What Was Trending at the AACR Annual Meeting 2024

This year's American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting took place in San Diego to showcase the latest basic and translational science, cutting-edge technology, and new drugs on the horizon. From the enlightening pre-show short courses to the scientific sessions and exhibition floor, including spotlight theater presentations, there was constant informative and insightful content wherever you looked. In response, the diverse oncology community showed up in record numbers ready to learn, collaborate, and network.

Here are two trends that stood out for us at AACR Annual Meeting 2024.

Trend 1: New AACR program track on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

What is the impact of that new stream at AACR 2024?

It certainly means that this topic is here to stay and to bring great value to oncology research and development. Cutting-edge examples are:

• Machine learning tools such as PDX digital twin offered by our partner Aitia
• AI-enabled drug discovery and development platforms developed in collaboration with Valo

It can also bring more translationally relevant data to the clinic. Learn more at our spotlight presentation, where you can see how we can use the most predictive in vivo models, patient-derived xenografts (PDX) used in different in vitro 2D and 3D models, in vivo screening formats, and last but not least, models supplemented with PDX digital twins to select best candidates faster for IND filing.

Trend 2: The landscape of therapeutic antibodies is getting larger and more diverse.

Since the first breakthroughs 30 years ago with IgG-based monoclonal antibodies against major oncology targets such as EGFR and VEGF, a multitude of antibodies have been developed. Even now, IgA- and IgM-based antibodies are experiencing a revisit. However, other technologies are also applied to broaden the application of these molecules: antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), antibody fragments, as well as bi-and tri-specific antibodies are currently in different stages of the drug development process.

Miniaturization by using only parts of an antibody molecule and multi-functionalization by adding another drug (ADC) or targeting multiple proteins (bispecifics) comprise two major trends in the field.

The development of those types of biotherapeutics brings their unique challenges. Explore a few examples on services that will help leverage your challenges below:

During the AACR Annual Meeting 2024, Charles River scientists showcased through 22 posters their expertise and collaborations that keep oncology drug efficacy testing at the cutting stage.

Download our posters

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