Microbiome and Cancer Symposium

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Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building
Microbiome and cancer Symposium

Research at the intersection of the microbiome and cancer

Join us for the fifth annual Microbiome and Cancer Symposium. This gathering aims to highlight the groundbreaking work at the intersection of the microbiome and cancer at the University of Minnesota, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among clinicians and researchers. We will highlight the latest findings, delve into potential new avenues for exploration, and explore opportunities for interdisciplinary synergy within the diverse expertise of our community. 

The target audience for this meeting are researchers, clinicians, and scientists working in the cancer field who are interested in incorporating microbiome investigation into their portfolio. Microbiome researchers keen on leveraging their skills for cancer research are also encouraged to participate. Those already developing research programs combining these fields are strongly encouraged to attend, as the symposium will provide valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and furthering the advancement of microbiome-cancer research. 

Healthcare professionals and researchers from all institutions are invited to participate.*

Register today

*Attendees external to the University of Minnesota who are interested in participating can register here

Abstract submissions are now open. The top two presenters will be awarded with a $1,500 travel award. Additional information and submission located in the drop down menus below.


Location: Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building (CCRB)

Parking: $6/day surface parking available in the Maroon Lot (2010 6th St SE) and Victory Lot (2302 6th St SE). Both lots are located across the street from CCRB, approximately a 1-3 minute walk. View the parking map.

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Symposium Agenda

8:00 AM Registration & Breakfast Available

9:10 AM Welcome & Introduction
Presented by Silvia Balbo, PhD

9:20 AM Keynote - Colon Cancer: One Path of Microbiome and Microbial Discovery
Presented by Cynthia Sears, MD

10:05 AM Flash Talks
  • Fabia de Oliveira Andrade, PhD
  • Katherine Do
  • Morgann Madill, MD
  • Nicole Nightingale
  • Seema Yadav
  • Yuting Shan, PharmD

Moderated by Aleksandra Alcheva, MD, PhD, MPH

11:05 AM Break

11:20 AM The Role of the Microbiome in Colon Cancer Risk: Effects of Alcohol and Circadian Disruption
Presented by Faraz Bishehsari, MD, PhD

12:00 PM Lunch

12:50 PM Restorative Microbiota Therapy for Advanced NSCLC, a phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled study in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy
Presented by Manish Patel, DO

1:05 PM Modulating the Microbiota to Improve Post-Surgical Wound Healing
Presented by Chris Staley, PhD

1:30 PM Unraveling the bile acid-FXR Axis: Defining Its Roles in Colorectal Cancer
Presented by Ting Fu, PhD

1:50 PM Role of Lactic Acid Producing Bacteria in the CFTR-Deficient Intestinal Crypt
Presented by Patricia Scott, PhD

2:20 PM Break

2:35 PM University of Minnesota Genomics Center Updates
Presented by Noah Strom, PhD
 
2:55 PM Center for Metabolomics and Proteomics Updates
Presented by Candace Guerrero, PhD

3:20 PM 2025 Seed Funds Recap
Presented by Erik Swanson, PhD

3:35 PM Closing
Presented by Silvia Balbo, PhD

3:55 PM Poster Session and Networking

 
4:45 PM Adjourn

Call for Abstracts

Abstract submissions have closed. Notification of status will be released on Friday, September 19.

Contact
Contact Elsie Aldrich with questions or comments at [email protected] or 612-626-2805. 

Exhibitor and Sponsor Opportunities

The mission of the Microbiome and Cancer Symposium is to engage researchers and clinicians within the University of Minnesota space and beyond in exploration of the intersection of microbiome and cancer, in order to develop new research and encourage discussion.

Industry partners are crucial collaborators to scientific progress and are invited to participate as exhibitors. Your support will help us achieve our goals in building this robust event while sharing your products with attendees. 

Review the Sponsorship Opportunities

Please contact Lissa Martinez Huebner, Event and Administrative Manager, with any questions at [email protected] or 612-624-7552.

Contact: 
Contact Elsie Aldrich with questions or comments at [email protected] or 612-626-2805.


Thank you, sponsors! 
  • AstraZeneca
  • Pfizer
  • Menarini Stemline
  • Invent Biotechnologies
  • Protientech