The ECMC Early Phase Trials Forum, run jointly with the National Cancer Research Institute, was held in London on Wednesday 13th January 2010. As in previous years the meeting was very well attended with over 120 delegates. The plenary session was chaired by Professor Jim Cassidy, and had speakers presenting on a range of topics. The perspective of industry was discussed, addressing current challenges and future opportunities for the ECMC Network. In line with the strategic direction of the ECMC Initiative; paediatric trials, biomarkers and imaging were also discussed as part of the plenary session. The session ended with a presentation on clinical trials from the patient’s perspective. In the afternoon, three concurrent workshops were run, looking at epigenetic regulation and cancer, biomarker analysis and cancer stem cells. The workshops triggered some very interesting discussions and enabled delegates to share ideas and experiences.