Cancer Fragmentation, Multi-Cancer Detection & Liquid Biopsy Innovation with Victor Velculescu & Nicola Aceto at PMWC 2025!
Liquid biopsy, which analyzes tumor-derived cells or biomolecules (like ctDNA and extracellular vesicles) in body fluids, is revolutionizing oncology. This non-invasive technology enables us to study tumor biology, monitor treatment response, and detect early relapse. It’s transforming cancer staging, identifying therapeutic targets, and helping to understand resistance mechanisms. The integration of liquid biopsy into clinical practice is becoming more viable, with interventional studies validating its clinical impact.
Dr. Victor Velculescu’s work with DELFI technology exemplifies these advancements. Using AI to analyze genome-wide cell-free DNA fragmentation, DELFI offers a breakthrough in early cancer detection. “This new machine-learning fragmentome approach provides a sensitive and accessible next-generation liquid biopsy method,” he explains, highlighting the importance of collaboration to bring these technologies into real-world clinical settings and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Nicola Aceto’s groundbreaking research has uncovered new insights into cancer metastasis through circulating tumor cells (CTCs). He describes CTC clusters as “highly potent metastatic units with enhanced proliferative abilities and stem-like features.” His work on circadian rhythms in breast cancer reveals that “CTC production peaks during sleep, driven by hormonal changes like melatonin,” increasing the risk of metastasis at night. These findings suggest potential for chronotherapy—timing treatments to match the body’s rhythms for better efficacy—and open new avenues for personalized treatment.
Join us for these highlighted sessions in the Liquid Biopsy Track 4 Feb 6th Program:
• Keynotes:
o Early Detection of Cancer Using Cell-free DNA Fragmentomes
Victor Velculescu (Johns Hopkins) discusses DELFI technology, a groundbreaking approach to early cancer detection.
o Circulating Tumor Cells and Circadian Rhythms in Metastasis
Nicola Aceto (ETH Zurich) has uncovered that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are potent drivers of metastasis. His research shows that CTC release peaks during sleep due to circadian rhythms, revealing new timing strategies for cancer treatment.
• Panels:
o Innovative Approaches in Liquid Biopsy
Chaired by Victor Velculescu, with insights from Adam Widman (MSKCC) on diagnostic precision through AI and next-gen sequencing.
o Circulating Tumor Cells: The New Frontier
Chaired by Nicola Aceto, featuring Min Yu (University of Maryland) and Matteo Ligorio (UTSW) on therapeutic strategies for CTCs.
o Improving Sensitivity of MRD and MCED
Chaired by Adrian Lee, discussing tumor-agnostic vs. tumor-informed ctDNA approaches with Ola Carl Landgren (University of Miami) and Marija Balic (UPMC).
o Sequencing Accuracy in Early Detection and MRD
Featuring Alex Sockell (PacBio), James Hadfield (AstraZeneca), and Cristian Tomasetti (City of Hope) on innovations in sequencing for cancer detection.
o Innovations Across the Cancer Continuum
Chaired by Tom Beer (Exact Sciences), joined by Elizabeth O’Donnell (Dana-Farber) and Arnaud Papin (Merck) on continuous cancer monitoring.
o Multi-Cancer Early Detection: Innovations and Real-World Evidence
Chaired by Peter Bach (DELFI Dx), with insights from Joshua Cohen (Haystack), Lauren Leiman (BLOODPAC), and Josh Ofman (Grail Bio).
o Showcase: Wendy Winckler (Droplet Biosciences), Varsha Rao (Claret Bio), Matthew Pink (Biodesix), Carl Barrett (Precede Bio), Marra Francis (Genece Health)
This PMWC 2025 Silicon Valley – Feb 5-7 track provides an in-depth look at the latest in liquid biopsy research, covering breakthroughs and challenges like assay standardization and harmonized clinical protocols. Don’t miss the chance to connect with the leaders who are defining the future of cancer care.
Register now to secure your place at PMWC 2025 and catch the rate deadline!
Tal Behar
President & Co-founder, PMWC
PMWC 2025 Silicon Valley – February 5-7, 2025
