ecDNA and the Genomic Chaos of Cancer

ecDNA and the Genomic Chaos of Cancer is organized by European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) and will be held from Feb 23 - 24, 2027.

Description:
Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) has emerged as a major driving force in cancer, promoting intratumoral genetic heterogeneity, elevated oncogene copy number, rapid tumor evolution and treatment resistance, resulting in shorter survival for patients with many different types of cancer. ecDNA is a genetic, epigenetic, and immunological problem, changing how oncogenes, immunomodulatory genes, and gene regulatory elements are inherited and how they function.  

Recent recognition of ecDNA’s enabling role as a hallmark of cancer, particularly as it results from, and promotes genome instability, has highlighted the critical need to better understand its underlying biology.  

Advances in the field are happening rapidly, and this first EACR virtual conference on the topic will address some of the most recent exciting science that promises to transform our understanding of cancer and translate into benefit for patients. 

Topics to be covered:

• Core ecDNA biology and its underlying mechanisms
• Novel tools and technologies for studying ecDNA, including in patients
• Evolution and modeling of ecDNA during cancer development, progression, metastases, and therapeutic resistance
• Clinical and diagnostic aspects of ecDNA and a vision for the future