Travel Grant winners at the 35th Pezcoller Symposium

Postdoctoral Researcher, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, US

Research: Our genome has evolved to contain many genes with very similar composition. The generation of proteins from these similar genes (paralogs) leads to masking of vulnerabilities in cancer. I have developed a strategy to simultaneously editing these paralog genes in cancer cell DNA to identify these hidden vulnerabilities using a method called CRISPR. Using this strategy, I have identified a previously overlooked potential drug target for hard-to-treat cancer like pancreatic and lung cancer.

What was a personal highlight of the symposium for you?

Among the variety of different research topics and outstanding presentations two talks stood out to me. One was the talk by Dr. Tyler Jacks, who presented his lab’s data on a new and unforeseen function of the complement system in cancer development. Two was the talk by Dr. Tobias Janowitz who’s talk captured the heart of the meeting’s topic with his work on IL-6 and the effects on brain and cachexia.

How was this meeting different from others you have attended?

This symposium was very special in the way that it was organised, with a lot of time for Q&A after very presentation. Additionally, it was on the smaller side, meaning that it was possible to chat with a larger number of presenting principal investigators. The keynote lectures were absolutely fantastic and the quality of presented research outstanding, a well-rounded meeting I am happy to attend again in the future.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the symposium?

I visited Trento and the surrounding area for the first time in the summer and I really enjoyed it, such a beautiful town. The food, wine and especially real Italian “gelato” are a highlight not to be missed by anyone traveling to Italy.

Have you brought back any specific knowledge that has benefited your research?

I learned a lot about strategies to prime the immune system to react to specific antigens, using simple delivery methods like “bug” (commensal bacteria). Dr. Michael A. Fischbach used a genetic method (spy-catch and spy-tag) to label amino acids onto bacteria. I am planning to use this same method to label cancer cell and combine this strategy with a genome editing approach to understand cell=cell interactions.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

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I wanted to thank the EACR, AACR, Mark Foundation and Fondazione Pezcoller for supporting and enabling my trip to the meeting, it was an amazing experience which I think will have profound impact on my current and future research work.

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Medical Oncologist, Instructor in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA

Research: Our research focuses on a new approach to treat advanced prostate cancer by blocking a process called de novo lipogenesis, which cancer cells use to produce fats essential for their growth. We found that inhibiting this process, combined with an existing prostate cancer drug called Enzalutamide, significantly reduces cancer growth. This combination therapy targets the cancer more effectively than either treatment alone. We’re now testing this in a clinical trial to find the best and safest dosage for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

What was a personal highlight of the symposium for you?

A personal highlight of the symposium for me was receiving the EACR, AACR and Mark Foundation for Cancer Research Award. The moment was made even more special by shaking hands and taking a photo with the Nobel Prize in Medicine laureate, Professor William Kaelin. The recognition was for my poster titled “De Novo Lipogenesis Inhibition Potentiates Androgen Receptor (AR) Signaling Inhibition in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)”. This award is a significant acknowledgment of the innovative research being conducted by our lab, Loda Lab, at Weill Cornell Medicine, particularly in the area of lipid metabolism in prostate cancer.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

One of the social highlights of the symposium was the opportunity to meet and network with people I had previously only met on Zoom. It was wonderful to finally meet them in person and discuss both their research and mine. Additionally, I had the chance to present my poster and received great feedback from numerous scientists, PhDs and students, which opened up potential collaborative opportunities. I even finalised some collaborations during the coffee break with the Oxford’s team, leading to the potential expansion of our trial in mCRPC presented at the poster to the Oxford University—an idea we had discussed over Zoom but could now make concrete.

At the Cantine Mezzacorona dinner, I shares the table with Francesca DeMichelis, discussing our experiences at DFCI and Weill Cornell Medicine, along with science in general and the new President of AIRC. These interactions not only enhanced my network but also enriched my experience at the symposium.

How was this symposium different from others you have attended?

This symposium stood out from others I have attended in several ways. Firstly, the high level of speakers and the quality of the discussions were exceptional. Having the chance to listen to and interact with prominent figures like Professor William Kaelin and Dr. Tyler E. Jacks brought a new level of insight and inspiration. The focus on cutting-edge topics such as tumour-immune interactions and the role of the microbiome in cancer immunotherapy was particularly impactful, reflecting the latest advancements in cancer research. Another distinguishing feature was the high level of engagement during the poster sessions. The feedback and discussions I had at my poster were incredibly valuable, leading to potential collaborations and finalising a significant collaboration. Finally, the social dinner at Cantine Mezzacorona, provided a relaxed environment to discuss science and personal experiences with esteemed colleagues.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the symposium?

