Elucidating Pathogenic Mechanisms and Developing Novel Therapeutics

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial carcinoma of the head and neck region which highly concentrates in particular geographic regions such as Southeast Asia. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 129,000 new cases of NPC occurred worldwide in 2018. Etiology of NPC is complex involving genetic susceptibility, exposure to physical or chemical carcinogenic factors and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. To elucidate its pathogenic mechanisms and develop novel therapy against it, researchers have made significant progress in various fields ranging from discovering new roles of EBV in NPC pathogenesis, revealing genetic landscape and signaling pathways to developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Moreover, 2024 will represent the 60th anniversary since the discovery of EBV in 1964. As EBV is associated with diverse tumors of both lymphoid and epithelial origin, it is paramount to investigate not only EBV’s role in NPC oncogenesis but also in other types of malignancies. The Gordon Research Conference on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, 2024 aims to provide an open forum for international investigators to interact and update the most advanced findings in EBV and NPC research. Keynote and other sessions highlight major advances in cancer research and explore potential application to NPC research. Specific sessions concerning EBV and NPC pathogenesis, tumor microenvironment, epidemiology, genomics and epigenetics, pre-clinical models, immunology and vaccine, biomarker, clinical trial and novel therapy as well as future challenges in basic, translational and clinical research will be set. This conference will bring together internationally renowned basic and clinical scientists to exchange cutting-edge information, brainstorm novel concepts in EBV and NPC research, identify specific challenges and formulate innovative treatment strategies against this intriguing cancer.