Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Beyond: Lessons and Learnings from Virus-Associated Carcinomas

Please note applications to this conference will be available for an additional week, due to the scheduled myGRC system outage on April 8th, 2022.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) are 2 common head and neck epithelial cancers that are associated with viral infection. Although both cancers arise from the pharynx, their anatomic and geographic distribution as well as viral linkage are distinct. NPC, which is linked to the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), is localized to the nasopharynx, and has the highest incidence in Southeast Asia, North Africa, Greenland, and Alaska. In contrast OPC, which is commonly linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is localized to the oropharynx, and has the highest incidence in white males in the Western hemisphere. The etiologies of these two unique cancers include three significant co-factors: host genetics, viral infection, and environmental influences. How these factors contribute to the development of the two cancers is the research focus of numerous laboratories worldwide. Because of their locations and proclivity for early lymphatic spread, both NPC and OPC are diagnosed at advanced stage, requiring aggressive therapy. Understanding how different infections drive normal cells to become cancerous, how these cells escape from immune surveillance, and their molecular signatures for early diagnosis as well as for development of novel therapies are expected to improve treatment and outcomes. The convergence of a virus infection, host genetics, immune function, and epidemiological factors, makes these two cancers powerful models to dissect out the host-virus-environment interactions, thereby yielding insights into tumor pathogenesis. Most importantly, by discussing the two different virally driven cancers in the same forum, the meeting will catalyze collaborations and advances the pace of research in both cancers.

The 2022 Gordon Research Conference on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma aims to feature cutting edge basic, translational and clinical research in NPC and OPC and provide an unique forum for idea exchange among basic scientists, clinicians, and industry representatives which will help to expand the translation of new knowledge to patient care. The meeting will also feature research by new investigators and trainees through short talks selected from submitted abstracts. We believe that the scientific environment created at the meeting will help to advance the field of NPC and OPC research and to improve the overall care and cure of the patients.