The aim of the CRCL International Cancer Symposium is to address fundamental issues of cancer biology from the molecular and biochemical determinants of cancer initiation and dissemination, to the impact of the tumour microenvironment and immunity, and to emphasise synergy between basic, clinical, and translational research. This meeting will also address how tumour cell plasticity contributes to enhanced tumour heterogeneity, sustained metastatic dissemination and escape from conventional and targeted therapies.