This educational meeting was developed in cooperation with the academic faculty and scientists belonging to the California Cancer Consortium to provide an annual in-depth exposure and review of new advances in cancer drug development, biology, biomarkers, diagnosis, and therapy. The agenda and format are specifically designed to address knowledge gaps identified from prior course participant evaluations and unsolicited comments from practicing oncologists (from private practice, academia) as well as scientists involved in cancer clinical trials. This area of knowledge will be best addressed by an in-depth conference on systemic therapy of malignancies (both solid and hematologic), with ample time provided for interaction by attendees with expert faculty. It is expected that this educational activity will enhance the clinical competence of clinicians and the healthcare team in managing the care of the cancer patient, and subsequently, improve patient outcomes.

This conference aims to provide up-to-date information to the clinician regarding new advances in cancer biology, diagnosis, and treatment. It will bring together the interprofessional team that includes, respected opinion leaders, practicing clinicians and scientists engaged in clinical cancer research to discuss the latest cancer diagnostic and therapeutic advances. Topics focus on the major cancers and drug development areas, including signal transduction/CDK inhibition, angiogenesis inhibition, PI3K/mTOR inhibition, antibody-drug conjugates, and immunotherapy, among others. This annual conference also includes interactive roundtable discussion forums with participation of cancer care experts from the California Cancer Consortium, and features renowned professionals from academia, patient advocacy, government, payer, industry, and business realms of cancer care.