An Integrated Approach to Diagnosis and Therapy in Cancer

Abstract

Cancer is one of the major non-communicable diseases (NCD) worldwide, accounting for 22% deaths in 2012 worldwide. The number of cases is projected to increase to 17 million by 2020. According to ICMR, almost half of the cases will be in Asia with more than 17 lakh cases expected to occur in India by 2020. In such a scenario, early diagnosis and cost-effective treatment will play a major role in effective patient management. Developing the infrastructure required to cater to a vast population requires substantial effort in research and development. The National Symposium on “An Integrated Approach to Diagnosis and Therapy in Cancer” aims to create awareness about cancer etiology and stimulate the interest of students in cancer research. It has become unequivocally evident that tumor development depends on the intricate reciprocal interplay of tumor cells with their local and distant environments. Mutations in genes regulating cell cycle/cell proliferation can also contribute to tumorigenesis and is of great relevance in both diagnosis and disease management. One of the major focus of the symposia is developing diagnostics and therapeutics through translational research. The invited speakers will make presentations on emerging areas in cancer research like nanomedicine, personalized medicine, etc. Reputed clinicians and researchers will provide different perspectives on cancer biology. Thus, this symposium aims at a comprehensive functional understanding on the integrated role of physical and life sciences in diagnostics and therapeutics of cellular and molecular events that are responsible for the plasticity of tumor cells. Moreover, it will bring together experts in cancer and molecular biology who will share their expertise on a new generation of effective diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches in cancer. One of the objectives of the symposium is to provide students and researchers with a platform for the exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas towards a comprehensive approach in cancer biology. It provides them with an ample opportunity to present their research work related to the conference theme.