There is increasing evidence that cancer and other mutation-related diseases can be prevented not only by avoiding exposures to recognized risk factors but also by favouring the intake of protective factors and by modulating the defense mechanisms of the host organism. This preventative strategy, referred to as chemoprevention, can be pursued either by means of pharmacological agents and/or by dietary factors, based on risk-benefit and cost-benefit analyses. The efficacy and safety of chemopreventive agents can be evaluated according to a variety of methodological approaches, ranging from in vitro test systems to animal models and studies in humans. An essential step is to understand the mode of action of inhibitors of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, which provides a rational basis for their application. In a period of exciting advancement of science in the general area of molecular biology, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, ICMAA-2007 will update the state of the art regarding the mechanisms of inhibitors.

In the framework of the general objectives of this type of conference, the main theme of ICMAA-2007 will focus on mechanistic aspects rather than to descriptive effects from observational studies and simple straight-forward methodologies. Since the choice of methods is crucial for exploring mechanisms, a State-of-the-Art methodological approaches of particular relevance, aimed at exploring mechanisms, will find a niche in the program.
ICMAA-2007 will concentrate on chemopreventive and chemoprotective mechanisms unraveled at cellular and molecular levels. Data from intervention trials or other clinical studies will be particularly welcomed.
The following is an outline of the mechanisms of dietary and pharmacological agents which will represent the main topics for oral and poster presentations:

Inhibition of uptake of mutagens/carcinogens
Inhibition of endogenous formation of mutagens/carcinogens
Modulation of metabolism
Blocking of free radicals and electrophilic metabolites
Antioxidant mechanisms
Inhibition of cell replication
Modulation of DNA metabolism and repair
Control of gene expression
Signal transduction modulation
Modulation of apoptosis
Protection of intercellular communications
Induction of terminal differentiation
Effects on the hormonal status
Effects on the immunological system
Inhibition of angiogenesis
Inhibition of invasion and metastasis
Other mechanisms

The ICMAA Series

ICMAA-2007 will be the 9th in a series of successful conferences on mechanisms of antimutagenesis and anticarcinogenesis, held every 2~3 years since 1985. The following is the list of the previous conferences.