Even though I am Italian, this was my first time visiting Trento, and I found it to be a beautiful, clean, and pleasant city. Despite the cloudy and rainy weather, I took the chance to explore and visit the stunning Trento Cathedral and enjoyed the atmosphere of Piazza Duomo. Mornings started with breakfast in some gorgeous local cafes, and one evening, I had dinner with collegues at Forstbräu Trento, where I enjoyed typical regional dishes like canederli and tasted local beer, such as Forst Kronen. I also bought some souvenirs for the members of my lab and two good bottles of Trentino wine to bring back to the USA.

How has the symposium inspired you in your research?

I presented at the poster session the preliminary data and the design of a new phase I trial targeting lipid metabolism and AR targeted therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Despite the primary aim of evaluating the dose of the two drugs in humans, we will also collect tissue and blood samples for exploratory endpoints. The symposium inspired me to expand these exploratory endpoints to include the study of the microbiome and other immunotherapy biomarkers. The discussions and lectures, particularly those focusing on the role of the microbiome in cancer immunotherapy and immune modulation, provided new perspectives on potential biomarkers that could be crucial for our study.

Have you brought back any specific knowledge that has benefited your research?

Yes, I have brought back specific knowledge from the symposium that has significantly benefited my research. One of the most impactful insights was the role of the microbiome in cancer immunotherapy. Previously, the microbiome was an unexplored and somewhat vague area of research for me. However, the presentations and discussions at the symposium helped me understand its importance, role, and future prospects much more clearly. The detailed exploration of the microbiome’s interaction with cancer treatment, particularly in the talks by Marcel R. M. van den Brink and Michael A. Fischbach, illuminated the many open questions and potential research pathways in this field. This newfound understanding has inspired us to explore the possibility to incorporate microbiome analysis into our exploratory endpoints for our phase I trial targeting lipid metabolism and AR therapy in mCRPC presented at the poster session.

When you got home, is there anything from the symposium that you immediately wanted to tell your colleagues about?

When I got home, the first thing I wanted to share with my colleagues, who focus on the tumour microenvironment and mouse models in prostate cancer, was the profound insights from Dr. Tyler E. Jacks’ keynote lecture on “Investigating tumour-immune interactions using genetically engineered mouse models of cancer.” His innovative approach and findings have significant implications for our own research, particularly in understanding the complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment. I also emphasised the importance of attending the next Pezcoller Symposium because it aligns so well with their research interests. The quality of the presentations and the depth of discussions were exceptional, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration that could greatly benefit their work. The symposium is a unique opportunity to gain cutting-edge insights and engage with leading experts in the field, which I believe would be immensely beneficial for their ongoing and future projects.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

It was my first Pezcoller Symposium. I’d like to highlight that the symposium was a great meeting with high-level speakers. The overall organisation and atmosphere of the symposium were exceptional. The high-quality presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities created an environment conducive to learning and collaboration. I’d like thank the Pezcoller Foundation for organising such a stimulating and enriching event. The knowledge and connections gained from this symposium will have a lasting impact on my research and professional growth. I look forward to attending future symposiums and continuing to engage with this innovative research community.

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PhD Student, Monash University, Malaysia

Research: Cancer cells can communicate with normal cells in the body, influencing their behaviour in significant ways. In glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive adult brain tumour, patients often exhibit signs of cognitive impairment even before a formal diagnosis. Therefore, I am on a mission to understanding how interactions between glioblastoma cells and cholinergic neurons impact the behaviour of both cell types. Cholinergic neurons are neurons that modulate cognitive functions in the brain. To explore this crosstalk, I delve into the cellular and molecular intricacies of both cancer cells and neurons using flow cytometry and proteomics. Gaining insights into how glioblastoma affects cognitive functions can enhance our understanding of the early progression of this challenging disease.

What was a personal highlight of the symposium for you?

I was particularly excited about the talk by Prof. Michelle Monje, whose work I have been following since I started my PhD. Her research focuses on neuronal-glioma interactions and how glioma cells harness neurodevelopmental mechanisms for tumour progression. Her inspiring studies underscore the importance of bridging neuroscience and brain cancer research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of brain cancers.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

The symposium dinner and poster sessions provided excellent opportunities for networking with experts and fellow researchers. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with people from various countries, learning more about their work and listening to their personal experiences. I find it very refreshing to hear about the different perspectives and research approaches employed by other groups. Furthermore, it is always fascinating to discover that, despite coming from different countries, we share similar experiences in certain aspects of our research journeys.

How was this symposium different from others you have attended?

This symposium is conducted on a smaller scale with a more focused theme, creating an approachable and conducive setting for attendees to engage in in-depth discussions and exchange ideas. In addition to the keynote speech and lectures, the symposium includes a career development panel discussion. It was truly enlightening to listen to experts from diverse backgrounds share the ups and downs of their professional journeys and offer valuable advice to young researchers. The nurturing and supportive environment makes me feel included, as part of a vibrant community of cancer researchers.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the symposium?

