The Genesis and Function of Extrachromosomal Oncogene Amplifications in Cancer
Forum Chairs
Forum Description
The purpose of this meeting is to explore the formation and function of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) amplifications in cancer. In recent years, driven largely by advances in genomics and DNA sequencing technologies, we have learned that extrachromosomal DNA is far more prevalent in tumors than previously appreciated. ecDNA is present in 20-40% of all human cancers and is particularly common in aggressive cancers notoriously difficult to treat, such as brain cancer. Moreover, our inability to effectively treat cancer is due to an innate ability of ecDNA cancers to evolve in response to environmental stressors. We have further come to learn that circular ecDNAs incorporate active gene enhancer elements that provide a selective growth advantage beyond that of the oncogene alone. This highlights an additional layer of regulatory complexity in canonical cancer driver events that will need to be considered to maximize targeted cancer therapies for patients. This Forbeck Forum seeks to unite investigators focused on ecDNA biology with experts in cancer genetics studying structural variation, epigenomics, and gene regulation. There are several key basic and translational questions that remain unresolved. What genetic processes drive ecDNA formation? What are the “rules” governing regulation of oncogenes on ecDNA? How does ecDNA impact cellular function? Can we use this knowledge to drug previously undruggable targets? We expect the open sharing of new ideas will facilitate collaborations designed to advance our fundamental understanding of how human cancers form and evolve, and how to potentially exploit this new understanding for precision oncology.
ecDNA is a red-hot topic. Industry has expressed a keen interest targeting cancers caused by ecDNA amplifications. The field is poised to make major advances that have translational implications for many cancer patients.
Forum Summary
The meeting on The Genesis and Function of Extrachromosomal Oncogene Amplifications in Cancer was hosted by Peter Scacheri on March 24-27, 2022, at the Hilton Denver Inverness in Englewood Colorado. With fourteen in-person participants and seven virtual participants, the meeting was successful and impactful for the field. Conversations extended into breaks and over social and meal gatherings. It was mentioned by one of the participants that he has never seen “so much passion for ecDNA in one room”.
Key discussion points included:
- The desire to confidentially share data and research with one another to continue future collaborations and drive the field forward.
- Possibly hosting a secondary meeting with alternate chairs and a slight variation on topic to help get approval for meeting funding from the Forbeck Foundation
- Starting a consortium
Feedback from the participants included:
- “We had mutual interests and discussions. [intention to collaborate in the future]”
- “Thank you also for organizing such a great meeting– it was a pleasure to meet you.”
- “This was a great meeting, both relaxing and stimulating. Thank you and all the Forbeck organizers for your hospitality.”
Venue & Travel Information
Travel Forms
Travel forms are due 30 days prior to the start of the meeting to allow enough time to plan transportation.
Denver International Airport (DIA) is approximately 30 minutes from the meeting location.
- Arrivals - Thursday around 1 PM, 3 PM and 5 PM
- Departures - Sunday around 10 AM and 12 PM
Travel Policy
Please familiarize yourself with our policies and procedures for travel. We truly appreciate you taking the time to participate in this meeting. As you make your plans, please remember that we are a nonprofit organization dependent on donations and volunteers. We do NOT pay for upgrades, change fees, incurred costs resulting from a flight change, transportation to or from your local (home side) airport, meals or other incidentals.
- Travel Confirmation will be sent out within 1 week of the meeting. This will include a hotel confirmation number, if there is one, and airport transfer details. We have to wait until we receive almost everyone’s travel to book airport transfer. Due to frequent airline changes, we wait until the week of the meeting to send this out.
- Airport transfer is provided by Foundation staff, volunteers or arranged shuttle at specific times. If you opt to utilize Foundation airport transportation on your travel form, please be patient in receiving this information. We will send it to the week of the meeting.
- Speaker agenda is not sent out prior to the meeting. It will be provided upon arrival in the meeting packet. We do not tell people when they are speaking because we expect everyone to attend all sessions. Sessions are all day Friday and Saturday.
- REMINDER: We do not reimburse for home side airport transfer or incidentals while traveling. We will not honor miscellaneous receipts sent for these expenses.
