Welcome

Dear Colleagues,

We cordially welcome you to the 7th International Symposium on Minimal Residual Cancer in Athens.

Minimal Residual Cancer is defined as the presence of tumour cells that are not detectable by the current routine diagnostic procedures used for tumour staging in cancer patients after surgical removal of the primary tumour. Disseminating Tumour Cells (DTCs) present in bone marrow and Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) present in the peripheral blood can now be detected and characterized at the single cell level. These cells are highly relevant to the study of the biology of early metastatic spread and provide a diagnostic source in patients with overt metastases. Research on DTCs and CTCs present nowadays a challenge, as these cells are well defined targets for understanding tumour biology and improving cancer treatment.

The 7th International Symposium on Minimal Residual Cancer is focusing on the technical advancements in the detection and characterization of DTCs and CTCs, and their present use in cancer staging and real time monitoring of systemic anticancer therapies, as well as the specific biological properties and molecular characteristics of these cells. A particular emphasis has been given on the relationship of these cells to cancer stem cells and the relevance of recent findings for the development and use of new targeted therapies in oncology. Our main objective, was to organize a symposium where latest research will be presented by prominent and established researchers in the field and which will bring together and stimulate intense discussions between both basic and clinical researchers in the field.

For us, this effort was a sourse of creative joy and stimulating pleasure that we welcome you to share with us along with professionals of international scientific reputation.

Welcome in Athens!

Evi S. Lianidou, PhD, University of Athens, Greece
Dimitris Mavroudis, MD, PhD, University of Crete, Greece
Klaus Pantel, MD, PhD, University of Hamburg, Germany