Day One

• Highlighting the pros and cons of CDX and PDX models
• Discussing strategies to empower tumour model selection to better study underserved patient populations
• Leveraging findings from the models to tackle ADC payload toxicity and dosing strategies for mice versus humans

• Understanding the rationale behind working with complex in vitro 3D models
• Discussing best practice to culture/develop complex in vitro models that accurately recapitulate the patient context
• Linking data from complex in vitro models with in vivo models and clinical data to uncover their translational relevance and enhance predictability power

As the tumour modelling community is reunited, this valuable session will ensure you get the chance to reconnect with peers and make brand new connections! This structured networking opportunity will pair you with fellow attendees for several 3-minute introductions, ensuring you have the opportunity to meet and network with your industry colleagues.

• Developing first and best in class cytokines with enhanced biological activity using a site-specific chemical conjugation approach
• Navigating the complexity of choosing appropriate tumour models to assess efficacy—including limitations of PDX/CDX, immune deficient systems, and the need for models that accurately recapitulate cytokine–immune cell interactions and tissue specific targeting
• Dissecting the mechanism of action of these molecules using the right tumour model

This session is your opportunity to share your most pressing challenges, and work as a group to come up with solutions that you can implement right away! Each topic area will have several small groups, and each group will have 30 minutes to discuss ways to overcome barriers in tumour model selection and preclinical oncology. Groups will then share their findings during the last 10 minutes with all attendees, giving you maximum exposure to new ideas!

Topics Include:

1. Predictivity Power: Which Models Are Truly Translational Across Modalities?
2. Cost vs Predictive Value: What’s the True ROI of Complex Tumour Models?
3. Tumour Microenvironment Complexity: How Much is Enough for Each Modality?
4. Benchmarking: Can We Standardise Tumour Model Quality & Validation?

• Evaluating in vivo systems for small molecules and immuno-oncology agents, and identifying factors that influence predictive accuracy
• Addressing common pitfalls such as overinterpretation and variability in terminated studies to refine efficacy assessment
• Implementing strategies to improve data relevance, including better understanding of tumour microenvironment and immune interactions

Take this opportunity to connect with peers working on similar tumour model modalities or explore cross-disciplinary insights with those from different specialisms. These informal breakout sessions are designed to help you soundboard challenges, share learnings, and build meaningful connections. It’s also a great moment to reflect on the day’s discussions and strategise your next steps. This session will take place in the conference room.

• Understanding the different tumour models used in drug discovery and development across the field
• Exploring the various questions and contexts of use for each main model type
• How did you overcome hurdles encountered with your model when trying to better understand your drug/target?

• Spotlighting the development and application of organoids and PDX models to study adaptive responses to targeted therapies and immunotherapies in prostate cancer
• Demonstrating the translational relevance of patient-derived cell lines, CDX, PDX, PDOs and PDXOs and discussing their pros and cons
• Using clinical data from Phase I and II trials to better understand mechanism of resistance and pathology to develop better therapeutic strategies with a focus on enhancing clinical relevance and predictability power of the models