Barcelona, 18 November 2024 – Between 18 and 20 November, the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) is hosting the 42nd Barcelona BioMed Conference, entitled "Molecular Determinants of Cancer Therapy Resistance" . Funded by the BBVA Foundation, the event brings together the scientific community to discuss the latest findings on how tumours respond to therapies and develop resistance. The conference is being held at the historic Casa de Convalescència in Barcelona.
Despite significant advances in cancer therapies over the past decade, treatment resistance remains one of the greatest challenges in the fight against this disease. Resistance mechanisms are not only intrinsic to cancer cells but also involve stromal cells that make up the tumour microenvironment.
"Understanding how and why tumours develop resistance to therapies is crucial for designing more effective and lasting treatments, " says Dr. Angel R. Nebreda , ICREA researcher and co-organiser of the conference. " This event will provide a unique platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration across diverse disciplines".
The conference will cover mechanistic studies, genetic analyses, and the role of cellular plasticity and the tumour microenvironment. New therapeutic approaches will also be discussed.
The event is co-organised by Dr. Nebreda, Dr. Clare M. Isacke from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London and Dr. Marcos Malumbres, an ICREA researcher from the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) in Barcelona.
A multidisciplinary approach to a complex problem
In recent years, research on cancer therapy resistance has revealed that tumour cells can adapt and survive even the most advanced treatments. Mechanisms such as alterations in cellular signalling pathways, modifications to the cell cycle, and tumour cell plasticity play crucial roles in this process. Furthermore, various types of cells within the tumour microenvironment have been shown to contribute to resistance, adding further complexity to the therapeutic landscape.
"Addressing therapy resistance requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes not only molecular scientists and clinical staff, but also experts in genomics, bioinformatics, and other fields," emphasises Dr. Malumbres . "We hope that the discussions and connections fostered here will drive new research that has a real impact in the clinic," he concludes.