The 18th Annual Meeting of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology & 2025 International Conference (KSMO2025), which will be held at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul from Sept. 3-5, will be more than an academic gathering.

Marking the society’s 20th anniversary, this year’s event aims to bridge generations, disciplines, and borders, while charting a course for the next decade of cancer care.

In a recent interview with Korea Biomedical Review, KSMO 2025 Organizing Committee Chair Professor Lee Myung-ah explained that unlike previous years, KSMO 2025 will combine scientific exchange with strategic reflection.

“We want to look back on the achievements of the past 20 years, but more importantly, we want to explore where cancer treatment is headed, and how we can shape that future together,” she said. “Our goal is to create a space where veteran leaders and emerging oncologists from around the world can share, connect, and collaborate beyond boundaries.”

From science to hope

This year’s theme, Excellence, Innovation, and Hope in Cancer Care, reflects the society’s aim to combine Korea’s strong research achievements with advances in precision medicine, genomics, and AI.

“Korean researchers have produced outstanding results in a short period of time,” Lee said. “Now, with precision medicine, genetics, and AI advancing so rapidly, we can bring the latest scientific breakthroughs straight into cancer treatment, offering real hope to patients and their families.”

She noted that the program will go beyond traditional treatment updates to include joint symposia with other medical societies, such as the Korean Cancer Study Group and the Korean Society of Radiology, on AI in oncology, next-generation sequencing, and liquid biopsy.

“We’re creating opportunities for collaboration that focus on precision treatment and the use of cutting-edge science,” she said.

Holistic care will also be a focus.

“It is also important to acknowledge that it is not just about the tumor,” Lee said. “We’re preparing sessions on symptom management, palliative care -- where Japan excels -- and survivorship programs to maintain quality of life after treatment,” she explained.

Global partnerships with local impact

KSMO’s collaborations with leading societies such as ASCO, ESMO, and JSMO will continue this year.

ASCO’s expertise in applying next-generation sequencing to rare cancers like cholangiocarcinoma will be integrated with Korean clinical experience, while ESMO will bring discussions on adapting European guidelines to Asian realities, which helps address differences in patient demographics, healthcare infrastructure, and even drug availability between the two continents.

With JSMO, the focus will be on tailoring immunotherapy approaches to Asian patient populations, accounting for regional differences in toxicity and treatment response.

These alliances, Lee noted, can even influence reimbursement policies not just in Korea, but for other countries as well.

“Sometimes, when the necessity and effectiveness of a treatment are recognized in these high-level discussions, it creates momentum for change,” she explained. “We’ve seen cases where a therapy was not reimbursed, or even unavailable, in a country, but through the evidence and consensus built in these joint forums, that country moved to adopt it or include it in national insurance coverage.”

It shows how scientific collaboration can lead directly to policy change and, ultimately, better patient care, she added.

Addressing cancer inequities and empowering the next generation

Another highlight this year is the newly reframed Cancer Inequity session, evolving from the previous Young Oncologists Forum.

It will bring together early-career researchers from across Asia-Pacific to address disparities in cancer research, access, and outcomes.

“Asia is a huge market with tremendous potential, but the pace of development is uneven,” she said. “Some countries are far ahead in adopting precision oncology and running large-scale clinical trials, while others are still catching up in terms of infrastructure, training, and access to innovative therapies.”

Lee emphasized that the session would not only allow participants to exchange research and clinical experiences but also create opportunities for mentorship, joint studies, and advocacy for better healthcare resources.

“This session is about sharing realities, narrowing gaps, and building networks that lead to better treatment for patients across the region,” the professor said. “We want to turn conversations into collaborations that have a lasting impact.”

The conference will also feature practical educational sessions for residents, nurses, medical students, and scientists, designed to strengthen the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.

“Cancer care isn’t just between a doctor and a patient,” Lee said. “It’s a team effort, and the success of treatment often depends on how well that team works together.”

Lee emphasized that everyone in that team -- from scientists developing drugs to nurses managing side effects -- needs to understand the science behind what they are doing and the clinical realities faced by patients.

She added that the sessions would focus on real-world scenarios such as recognizing early signs of treatment-related toxicity, integrating novel therapeutics like antibody-drug conjugates into practice, and coordinating between specialties to optimize patient outcomes.

With the new additional sessions and recognizing the need for more interactive exchange, Lee said this year’s conference has been extended to two and a half days from the previous two days.

“The opening half-day will focus on informal networking and educational programs for young oncologists,” she said.

This year also sees a rise in the quality and number of submitted abstracts, with standout research given dedicated discussion sessions beyond traditional poster presentations.

As of now, 667 abstracts from 32 countries have been submitted, and registrations have come in from 47 countries, with the target set at 50 countries and 2,000 participants.

A vision for the next decade

During the conference, KSMO will unveil its future strategy for the next decade, shaped directly by member feedback.

The five core priorities include strengthening the role and recognition of medical oncology, creating a supportive environment for young oncologists, expanding society-led research infrastructure, integrating cutting-edge technologies into clinical practice, and deepening international collaboration.

She underscored that these goals are not aspirational slogans but concrete priorities that the society intends to pursue over the next decade, with measurable milestones to track progress.

An invitation to join

For those hesitant to attend, Lee offers reassurance.

“Oncology conferences can seem intimidating, but we have designed programs that are approachable for newcomers,” Lee said. “It’s not just about difficult science -- it’s about meeting future collaborators and learning together in an engaging environment.”

To international participants, she adds, “Here you can discuss, network, and collaborate in person, while also experiencing Korea’s culture. We are ready to share ideas and build partnerships that can truly advance cancer care.”