Over four days, from October 16 to 19, 180 participants from 15 countries had the opportunity to learn about new technologies for cancer diagnosis and treatment during the Nucleic Acids and Nanobiosystems in Cancer Theranostics event.
The event was organized in partnership between the Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), and the C2PO. The Scientific Committee was composed of Professor Bryan Eric Strauss (ICESP), Professor Roger Chammas (ICESP), Professor Luiz Zerbini (ICGEB), Professor Kirill Afonin (UNCC), and Dr. Renata de Freitas Saito (ICESP).
In total, there were 180 participants—137 in person and 43 online—including professors, researchers, PhD candidates, master’s students, undergraduates, and industry professionals, with participants from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Spain, the USA, India, Italy, Jordan, Nigeria, Peru, the UK, Russia, and Uruguay.
Scientists Presented Research on New Technologies
During the four days, scientists delivered lectures presenting the progress and results of cutting-edge research that utilizes new technologies and approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of different forms of cancer.
According to Professor Bryan Strauss, “The event was an opportunity to showcase some of the projects developed at ICESP and C2PO, and also to learn about new technologies that may enhance our understanding, treatment, and diagnosis of cancer. We had the contribution of national and international speakers, collaborators, and leaders in their respective fields.”
There were a total of eight thematic axes: Research at ICGEB, ICESP and C2PO; HPV/mRNA vaccines; CAR T/NK cells for cancer immunotherapy; Bringing novel approaches into the fold; Oncolytic approaches for cancer immunotherapy; Non-coding RNA in cancer theranostics; Dynamic platforms for cancer therapy and diagnosis; Hitting the target using nanobiosystems.
Doctor Renata de Freitas Saito, researcher at ICESP, emphasized the importance of the scientific program: “The event brought together renowned scientists who enthusiastically shared significant advancements in the development of therapeutic nucleic acids and their impact on oncology. Innovations were presented in gene therapy and cellular therapies, such as oncolytic viruses and CAR-T cells, as well as new approaches involving RNA/DNA nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles. These advancements highlight the potential of nucleic acids to enable more precise treatments, promoting personalized interventions. The combination of these technologies is redefining the future of oncology, offering new alternatives for the treatment and control of cancer.”
Professor Kirill Afonin from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) highlighted the new ideas that emerged during the event: “The integration of nucleic acids and nanobiosystems holds great potential for precision nanomedicine. It was very exciting to learn the latest developments and participate in engaging discussions that emerged during the meeting. This event covered multiple applications of cutting-edge technologies in cancer treatments and beyond. The meeting has sparked new ideas that could lead to next-generation therapies and improved patient outcomes.”
Participation of a New Generation of Researchers

In addition to expert lectures, the event provided space for presentations by young researchers. More than 50 abstracts were submitted, of which eight were selected for oral presentations, and the rest were presented as posters.
The evaluations of these works were conducted by international guests, national speakers, and ICESP researchers. The awards on the fourth day recognized the talent of young researchers.
The young researchers who participated with support from ICGEB also stood out. Nineteen young researchers were selected to participate in person as ICGEB Fellows, and eight others were chosen to participate online. In total, the Fellows represented 12 countries.
Professor Lawrence Banks, Director-General of ICGEB, emphasized the organization and the exchange of ideas between scientists and students: “The meeting was a well-organized event with an excellent scientific program and presence of international and national speakers who are experts in the field of Nanotechnology. The event provided a dynamic environment well suited for networking and exchange of new ideas, bringing together experts and students who shared their research activities in cancer diagnostics and treatment.”

Professor Bryan Strauss also highlighted the workshops held on the last day: “Three workshops were held with 30 participants who had the chance to interact with experts in transcription factors, viral vectors, and nucleic acid nanoparticles. The workshops included theoretical presentations and practical demonstrations.”
In addition to the support from ICESP and ICGEB, the event received funding from FAPESP to cover the costs of international speakers and also had industry sponsors whose contributions were essential to carry out all the activities.