Cancer & Stem Cells Agenda

Noninvasive Techniques for Monitoring Cell Trafficking and Enhanced Homing as part of Cellular Therapy
Joseph Frank, Senior Investigator, National Institutes of Health, United States of America

This presentation will discuss the current available translatable technologies for monitoring the migration of cells in the clinic and what are the pros and cons for using these approaches in tracking cell distribution and fate. In addition, a noninvasive method to enhance homing of stem cells to target tissues will be presented.

Coffee Break and Networking in the Exhibition Hall

Development of New Agents to Treat the Stem Cell Component of Human Prostate Cancers based on Gene Expression Profiling
Norman Maitland, Director, University of York, United Kingdom

Data on experimental approaches for the development of stem cell therapies to treat prostate cancer will be presented. Since stem cells are exquisitely programmed to resist destruction, new pre-clinical assays and agents are required.

Expression of Oncogenic Ras in Lgr5-positive Stem Cells Elicits Tumour Formation
Silvana Libertini, PostDoc, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, United Kingdom

A Brief introduction on cancer stem cells, followed by data supporting the possible role of Lgr5+ve cells as cell of origin for skin squamous cell carcinomas and other tumours.  

Lunch Break and Networking in Exhibition Hall

Poster Viewing Session

Cancelled - Due to Family Illness
Robert Wieder, Professor of Medicine, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, United States of America

Market Trends in the use of Stem Cells for Cancer Therapeutics: From BMTs to Cord Blood
Enal Razvi, Managing Director, Select Biosciences Inc, United States of America

Select Biosciences industry coverage of the stem cells field covers many market segments. In this presentation, we focus upon the use of various classes of stem cells for hematological and solid tumor therapies. Presented here are the use of bone marrow, peripheral blood, and cord blood and the associated market trends. Also, we present the current research efforts in the hematological cancer space plus an analysis of the clinical trials pipeline. Taken together, this presentation will provide a market assessment of the utility of stem cells in cancer therapeutics.

Coffee Break and Networking in the Exhibition Hall

End of Day One

Cancer Stem-Like Cells from Colon and Lung Tumors Provide Tools for Drug Discovery and Development
Jennie Mather, Senior Vice President, MacroGenics Inc, United States of America

We have created a series of unique cancer stem cell lines that self renew, reconstitute patient-like tumors from a single cloned cell, and metastasize from xenografts.  These lines are used as drug discovery and screening tools.

Coffee Break and Networking in the Exhibition Hall

The Role of Biorepositories in the Advancement of Cellular Therapy Research
Rosario Isasi, Research Associate, McGill University, Canada

This presentation will provide an overview of how biorepositories are contributing to the advancement of cellular therapy and research, with particular focus on efforts directed at the harmonization of ethical, governance and regulatory requirements. Finally, best practices for cell biorepositories as developed by the International Stem Cell Banking Initiative (ISCBI) will be highlighted.

The Legal Gateways to the European Market for (Stem) Cell Based Therapies
Timo Faltus, Research Associate, Martin-Luther-University, Germany

The presentation illustrates the legal gateways to the European market for (stem-) cell based products from (basic) research to market approval, reimbursement and patent strategies.

Lunch Break and Networking in Exhibition Hall

Poster Viewing Session

Production of Hematopoietic Cells From ES and IPS Cells
Eric Bouhassira, Professor/Principal Investigator, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, United States of America

The Future of Stem Cell Banking
Brian Freed, Professor, University of Colorado School of Medicine, United States of America

Umbilical cord blood is now an FDA-licensed biological drug, which has ramifications for the future of all hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cell products.  The international Cellular Therapy Alliance is now promoting the use of cellular therapy products worldwide in an effort to standardize procedures and reduce regulatory burdens. 

Close of Conference