20th ESUR Meeting: giving research an international dimension

Abstract submission closes 15 June, and registration is possible at a reduced rate until 25 July. Prof. Zoran Culig (Innsbruck), ESUR Chairman, explains the nature of the Meeting’s scientific content.

Meeting topics
“Firstly, we are focussing on getting a better understanding of dual androgen receptor action in prostate cancer. We would like to have more insight in androgen receptor regulation of proliferation and differentiation. There have been some recent novel developments, especially in the case of improved clinical therapies like Abiraterone and MDV3100. These are now in clinical use, following long periods of laboratory research. By examining these therapies, we can highlight the problems of resistance to therapy.”

A second topic at the meeting is testicular cancer. Because successful therapy is possible, this is a success story for researchers. “Laboratory research contributed greatly to curing this particular form of cancer. Two speakers will discuss the current results in treatment, and it is always an interesting topic to motivate researchers to work on a cure for other forms of cancer.” A third major topic for presentation and discussion is the role of stem cell pathways in urothelial cancer.

PRO-NEST
Through collaboration with the European Union research programme PRO-NEST, the ESUR Meeting has a distinctly international character. “Five of the speakers have been selected by the Pro-NEST supervisory committee, including several American researchers.”

“In particular would like to highlight the contributions of Dr. Karen Knudsen from Philadelphia who will speak on the first day of the meeting. She is well-known for her contributions to the field of androgen receptors and the regulation of cell cycles in PCa. Karen is a speaker whose research is consistently well-received, and who has contributed a lot to understanding the effects of cell cycle regulatory molecules on PCa.”

The PRO-NEST programme is in its final year, and so the ESUR Meeting provides an opportunity for reflection. “All the principal investigators will be present. We hope that some other new training programmes may be created. The aid programme of the European Union will be announced soon, so the ESUR Meeting marks the best occasion to discuss opportunities for new programmes.”

ARTP
With the meeting taking place in Strasbourg, the French Association for Research in Prostate Tumours (ARTP) is an important partner. “ESUR is very grateful to the ARTP, as they have supported us over many years. At every meeting, they donate a prize to the best entry in PCa research. This is a particularly prestigious prize. The selection is made by a committee of researchers who have no conflict of interest and personal connections to the applicants.

For this reason, we plan to motivate many researchers to apply for the award. We also hope to increase the French attendance this year, thereby also motivating PCa researchers from France to attend our meetings in the future. France is a leading country in prostate cancer research.

Dominique Chopin Award
The ESUR’s most prestigious prize is awarded to researchers who have significantly advanced basic, translational or clinical urological research. The Dominique Chopin Award is presented annually to a nominated candidate based on their continuous contribution to urological research.

“The Dominque Chopin Award will be presented this year to Prof. Craig Robson from Newcastle. Prof. Robson is very well known for his contributions in the field of androgen receptor co-activators and he will give a lecture at the end of the meeting.”