Cancer Biology examines the fundamental biological processes that drive cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. This session focuses on the cellular, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms underlying malignant transformation, providing a scientific foundation for advances in diagnosis, prevention, and therapy. By understanding how normal cells acquire cancerous traits, researchers and clinicians can better identify vulnerabilities that inform targeted interventions and precision medicine.

At the core of cancer biology are alterations in key cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, DNA repair, and cellular differentiation. Disruptions in these tightly controlled systems enable uncontrolled proliferation and survival of abnormal cells. Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes play pivotal roles in this transformation, with mutations and dysregulated signaling pathways contributing to tumor development. Insights into these mechanisms are central to discussions at major Oncology Conference forums where basic science meets clinical translation.

The tumor microenvironment is another critical dimension of cancer biology. Cancer cells do not exist in isolation; they interact dynamically with surrounding stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix components. These interactions influence tumor growth, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and therapeutic response. Understanding the microenvironment has led to novel strategies that target not only cancer cells but also the supportive niches that enable disease progression, a theme increasingly emphasized in cancer cell biology research.

Genomic instability and epigenetic dysregulation further shape cancer behavior. Accumulation of genetic alterations over time fuels tumor heterogeneity, enabling subclones with distinct phenotypes to emerge. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and histone modification, alter gene expression without changing DNA sequence, contributing to cancer plasticity and resistance to therapy. Integrating genomic and epigenomic insights has deepened understanding of cancer evolution and informed biomarker discovery.

Cancer metabolism represents another hallmark of malignancy. Tumor cells reprogram metabolic pathways to meet the demands of rapid growth and survival under hostile conditions. Altered glucose metabolism, lipid synthesis, and amino acid utilization support proliferation and adaptation to hypoxia. Targeting metabolic dependencies has emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue, reinforcing the translational relevance of cancer biology research.

Advances in experimental models and technologies continue to propel the field forward. Three-dimensional cultures, organoids, single-cell sequencing, and advanced imaging enable more precise interrogation of tumor biology. These tools bridge the gap between laboratory findings and patient care by revealing mechanisms of drug response and resistance. By integrating fundamental discoveries with translational application, Cancer Biology provides the knowledge base that drives innovation across the entire oncology continuum.