The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) held its 110th annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia (USA), bringing together more than 22,500 researchers in all areas of cancer research, physician-scientists and other healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, patients and advocates. The multidisciplinary program covered the entire cancer research spectrum emphasizing the three themes of this year's meeting: 'Integrative Cancer Science - Global Impact Individualized Patient Care'. This report provides a selection of the highlights presented during the conference.