- Spouses are welcome to come with you at their own cost but are not allowed to attend the meeting. Please no children.
What the Foundation Pays
Accommodations and meals are provided by the foundation during the meeting. Airfare will be covered only if booked through our travel agent. The Foundation will also cover airport transportation on the meeting side at the designated shuttle times. You can select not to utilize Foundation arranged transportation at your own expense when completing the travel form. Once your travel form is received your accommodations and airport transfer will be confirmed. Please let us know of any food allergies or other information we should be aware of on the travel forms.
- If you would like your airfare covered by the Foundation, you must book with our travel agent. Note we do not cover upgrades, changes, late bookings, etc.
- Flights must be booked at least 30 days prior to the meeting to confirm your accommodations and airport transfer.
- As a nonprofit we utilize volunteers and other methods to maximize our efforts (or our donor support) when making accommodations and arranging ground transportation. Ground transportation will be provided upon your arrival either by a foundation volunteer or arranged shuttle. You will be provided airport transportation information the week of the meeting. We do not reimburse for home side airport transfer or incidentals while traveling.
Abstracts
Abstracts are due 30 days prior to the start of the meeting to allow enough time to prepare the meeting book.
The abstracts should be only one or two paragraphs outlining the theme of your presentation and should reflect the objective and spirit of the meeting (see above). Abstracts will be circulated about one week before the meeting. The meeting organizer will start requesting them a month before the meeting.
Meeting Structure
The meeting structure has been developed over years of experience.
- Participants have approximately 45 minutes, depending on the number of participants, for their presentation and discussion. The presentation is meant as a conversation start and should last about twenty minutes briefly covering background information and areas that are new or need further input. This should be structured in such a way as to lead to a lively discussion. Participants are encouraged to interrupt to ask questions or start discussions.
- A MAXIMUM of 5 slide equivalents per presentation is allowed (Power point slides should not contain more than one graph or gel per slide and no more than 5 bullet points to stress the points being made by the presenter.) We appreciate cooperation with the spirit of this guideline. Handouts are welcome but should be distributed before sessions.
- Everyone is expected to actively participate in every session and discussions.
- The time spent at the meeting is relatively short, so please be familiar with papers received prior to the meeting.
- It is very important that you commit to all sessions of the 2 days of meetings.
Forbeck Scholars Participation
Scholars are selected for each Forbeck Forum. These are outstanding junior clinical or post-doctoral fellows selected based on the quality and relevance of science.
- Scholars present for 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants
- The same presentation rules apply for scholars
- After the Forum you are selected to attend, you will attend three years of Scholar Retreats held in Lake Geneva, WI. If you attend a Fall Forum, you will attend the Spring Retreat. If you attend a Spring Forum you will attend a Fall Retreat.
- Scholars are selected by the Foundation Scientific Advisory Board and peer reviewers selected from past Forbeck Scholars.
General Program
The outline below illustrates a typical program schedule. You will receive a complete schedule, including speaking times, the Thursday the meeting starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of our most Frequently Asked Questions. If you have something new to ask, please feel free to contact us.
- Travel Confirmation will be sent out within 1 week of the meeting. This will include a hotel confirmation number, if there is one, and airport transfer details. We have to wait until we receive almost everyone’s travel to book airport transfer. Due to frequent airline changes, we wait until the week of the meeting to send this out.
- Airport transfer is provided by Foundation staff, volunteers or arranged shuttle at specific times. If you opt to utilize Foundation airport transportation on your travel form, please be patient in receiving this information. We will send it to the week of the meeting.
- Speaker agenda is not sent out prior to the meeting. It will be provided upon arrival in the meeting packet. We do not tell people when they are speaking because we expect everyone to attend all sessions. Sessions are all day Friday and Saturday.
- Frequently airport transfer is provided by volunteers. Please be patient on receiving this information. Airport transfer will be sent out prior to arrival.
- REMINDER: We do not reimburse for home side airport transfer or incidentals while traveling. We will not honor miscellaneous receipts sent for these expenses.