Multimodal Nano-Therapies Against Cancer

The 2017 Cancer Nanotechnology Gordon Research Conference (GRC) provides a unique forum where scientists at every stage of their career can share unpublished, innovative cancer research made possible by the use of nanotechnology. Held biennially since 2011, the 2017 Cancer Nanotechnology GRC is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and important meetings in the field. For the fist time in the history of the Cancer Nanotechnology GRC a student-led Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will also be held over the weekend preceding the 2017 Cancer Nanotechnology GRC on June 17-18, 2017 at the same location. Nanotechnology is a burgeoning field of study in science and engineering. Its application for cancer diagnosis, imaging, therapy, and prognosis has been a focal point of attention in biomedicine. Most nanomedicine studies are concentrated in cancer. Due to the presence of leaky vasculature and defective lymphatic drainage in solid tumors, nanoparticles selectively accumulate in the tumor via the mechanism of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Thus, nanoparticles are uniquely suitable for delivering diagnostic and/or imaging agents, chemo and gene drugs, and agents to enhance the activity of immunotherapy to the tumor. Nanoparticles also offer an amplification mechanism for bioanalytical detection and sensor devices for cancer markers. It is not surprising that the number of publications in cancer nanotechnology had increased rapidly to about 500-600 per year. The conference will bring together a lively group of exceptional scientists in order to: 1) share cutting-edge research in cancer nanotechnology by experts representing the whole spectrum of life sciences; 2) foster discussion, exchange of ideas, and promote collaborations and 3) enhance the training and development of young scientists and promote diversity. A high priority of the Cancer Nanotechnology GRC and GRS is to increase the diversity of participants. Towards this goal, funds are requested for travel and registration support of female and under-represented speakers.