Cancer Global Summit-CGS 2026

Tumor heterogeneity is defined as the existence of various cell populations in one tumor or among tumors of a similar origin. The workshop "Tumor Heterogeneity" is dedicated to learning about the impact of this variety on cancer development, response to treatment, and outcomes for patients.".

Heterogeneity results from genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental heterogeneity of tumor cells. These differences might result in differential sensitivity to therapeutic agents such that some of the cells would survive treatment and contribute to relapse. Tumor heterogeneity is important to decipher for planning successful, individualized treatment and for overcoming therapy resistance.

This session discusses methods to define heterogeneity, such as single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and sophisticated imaging technologies. Information from these methods is used to detect subpopulations of aggressive or therapy-resistant tumor cells and inform targeted interventions. The session also addresses the implications of heterogeneity for immunotherapy, precision oncology, and combination treatment regimens.

The audience will have an understanding of the mechanisms, clinical relevance, and research developments in the area of tumor heterogeneity. This session highlights how understanding the cellular heterogeneity in tumors becomes critical towards the formulation of effective therapies, patient response prediction, and long-term cancer treatment outcomes.