Amy Skubitz, Ph.D., discusses her research on the identification and validation of ovarian cancer biomarkers.

Over 75 people participated in a scientific retreat of the Masonic Cancer Center's Tumor Biology and Progression and Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer research programs February 23-24, 2009 at the Radisson University Hotel on the University of Minnesota campus. The goal of the retreat was for program members to learn more about the capabilities and resources that the cancer center offers its members and to identify possible new collaborations with members of either program.

Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program Leader David Largaespada, Ph.D., opened the meeting with a discussion of the goals of the Masonic Cancer Center over the next four-year NCI grant period. The retreat agenda included presentations from representatives of seven of the cancer center's shared resources along with the Institute for Therapeutics and Development, the Center for Translational Medicine, and the Animal Cancer Care Research program. Research presentations in the areas of tumor microenvironment, signaling, transcription, genetics/biomarkers, and therapy were given by 22 program members. Also, a poster session was held in which members of the researchers' laboratories presented their work.

"The retreat resulted in many new interactions and a lot of exchange of ideas," Largaespada said. "Ideas about enhanced shared resources were also discussed. I hope to see new initiatives coming from this meeting. We're strongly considering dong this annually."

Researchers, postdoctoral associates and graduate students discuss poster presentations.