On 7 and 8 May, researchers, clinicians and support staff from Cancer Center Amsterdam came together once again at NH Leeuwenhorst in Noordwijkerhout for the 9th annual CCA Conference.
Across two inspiring days, the conference brought together cutting-edge science, new ideas and meaningful collaboration, with a programme full of keynote lectures and discussions on the future of cancer research and care.
A strong start
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was energetic and buzzing. Registration desks were busy, coffee was flowing, poster boards filled up quickly as researchers prepared to share their latest work.
Scientific directors Maarten Bijlsma and Geert Kazemier officially opened the conference, followed by an inspiring keynote lecture by Inge Marie Svane on new strategies to move beyond immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic melanoma.
The first day continued with a strong line-up of oral presentations covering topics ranging from colorectal cancer and HPV screening to gastrointestinal malignancies. Parallel sessions focused on cancer biology, immunology, imaging, biomarkers, treatment and quality of life, showcasing the breadth of research taking place within CCA.
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AI and the future of oncology
One of the highlights of day one was the plenary AI session, where speakers explored how artificial intelligence is already changing oncology practice and research. The session sparked lively discussions about the rapidly evolving role of AI in cancer care.
Building visibility and connections
During the PI meeting, discussions focused on the positioning of the CCA brand within Amsterdam UMC, and on how principal investigators can further strengthen the visibility of both their own research and the wider CCA community.
After a day full of science and innovation, it was time to unwind during the social programme. From line dancing to a laughter workshop; CCA people are definitely a multi-talented bunch of people!
And after an Italian-inspired dinner, it was time to hit the dance floor, while some participants wrapped up the evening with a late-night bowling session.
Day two: Translational research and patient impact
Day two opened with another series of parallel scientific sessions, followed by a keynote lecture from Hugo Snippert on plasticity in the normal human colon and cancer.
A central part of the programme focused on the Patient Research Groups (PRGs) and Proof-of-Concept studies. Presentations highlighted innovative translational research in dermato-oncology, hematology, colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Together, these sessions illustrated how close collaboration between researchers and clinicians continues to accelerate innovation and improve patient care.
Celebrating research and looking ahead
The conference concluded with the second poster session and the award ceremony, where publication, thesis and poster awards were presented to outstanding researchers.
The winners:
- Susan van der Lei for her publication “Thermal ablation versus surgical resection of small-size colorectal liver metastases (COLLISION): an international, randomised, controlled, phase 3 non-inferiority trial in Clinical Cancer Research
- Sanne Bootsma, Job Saris, Andrew Li Yim for their publication “Peritoneal resident macrophages constitute an immunosuppressive environment in peritoneal metastasized colorectal cancer” in Preclinical Cancer Research
CCA Publication Award 2025
- Nine de Graaf for her thesis “Minimally invasive versus open pancreatic surgery - A critical evaluation of safety and efficacy”
CCA Thesis Award 2025
- Lara Bakker: Overcoming Monosomy 7-driven venetoclax resistance in AML cells by HDAC inhibition
- Shannah Gennesse: Defining the Glycan Landscape of Immune Cells: Implications for Galectin-Induced Immunoregulation
Poster Presentation Award
“It’s great to see new connections being formed, our CCA community growing stronger, and so many passionate people coming together with one shared mission: improving cancer treatment" - Maarten Bijlsma
A big thank you to all speakers, participants and organisers who helped make this edition such a success. We are already looking forward to celebrating the 10th edition next year!
