Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) of cancer have provided numerous insights into the molecular pathways and processes that contribute to the normal control of cell growth and differentiation in many different organ systems. GEMM allow the analysis of complex systems in vivo and the evaluation of novel therapeutic targets through genetic and pharmacological strategies. Consideration of very specific biological questions can be addressed in complex systems as GEMM can be manipulated experimentally to represent the uniformity or complexity of the human population and its environment. GEMM provide opportunities for the identification of intermediate biomarkers, the development of personalized therapies, and the effects of combinatorial strategies in tumor treatment. Our speakers will provide their insights into the design of clinical trials through the use of mouse models of cancer.
Symposium: How Do Mouse Models of Cancer Inform Clinical Trials?

Use of murine models to validate and test drug targets in myeloproliferative diseases; D. Gary Gilliland. Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Pharmacological therapy of mouse models of thyroid cancer induced by oncogenic effectors in the MAPK and PI3K pathways.; James A. Fagin. Mem. Sloan-Kettering Cancer Ctr., New York, NY

Targeting the cancer stem cell for therapy and the co-clinical trial project; Pier Paolo Pandolfi. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

Genetically engineered mouse models for neuroblastoma: applications to developmental therapeutics.; William A. Weiss. University of California, San Francisco, CA,