German Cancer Society--12th International AEK Cancer Congress. 25-28 March 2003, Würzburg, Germany.

The 12th International AEK Cancer Congress was attended by approximately 500 oncologists, basic scientists and biotechnologists. The majority of the oral contributions were dedicated to the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis and potential targets for cancer treatment; novel drugs and approaches for cancer therapy were presented in one of seven sessions, as well as in a series of posters. Antisense oligonucleotides, peptide aptamers and siRNA technology were disclosed at the meeting as novel approaches for cancer treatment. In addition, a number of anticancer drugs were discussed, including 17-allylamino demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), treosulfan, sulfasalazine and U-0126, and also the receptor ligand TRAIL.