GMRI scientists give keynote addresses at the 10th International Conference on Cancer Stem Cells and Oncology Research
Executive Director Dr Swee Tan and Chief Scientific Officer Dr Tinte Itinteang recently returned from London where they delivered two keynote addresses at the 10th International Conference on Cancer Stem Cells and Oncology Research. The theme of the conference was Cancer Stem Cells: Targeting the Roots of Cancer.
Dr Tan said the conference was a fantastic opportunity to network with leading scientists in cancer stem cell research and to share research and ideas.
“The conference confirmed to us the growing scientific interest and excitement about the central role of cancer stem cells in cancer, and the rapid progress being made in this field of research,” said Dr Tan.
The international conference was attended by delegates from North America, the UK, Continental Europe, Asia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and many other countries.
Dr Tan said being invited to present not only one but two keynote addresses was an honour and a recognition that the GMRI is at the forefront of research based on the concept that cancer stem cells are the origin of cancer.
Dr Itinteang said the GMRI received very positive feedback on its work from a number of leading researchers in this area as well as offers of future collaboration.
“People were really interested in what we are doing and it confirmed to me that the GMRI is at the forefront of cancer stem cell research, surpassing even some of the well known universities and research institutes,” said Dr Itinteang.
“For instance we discovered we are the only researchers looking at the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the regulation of cancer stem cells, as well as the only group using a range of cancer samples directly obtained from patients and cells we have directly derived from these samples.
“It also appears that the GMRI is the furthest advanced in working out how to translate our lab research into the real world where it will make a big difference in peoples’ lives,” said Dr Itinteang.
In addition to delivering the keynote speeches, the GMRI also won the Best Poster Award for a poster presentation titled ‘Cancer Stem Cells in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma’, in collaboration with Dr Andrew Kennedy-Smith, a urologist at CCDHB and Southern Cross Hospital.
Executive Director Dr Swee Tan delivering his keynote address
