[Special Interview] ‘KSMO 2024 aims to advance cancer research and treatment through global collaboration’

The Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO) is set to host its 17th Annual Meeting and International Conference, KSMO 2024, from Sept. 26 to 27 at COEX in Seoul.

This year's event, centered around the theme "From Insights to Impact – Defeating Cancer Together," aims to bring together oncology experts worldwide to share cutting-edge research, foster international collaboration, and ultimately improve cancer patient care.

In a recent interview with Korea Biomedical Review, Professor Kim Dong-Wan of the Medical Oncology Center at Seoul National University Hospital and KSMO 2024 Organizing Committee Chair expressed his confidence and aspirations for the conference's growth.

"This is our sixth year as an international conference, and each year, we've seen improvements in scale and the richness of our academic programs," Kim said. "Last year, we welcomed the leaders of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and they'll be joining us again this year, underscoring the global significance of our event."

The conference will feature an impressive lineup of 51 sessions with over 162 Korean and international speakers. KSMO 2024 organizers also expect to draw 1,500-2,000 participants, building on last year's attendance of 1,791.

This year, a total of 668 abstracts have been submitted from 37 countries, including 540 from overseas, surpassing the number of domestic submissions.

"This truly makes KSMO an international conference," Dr. Kim noted. "We've received far more abstracts from overseas than from Korea, indicating that KSMO has firmly established itself as one of the key conferences in Asia."

Regarding the scientific level, a key denominator, KSMO has also become a top-tier conference internationally, particularly in Asia, because Korean researchers are generating new, original knowledge across basic, translational, and clinical research in oncology, Kim explained.

A highlight of this year's event is the inaugural "Asia Young Oncologist Forum."

"We felt it was important for KSMO to take a leadership role in supporting and connecting young oncologists across Asia," Kim said. "The forum aims to facilitate collaboration among early-career researchers from various countries, addressing challenges in conducting multinational studies.

Kim stressed that when young oncologists from various countries engage in dialogue, they can find common ground and plan future research together.

"This session will provide an excellent opportunity to find research partners and overcome the challenges of conducting impactful, large-scale studies across different healthcare systems and cultures," he said.

Kim advised first-time attendees, especially young researchers, that KSMO offers a unique opportunity to absorb the latest insights across various oncology fields in a single location.

"Unlike larger conferences where it can be challenging to attend all sessions, our optimal scale allows participants to cover the entire program comprehensively," he said.

In addition to the Young Oncologist Forum, KSMO 2024 will feature an "Asia Pacific Oncology Leadership Roundtable," bringing together leaders from major oncology societies across the region.

"We've invited the heads of oncology societies from Japan, India, Taiwan, Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia, and the Philippines," Kim noted. "This roundtable will discuss potential collaborations and initiatives that can benefit oncology research and practice across Asia."

The conference will also showcase high-profile plenary sessions with world-renowned experts. '

"The plenary sessions are undoubtedly the most important sessions of the conference," Kim said. "They cover a wide range of topics from basic science to clinical applications, spanning various cancer types including gastrointestinal and lung cancer."

Chairperson Kim highlighted some of the keynote speakers for these sessions.

"For instance, Dr. Daniel D. von Hoff will present on 'Lessons learned after 50+ years of cancer drug development'," Kim said. "As a world-renowned cancer researcher, he'll offer valuable insights into the evolution and future directions of drug development based on his extensive experience."

He continued, "Dr. Sanjay Popat, a lung cancer expert, will discuss 'Rapidly expanding treatment options in lung cancer.'" This session will cover the latest trends in lung cancer treatment, new drug developments, and real-world clinical application cases, providing a comprehensive overview and insights into future directions, he added.

Kim also introduced other plenary sessions, including Dr. Linghua Wang's "Cancer as a complex system: Tumor-Stroma-Immune Interactions" and Dr. Ghassan K. Abou-Alfa's "Hepatocellular carcinoma: What is the big picture? and are we seeing it"

"These plenary sessions are designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments in oncology, from basic research to clinical applications," Kim said. "They serve as a cornerstone of the conference, setting the tone for discussions and collaborations throughout the event."

In this regard, KSMO President Park Joon-Oh, who is also a professor of the department of hemato-oncology at Samsung Medical Center, expressed his high expectations for the upcoming conference to Korea Biomedical Review during a separate interview. 

"KSMO 2024 offers a vital opportunity to share the latest insights in oncology and engage in in-depth discussions with experts from around the world to foster innovative advancements in cancer treatment," Park said. "Especially through the 'Asia Young Oncologist Forum,' we aim to enhance creative research and global collaboration among the next generation of oncologists, further activating international research and academic exchange in the Asia-Pacific region."

KSMO's future vision

Turning his eyes to the future, Kim outlined KSMO's vision.

"Our mission is to treat cancer and care for patients through research. We aim to continue advancing our scientific capabilities, lead the Asian region in oncology, and help the public gain accurate cancer information," he explained.

Beyond the conference, Kim stressed that KSMO is committed to public education about cancer.

Kim highlighted their YouTube channel, KSMO TV, which provides accurate, balanced information about cancer to the general public.

"We have about 25,000 subscribers, which is significant for a medical channel," he said. "It's probably the most viewed in the medical field in Korea."

The society also organizes an annual "Anti-Cancer Treatment Day" on the fourth Wednesday of November, featuring events for patients, their families, and the general public to promote an accurate understanding of cancer and its treatments.

As KSMO 2024 approaches, many experts agree that it promises to be a pivotal event for oncology professionals, especially those in Asia, to exchange ideas, form collaborations, and ultimately work towards better outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.

The conference's growth and international recognition also reflect the rising prominence of Korean oncology research on the global stage.

Readers requiring more information and registration details could visit its official conference website at www.ksmoconference.org.