The third congress of the “Serbian Association for Cancer Research” with international participation, titled “Challenges in Cancer Research: Application of New Findings to Improve Diagnosis and Therapy”.
The congress brought together 93 cancer researchers, clinicians, and PhD students from Serbia and seven other countries. Dr. Mirjana Branković-Magić, Principal Research Fellow and president of the Serbian Association for Cancer Research (SDIR), opened the congress with a warm welcome to the participants. The ceremonial opening was also attended by Dr. Nikola Tanić, Principal Research Fellow and Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Republic of Serbia. Responsible for Science, who delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the Ministry. Representing the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Nikitović, Assistant Director for Scientific Research and Educational Activities, greeted the attendees as well.
In addition to lectures on basic research, congress participants had the opportunity to learn about ways to translate new findings into clinical practice. It was emphasized that studying new genetic markers in patients with malignant diseases is of exceptional clinical significance in selecting therapies. Serbian researchers presented how new approaches, important for prevention and treatment strategies for malignant diseases, can be successfully implemented in daily practice. The significance of epigenetics in the molecular diagnosis of malignant diseases was also highlighted. The success of immunotherapy in treating melanoma underscored the importance of immunological biomarkers, which could contribute to improved clinical outcomes and reduced side effects.
Next-generation sequencing, as a pivotal technique in hereditary cancer genetics, has yielded intriguing new insights into the role of novel genes in the etiology of malignant diseases. On the other hand, this technology has raised numerous ethical questions, such as the handling of incidental findings and genetic variants with currently unknown clinical significance.
In radiobiology, methodological approaches were discussed for assessing the toxic effects of radiotherapy. The potential clinical relevance of miRNAs and cytokines as prognostic and predictive biomarkers was highlighted.
During the panel discussion on new models in cancer research, participants discussed in vitro (2D and 3D) and animal models, their advantages and limitations. New strategies in the fight against malignant diseases were also examined.
Our society had the exceptional honor and pleasure of hosting distinguished international lecturers, leading experts in oncology, at the congress:
• Dr. Nicola Normanno, Director, Department of Cell Biology and Biotherapy, Department of Translational Research, INT-G. Pascale Foundation, Naples, Italy
• Prof. Drakoulis Yannoukakos, Research Director, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, INRASTES, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” Athens, Greece
• Prof. Srđan Novaković, Honorary member of SDIR, Director of the Molecular Diagnostics Department, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (sponsored by EACR)
• Prof. Esat Mahmut Özsahin, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland (sponsored by EACR)
• Dr. Ignacio Ochoa Garrido, Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (sponsored by EACR)
• Prof. Engin Ulukaya, Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Director of the Cancer Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
• Prof. Konstantinos Dimas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
On Friday, October 6th, the poster session included 43 high-quality presentations. The awards committee, comprising Prof. Dr. Zvonko Magić, Prof. Dr. Srđan Novaković, and Prof. Dr. Engin Ulukaya, awarded three prizes for the best posters the following day, thanks to the financial support of EACR (first prize €200, and second and third prizes €100 each).
The EACR first prize for best poster was awarded to Dr. Ana Krivokuća, a Research Associate from the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, for her poster titled “Frequency of the Ala91Val PRF1 Germline Mutation in Breast and Ovarian Cancer Patients in Serbia.” The EACR second prize went to Stevo Jovandić from the Institute for Medical Research of the Military Medical Academy for his poster titled “Differences in BRAF Mutation Status Between Primary and Metastatic Melanoma Lesions.” Jelena Marjanović Vićentić from the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering won the third prize for her poster presentation titled “SOX1 Promotes Glioblastoma Malignancy.”
On Friday evening, a cocktail party was held at District Bar, offering congress participants the opportunity to socialize and enjoy the live music and pleasant atmosphere.
The Third SDIR Congress was accredited by the Health Council of Serbia under Decision No. A-1-1778/17.
The Serbian Association of Cancer Researchers is deeply grateful to the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR), the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, and the “Siniša Stanković” Institute for Biological Research for their financial support in organizing the congress.
We are also very thankful to all our sponsors for their support of SDIR-3:
GENERAL SPONSOR: AstraZeneca
GOLD SPONSORS: Labena d.o.o. and ELTA 90 Medical Science d.o.o. Belgrade
SILVER SPONSORS: Roche d.o.o., DSP Chromatography d.o.o., Vivogen d.o.o., and Unichem d.o.o.
The Serbian Association of Cancer Researchers extends its gratitude to all invited speakers for their outstanding presentations and invaluable contributions to discussions during the sessions.
We would like to thank all congress participants for their contributions to its success. As an association, we are truly pleased to see the enthusiastic participation of young researchers, eager to present their results and engage in discussions. We hope the congress provided an opportunityfor them to exchange experiences with colleagues, enjoy the social atmosphere, and establish new collaborations.