n October 7 and 8, leading scientists from across the U.S. gathered in Burlington to present their latest research advances in laboratory science relevant to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Entitled "The Course of Cancer: From Transformation to Treatment," VCC's 19th Regional Cancer Research Symposium was held at the Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center and attracted over 100 researchers, clinicians, and postdoctoral, predoctoral, and graduate student trainees.
The Symposium, which was supported in part by the Lake Champlain Cancer Research Organization, a private philanthropy based in Hudson Falls, New York that has supported VCC for over 25 years, focused on four themes: Initiation & Transformation; Growth, Spread, & Metastasis; Host/Tumor Interactions; and Incidence & Therapeutics. Two sessions for competitive research poster presentations rounded out the program. 
Children who undergo chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) experience a 200-fold increase in the frequency of genetic mutations, researchers from VCC reported in the July 1 issue of the journal Cancer Research.
According to Barry A. Finette, MD, PhD, VCC member and professor of pediatrics, the genetic changes that occur within the children’s chromosomes following chemotherapy may elevate their risk for developing new cancers and other diseases later in life.