I arrived in Bologna, Italy a few days before the conference before headed to Trento. This gave me ample time to explore both cities. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the basilicas, cathedrals, museums, and historical sites, immersing myself in the rich history of the cities. In Trento, during my free time outside the symposium, I loved strolling along the winding cobblestone streets and the riverbank, admiring the historic architecture and soaking in the beautiful scenery, with hills and mountains surrounding the city. I was captivated by the breathtaking nature, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine of the Northern region of Italy. This has been an unforgettable experience for me.

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Professor, Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, CIGB, Havana, Cuba

Research: Our experimental work at CIGB, Havana, Cuba is related to developing and testing a VEGF-based vaccine (HEBERSaVax) in advanced cancer patients. So far, we have evidence of the excellent safety profile of the treatment. In the last few years, we have accumulated data on patients’ VEGF-specific humoral and cellular responses. Results from three phase I and two phase II clinical trials indicate a relationship between the induced immune response and patients’ survival, hence we are moving ahead with phase II-III clinical trial evaluation of the vaccine in Ovarian and Colorectal cancer and in Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

What was a personal highlight of the symposium for you?

The 35th Pezcoller Symposium was a remarkable experience. A personal highlight for me was attending the lectures by Dr. Ben Z. Stanger, Peter S. Nelson, and Dr Sophia M. Guldberg, on the latest advancements in the comprehension of Cancer and the dynamics of this complex disease. Their presentations not only provided cutting-edge insights, but also demonstrated that there´s still room for new therapeutic approaches that could revolutionize cancer treatment. In general, their ability to convey complex scientific concepts with clarity and enthusiasm was truly inspiring.

How was this meeting different from others you have attended?

The 35th Pezcoller Symposium stood out from other conferences I have attended due to its intimate and focused format. It was remarkable to see so many facets of the tumour microenvironment. In most cancer-focused events, this is an important issue but in general, the talks are scattered in different rooms and it is impossible to see it all. I liked the programme design and the fact that it was only one room. Unlike larger conferences, this symposium facilitated deeper interactions and more meaningful discussions among participants. The smaller number of attendees allowed for more personalised interactions with speakers and fellow researchers, fostering a collaborative environment.

How has the symposium inspired you in your research?

The symposium inspired me profoundly in my research. The diverse range of lectures and the innovative ideas presented have given me new perspectives on my work. Particularly, the emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of new technologies in cancer research, have motivated me to explore novel methodologies in my projects.

When you got home, is there anything from the congress that you immediately wanted to tell your colleagues about?

I´ve shared my impressions of the meeting with my colleagues via mail. Upon my return, I´ll offer lectures to my department (Pharmaceutics) at CIGB to summarize the principal highlights. I foresee a lively debate in our meetings and a radical change in the experimental designs of our current studies. Also, the symposium has prompted discussions about potential collaborative projects with other research groups.

Have you brought back any specific knowledge that has benefited your research?

One specific piece of knowledge from the symposium is the innovative use of lentiviral transduced hematopoietic stem cells with tumor-targeting capabilities for the increased expression of IFN or IL2 in the tumor niche. Besides aiding CAR-T activity, as presented by Professor Luigi Naldini, this strategy might cooperate with other active immunotherapeutic strategies like vaccines.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

The poster session was magnificent and allowed for fruitful exchanges between participants. I would also like to mention the excellent organisation of the symposium. The event was well-structured, with ample opportunities for networking and engaging with speakers. The organisers did a fantastic job of curating a program that balanced scientific rigor with opportunities for social interaction. The overall atmosphere was conducive to learning and collaboration, making the 35th Pezcoller Symposium a truly memorable and impactful experience.

I look forward to applying the knowledge and inspiration gained from this symposium to my future research endeavors and hope to attend future Pezcoller Symposia to continue building on this incredible experience.

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Research Investigator in the Tuveson Lab, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, US

Research: I study mechanisms of pancreatic cancer progression with the ultimate goal of developing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this terrible disease. In particular, I am interested in understanding how pre-cancerous cells become cancerous and how this could be prevented.

What was a personal highlight of the symposium for you?

The 35th Pezcoller Symposium was a great conference in the beautiful Trento. The topics discussed were relevant and very interesting lectures were delivered from high-level scientists. My favourite presentation was the one from Prof. Jacks where we got to learn that antigen presentation by cancer cells through MHC class II is important to improve immune infiltration and, consequently, tumour clearance. This discovery opens up exciting avenues for the effective design of tumour-specific vaccines.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

As previous Pezcoller Symposiums I attended, this meeting was a great opportunity to have scientific discussions with other researchers from around the world, re-connect with old friends and network with leading experts in cancer research in a welcoming space. The delicious dinner at the stunning Cantina Rotari was the cherry on the top. I was in pleasant company and had fun conversations with old and new friends for the entire evening. Thank you to the organisers for putting together this excellent meeting. Looking forward to future ones.