Challenging the traditional understanding of metastasis

One of the highlights of the event was Professor Richard Gilbertson's ground-breaking presentation challenging the traditional understanding of metastasis. Gilbertson proposed a provocative model suggesting that metastasis is not exclusive to cancer cells but is a normal process for both healthy and cancerous cells. He emphasized that organs can share cells, challenging the decades-old belief that only cancer cells can spread around the body. This ground-breaking insight has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of metastasis.

As Gilbertson stated, "This is the first time it’s been shown that metastasis is, in fact, a normal process, and it’s not only cancer cells that can spread around the body, a belief that’s been held for decades."

The next generation of cancer researchers

As part of our efforts to reach out to the next generation of researchers, we have invited a group of MSc students from Utrecht University to join our event in Amsterdam.

Tobias Dansen, Associate Professor at UMC Utrecht, expressed his gratitude: "Fantastic line-up and very inspiring talks! Thank you for the great opportunity! Also very nice to meet many alumni that participated in this course before, who are now researchers in Oncode Institute labs."

Networking & knowledge exchange

The Annual Meeting always makes the perfect platform for knowledge exchange and networking, which are the base of advancing collaborative efforts within the Oncode community. These interactions set the tone for future engagements and advancements in cancer research.

Overall, the event was a success, bringing together a wide diversity of ‘food-for-thought’ topics and enabling discussions and collaboration.

We would like to thank the Scientific Committee, our speakers and sponsors, and everyone that participated. See you all next year!