancer may not always be effectively used due to limitations such as lack of family history, inadequate genetic testing, and insufficient testing for gene or protein changes. Additionally, the costs of biomarker testing and the recommended medicines may be a concern, affecting the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Session – 8: Cancer Biomarkers, Nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Recent Technologies in Oncology

The eighth session focused on some key topics of cancer science like cancer biomarkers, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and recent technologies in oncology. Under this session, attendees can update their knowledge of recent research, advancements, applications, challenges, benefits, updates, and the future of cancer biomarkers, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and other technologies in cancer science.

Track – 1: Recent and Upcoming Technologies in Oncology

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1. 1. Technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence, CRISPR, telehealth, cryo-electron microscopy, Infinium Assay, and robotic surgery, have revolutionized cancer research, enabling breakthroughs in finding, understanding, and treating the disease.
2. 2. ChemoID is a new cancer treatment technology that uses small tumor samples to grow bulk tumor cells and cancer stem cells. This allows oncologists to determine by a variety of tests, which chemotherapy treatment can kill the most cells for that specific cancer. This avoids unnecessary pain, stress, and lengthy treatment, resulting in faster, more dramatic positive results and saving patients money on unnecessary drugs.
3. 3. Linear accelerators are radiation treatment machines that deliver high-energy x-rays to cancer patients' bodies and organs. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), a specific type of radiation therapy, uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to direct high doses of radiation in controlled volumes and sizes. This technology minimizes tissue damage, allowing doctors to use higher doses more effectively and fight cancer without harming the patient's health. IMRT is commonly used for prostate, head, neck, and central nervous system cancers.
4. 4. Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IMGT) is a new cancer treatment technology that uses linear accelerators to provide precise radiation treatment. It recognizes tumor size and shape, allowing for radiation without damaging healthy tissue. Other advancements include three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy using a wide-boar CT simulator and High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy, which use a catheter to direct radiation to cancer cells.
5. 5. Liquid-biopsy tests detect circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the bloodstream, which can be used to detect cancers like lung, breast, cervical, and colorectal. CAR-T cells target specific cancer antigens, benefiting patients who have relapsed after trying various treatments. Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI) helps diagnose breast cancer by detecting proteins that promote cell growth. Microbiome treatment uses microorganisms to suppress immune system in inflammatory diseases and enhance immune response in cancers. Multiparametric-magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) helps visualize blood vessel jumbles in prostate tumors, aiding in treatment decisions. Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown promise in cancer imaging diagnostics and treatment response evaluation, helping to identify mutations and develop suitable treatments.
6. 6. Next-generation targeted therapies are drugs designed to block cancer growth or spread by interfering with specific molecules involved in the development, progression, and spread of cancer. Artificial intelligence-based therapy design can help determine the right treatment based on patient parameters and mutations. In silico trials, can be used to quickly identify the right drug candidates. DNA cages, which target cancerous cells but not healthy ones, could be used to deliver drugs to only those cells that need treatment.
7. 7. Virtual reality (VR) has shown progress in cancer symptom management, allowing patients to interact with simulated environments through goggles. Studies show that breast cancer patients using VR during chemotherapy experienced improved moods, reduced anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
8. 8. The iKnife is a new cancer fighting technology using electricity to burn tissue, collecting smoke in a tube and feeding it to a mass spectrometer. This technology detects cancer molecules in real-time, allowing doctors to learn disease information and advise patients on which fats to avoid in their diet.
9. 9. CRISPR is a new cancer technology that uses gene editing to repair DNA, potentially improving treatment specificity and reducing cancer recurrence. This technology can disable genes, remove mutations, and fix production problems, potentially leading to faster treatment for patients. Scientists can also remove drug-resistance genes from cancer DNA, resulting in more effective chemotherapy and improved quality of life.
10. 10. Molecular biologists are discovering new applications for exosomes, tiny bubbles of cellular matter that communicate with cells. Exosomes play crucial roles in body function, such as tissue regeneration. Researchers also designed exosomes to deliver cancer medication to tumors, increasing drug accumulation and signaling the immune system to attack cancer.
11. 11. New diagnostic technology detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood before cancer growths or masses show up on imaging, enabling earlier cancer diagnosis. This technology allows doctors to assess tumor cell type and genetic makeup, typically requiring invasive surgical tissue biopsy.
12. 12. Nanomedicine uses small, human-made particles to treat diseases, like gold nanoparticle therapy, targeting tumors at a molecular level. This therapy reduces damage to healthy cells, improving prognosis without severe side effects.
13. 13. Tumor treating fields, also known as Optune or TTFields, are a new cancer technology using electric fields to treat cancer. A portable device delivers low-intensity electric fields to tumors, disrupting cell division. The success of a clinical trial could shape future cancer treatments for rare malignancies like GBM.

