October 2018
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Our annual Congress (19-23 October) is fast approaching, and as ESMO President I couldn’t be more pleased about the ways in which this event has continued to expand in breadth, depth and scope, year on year. This year’s meeting promises another outstanding forum for multi-stakeholder discussions, the first outing of the latest ground-breaking results, and the promotion of education in oncology.
Scientific and clinical insights
Embodying the tagline "Securing access to optimal cancer care", we can all look forward to discovering up-to-the-minute scientific and clinical insights, exploring more affordable, sustainable models of care, and joining together in Munich to collectively move oncology forward. With a total of 21 tracks, and, for the first time, a dedicated three-day nursing track held in collaboration with the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS), the ESMO 2018 Congress will attract oncology professionals from each and every specialty. The multidisciplinary framework for which our Congresses are also famed, will make this gathering a trusted and premier arena for scientific excellence and evidence-based debate – driven, as always, by the shared ambition to continually improve patient care.
I am clearly not alone in thinking this, and it fills me with pride that so many colleagues have likewise recognised the value of our Congress and chosen it to share their study results: almost 2,000 oral presentations, poster discussions and posters will feature across 200 sessions over our five days together in Germany, not to mention an impressive number of late-breaking abstracts.
Committed to the highest standards of quality
The Society strives to be vigilant and forward-thinking in the organisation of its meetings and is deeply committed to the highest standards of quality. As an example, clinical trials conducted outside of the academic framework are clearly identified, and all presenters provide a declaration of interest. All of ESMO’s initiatives are designed to ensure that the data and perspectives brought forward are founded on the strongest, most rigorous evidence.
Speaking of evidence, I am happy to report that this year’s Congress programme includes important results on cancers which, until recently, have arguably remained at the side-lines of research through years of focus on the more highly publicised tumour types.
And this is just the very beginning…
It won’t be long now until I have the privilege of welcoming you in Munich for what is guaranteed to be an outstanding Congress. I hope you are looking forward to it just as much as I am!
Josep Tabernero
ESMO and Congress President