Quantitative Hallmarks of the Tumor Microenvironment

This GRS on Physical Science of Cancer will precede the 2023 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on the same topic. The goal of this GRS is to connect researchers and research outputs from diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and leading centers, to create a unique and intellectually stimulating environment, with a particular focus on fostering new generations of independent investigators. Presentations should be accessible to a broad audience, provide insight on innovative techniques, challenges encountered, and creative solutions. All speakers are encouraged to highlight quantitative nature, reproducibility, and standardization aspects of methods and results presented. The GRS provides a welcoming environment for junior investigators and young researchers to explore novel and exciting ideas in their field and allows them to build a professional network with their peers. Participants of the GRS are welcome to send questions and suggestions for this session to the GRS Chairs in advance of the meeting.

The tumor microenvironment is regulated by a complex interplay between biological, immune, and physical phenomena. New and exciting techniques are being developed to probe the tumor microenvironment. This enhances our understanding of the biophysical processes involved in a variety of interesting phenomena, including tumor regulation, growth, metastasis, immune infiltration, immune evasion, and response or resistance to therapy. Studying these mechanisms allows for the development of novel therapies which modulate the microenvironment towards a more favorable phenotype. This Gordon Research Seminar will present an integrated approach to quantifying microenvironmental hallmarks of cancer. Presentations and abstracts will be organized in two sections: 1) quantitative methods, and 2) predictive biomarkers and translational approaches. This effort will dissect and refine the way we ask and answer questions in the Physics of Cancer community and provide a forum to learn about new integrated quantitative methods that are being developed in this field. We will focus on new models, technologies, and findings that uncover the secrets of the cancer-immune microenvironment. The goal of this meeting is to provide early-career researchers an opportunity to envision, design, and present their own research to a broad audience, and form lasting relationships and collaborations within the cancer research community.