Cancer Grand Challenges Conference: extrachromosomal DNA

This inaugural Cancer Grand Challenges Conference aims to unite a diverse range of researchers—from laboratory scientists to clinical practitioners, both within and beyond the extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) field. The goal is to foster an interdisciplinary environment for discussing emerging concepts, addressing key questions, strategizing future research directions, and exploring the potential of this exciting area. As tools, datasets, pioneering technologies, and experimental models have significantly advanced, the ecDNA field is now primed for innovation, welcoming new investigators. Beyond sharing cutting-edge science, this meeting is dedicated to building and strengthening an open, collaborative, and inclusive community to accelerate scientific progress for the benefit of patients.

The conference will cover topics from the fundamental mechanisms of ecDNA formation, maintenance, function (including transcription, replication, and inheritance), and how they co-opt existing cellular processes or establish new ones. It will also explore the involvement of ecDNAs in various cancers and their significance in understanding tumour initiation, progression, evolution, and treatment resistance. Furthermore, the event will showcase novel technologies for generating, manipulating, and studying ecDNAs in human and animal tissues, bioinformatic tools for their detection, and chemical probes as instruments for understanding and targeting ecDNA.