The Cancer Research and Relief Trust (CRRT), in association with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, will organise a three-day international conference on cancer biology 'Cancercon 2010' in the city from Thursday. It would explore means of using molecular biology for early detection and treatment of cancer with minimal or no side-effects.

Addressing reporters here on Monday, C.S. Mani, one of the founders of CRRT, said: "We have to move out from single-target cancer therapies where drugs or other treatment are used to block the growth and spread of cancer to multi-target therapy. Research plays a vital role in developing affordable and effective treatment."

About 200 doctors, students and representatives of laboratories in academic centres are expected to participate in the conference to be held at IIT-M.