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Fueling Cancer Progression by the Nervous System Webinar Series

Image of a nerve cell in the brain connected to a purple tumor next to the following text: Fueling Cancer Progression by the Nervous System Webinar Series; Exploring the Neuroscience of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis

The Fueling Cancer Progression by the Nervous System Webinar Series explores the junction between neuroscience and cancer biology to advance our understanding of cancer spread and metastatic colonization. Deciphering the interactions between the nervous system, cancer cells, and the host microenvironment brings key insights into molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and informs new treatment approaches.

The complexity of nerve–cancer interactions calls for fine-grained and contextual analyses, in addition to the consideration of the whole-body perspective with the integration of physiological functions orchestrated by different biological systems (i.e., immune, vascular, endocrine, and digestive systems).

This webinar series also provides a forum for discussion with pioneers and experts in the field of cancer neuroscience, as well as young investigators and research advocates. 

Registration for the Webinar Series

Overview of the Webinar Series

The webinar series includes an introductory talk to provide a historical perspective and an overview of the field of cancer neuroscience and seminars exploring different aspects of cancer/nervous system/macroenvironment interactions in various primary cancer types and metastatic sites. 

Additional information about the speakers of the webinar series can be found in their biographies. 

Recordings of Past Webinars

January 22, 2026

Introductory Talk: Neuroepithelial Interactions in Cancer

Speaker: Gustavo Ayala, M.D. (University of Texas Health Science Center)

Photo of Gustavo Ayala, MD

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 12, 2026

Peripheral Nerve-Tumor Interactions and Cancer Progression 

Speakers: Timothy C. Wang, M.D. (Columbia University) and Veena Padmanaban, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University)

Headshots of Dr. Timothy Wang (left) and Dr. Veena Padmanaban (right)

 

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2026

Neural Mimicry, Bioelectrical Signaling, and Metastatic Progression 

Speakers: Leanne Li, M.D., Ph.D. (Francis Crick Institute) and Madeleine Oudin, Ph.D. (Tufts University)

headshots of Dr. Leanne Li on the left (a woman with long black hair) and Dr. Madeleine Oudin (a woman with long blonde hair)

 

 

 

 

 

DCB Contact for the Webinar Series

For additional information about the Fueling Cancer Progression by the Nervous System Webinar Series, please contact Dr. Brunilde Gril. 

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