In this Mini-Symposium series, we aim to address important and topical areas of cancer research linked to translational oncology - with kind support from Merck KGaA. This symposium provides us with the opportunity to invite outstanding medical and clinician-scientists to come to Mainz and present novel findings, techniques and ideas. Within this compact format, we also offer the possibility to meet selected speakers working at the current edge of knowledge in cancer treatment and research.