Track – 2: Role of AI in Cancer

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1. 1. AI is gaining traction in biomedical research, particularly in cancer, with potential applications in cancer detection, diagnosis, subtype categorization, therapy optimization, and drug development.
2. 2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly improve early cancer detection by detecting precancerous lesions in tissues, boosting sensitivity of cancer screening tests, and saving radiologists time. AI can also provide objective information to physicians, reducing the burden and rates of missing and misdiagnosed cases. Researchers are developing AI strategies for various cancers, including lung, mesothelioma, breast, kidney, colorectal, and brain tumors, highlighting the potential of AI in cancer detection.
3. 3. AI can improve cancer prognosis by detecting pre-existing tumors and high-risk patients, enabling clinicians to monitor and intervene promptly. AI can also predict malignancies' progression and evolve, aiding in developing effective therapies and influencing treatment.
4. 4. Immunotherapy is a promising cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight tumors. Machine learning algorithms can help tailor treatments to individual genetic compositions. AI can significantly impact personalized medicine, enabling clinicians to select the most beneficial treatment based on patient health status and history, potentially leading to the development of novel drugs.
5. 5. Big data and AI enable medical professionals to develop personalized treatments for patients and cancer cells, reducing side effects and harming healthy cells. AI aids radiologists in identifying cancerous tumors and anomalies, and can differentiate precancerous lesions in cervical images, preventing unnecessary treatment for minor issues. AI-enhanced blood testing improves cancer detection and monitoring, analyzing plasma ctDNA and miRNA profiles more effectively than conventional CT scans, according to a study.
6. 6. AI can predict drug effects on cancer cells, aiding in the development of new anticancer medications and timing. Research teams developed a random forest algorithm for this purpose.
7. 7. Image-guided needle biopsies and machine learning algorithms can help identify malignant tumors, while random forest ML systems can stop one-third of unnecessary procedures. AI in cancer detection can improve diagnostic precision and decrease false positives and negatives.
8. 8. As the number of cancer-related deaths increases, healthcare systems may struggle to respond to new illnesses. AI, which has made significant strides in various fields, can help address this issue by enhancing medical oncology and improving healthcare systems.

Track – 3: Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment

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1. 1. Cancer biomarkers are biological molecules produced by the body or tumor in a person with cancer. They help characterize tumor alterations and can be used to assess cancer risk, determine recurrence risk, predict therapy effectiveness, and monitor disease progression. Biomarker tests can assist in selecting a cancer treatment, as certain biomarkers may only work for certain cancers.
2. 2. Biomarker testing is a method for identifying genes, proteins, and other substances that can provide information about cancer. Each person's cancer has a unique pattern of biomarkers, which can affect the effectiveness of specific treatments. Biomarker testing is suitable for both solid tumors and blood cancers. It can be paired with specific treatments and differs from genetic testing, which identifies inherited mutations that increase cancer risk.
3. 3. Biomarker testing for cancer treatment can be referred to as tumor testing, genomic testing, molecular profiling, somatic testing, or next-generation sequencing. These tests help determine the effectiveness of specific medications and can be used as companion diagnostics.
4. 4. Precision medicine, or personalized medicine, is a personalized approach to medical care that tailors treatment based on specific genes, proteins, and substances in a person's body. Cancer treatment is typically based on the cancer's location and extent, but precision medicine goes beyond that. It uses biomarker testing to select treatments that are most likely to be helpful for each person while sparing them from unhelpful ones. Although progress is being made, precision medicine is still not part of routine care for many types of cancer.
5. 5. Biomarker tests help determine the best cancer treatment options by examining gene changes, proteins, or other markers. They can be single or multiple tests, and can be performed on tumor samples or blood or body fluids. Some tests are specific to a specific type of cancer, while others look for biomarkers in multiple types.
6. 6. Samples of cancer cells, such as solid tumors or blood cancers, are collected during biopsy or surgery. If difficult to obtain, blood or bone marrow samples may be used. Some cancers may require other body fluids, such as urine, for testing. The results are sent to a lab, which may include biomarkers and treatment options. Some biomarker tests may also involve samples of healthy cells, examining for differences between cancer and healthy cells. These tests can help determine if a change in cancer cells is due to a somatic mutation or inherited mutation passed down from a parent.
7. 7. Cancer biomarker research focuses on four areas: immunotherapy response, liquid biopsies, minimal residual disease, and pharmacodynamic markers.

Track – 4: Nanotechnology in Cancer

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1. 1. Nanotechnology offers a wide range of tools for cancer research, including chip-based nanolabs, nanoscale probes, and molecular-size nanoparticles with various optical properties. These tools can help cancer biologists study, monitor, and alter multiple systems involved in cancer processes, identify key biochemical and genetic targets for future molecular therapies, and accelerate basic research. Nanobiotechnology, which is commonly referred to as biochips/microarrays, is a new paradigm for total chemical analysis systems on a nanoscale. The initial and most practical applications are expected in POC diagnostics, where nanotechnology offers advantages over conventional nucleic acid-based chips.
2. 2. Conventional cancer treatment involves surgery, radiation therapy, drug therapy, and chemotherapy, which have side effects and affect healthy cells. Nano-techniques use nanoparticles to absorb radiation and target cancerous cells, allowing targeted therapeutic agents to be released. These nanoparticles can detect cancer-associated molecular changes and assist in imaging release and monitoring intervention effectiveness. However, improvements in molecular therapy are needed to enable nanoparticles to circulate in the bloodstream and reach desired cells without immune detection.
3. 3. Drug delivery systems, lipid- or polymer-based nanoparticles, can enhance the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of drugs by altering their pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. Nanoparticles have unique properties that can improve drug delivery, as they can be taken up by cells due to their size. Magnetic nanoparticles can bind to drugs and trap them in the target site, allowing targeting molecules like proteins or antibodies to be directed to any cell, tissue, or tumor in the body. These approaches have potential applications in early detection of cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, personalized oncology, and predictive oncology.
4. 4. Nanoscale carriers, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, water-soluble polymers, micelles, and dendrimers, have been developed for targeted cancer diagnostic and therapeutic agents. These carriers can selectively target cancer sites and carry large payloads, improving cancer detection and therapy effectiveness. Photodynamic therapy, which uses nanotechnology, involves placing a particle within the body and absorbing light from the outside. The light can heat the particle and surrounding tissue, or produce high-energy oxygen molecules that destroy organic molecules, like tumors. This noninvasive procedure has potential for treating diseases, growths, and tumors.
5. 5. Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in radiotherapy, focusing on targeted delivery of radioisotopes, radiosensitizers, and reducing side effects. Combining radiotherapy with chemotherapy can achieve synergy without side effects, and image-guided radiotherapy improves precision and accuracy. Nanoparticles, such as nanoshells and gold nanoparticles/gold nanoshells (AuNSs), offer advantages such as easy construction, functionalizing properties, and low immunogenicity and toxicity. These nanotechnology-based therapies have great potential for clinical application in the field of gene therapy.