KSMO 2024 kicks off in Seoul, uniting global oncology experts

The Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO) launched its 17th Annual Meeting and 2024 International Conference on Thursday at COEX in Seoul, bringing together oncology experts from around the world.

The two-day event, running until Friday, is being held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and online participation.

Under the theme "From Insights to Impact – Defeating Cancer Together," KSMO 2024 aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in the fight against cancer. The conference features 51 sessions with over 162 Korean and international speakers, covering the latest research and innovative approaches to cancer treatment.

With over 670 abstracts submitted and an expected attendance of more than 1,800 experts from 45 countries, KSMO 2024 promises to be a pivotal event in the global oncology calendar, the event organizer said.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Kim Dong-wan, Chair of the KSMO 2024 Organizing Committee, emphasized the importance of collaboration across disciplines and borders.

"The battle against cancer requires not only advanced knowledge and cutting-edge research but also collaboration across disciplines, borders, and perspectives," Kim said.

Kim also highlighted the conference's hybrid format, noting that it enables "a broad range of experts from around the globe to share experiences, ensuring that knowledge is never confined to a single population."

Dr. Hwang Jung-yun, Chair of the KSMO General Assembly, highlighted the conference's role as a catalyst for progress.

"KSMO 2024 is not just an event, it is a vital platform where physicians, patients, and innovation converge to make a tangible impact in the fight against cancer,” Hwang said.

He encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions, share their knowledge, and build connections with their peers.

“The value of this conference lies not only in the presentations and discussions but also in the collaborations and partnerships that can emerge from these interactions,” he said.

The global significance of KSMO 2024 was underscored by the presence of international oncology leaders such as Dr. Lynn Mara Schuchter, President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and Dr. Andrés Cervantes, President of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).

ASCO President Schuchter praised the conference theme, emphasizing the patient-centric focus of the gathering.

"The focus is the patient, and as we bring new innovations for our patients, there is a crisis in the growing incidence of cancer,” she said. "The WHO predicts that by 2040, almost 30 million people will be affected by cancer."

This sobering prediction underscored the critical importance of collaborative efforts in oncology research and treatment, she added.

"KSMO has already established itself as a leading voice to enhancing improvements in cancer care in Korea and in Asia,” Schuchter said. “The organization’s impact in education, research, and for the patient is already felt."

ESMO President Andrés Cervantes also said, “I love the theme of this meeting because it's bringing two very important things.”

Cervantes stressed that it is very relevant that all conferences should have an impact on patient care because, at the end of the day, lessons learned from the conference will be applied tomorrow in the clinics.

“Defeating cancer together, it's our dream, but 'together' is also very important,” he said.

Meanwhile, the international flavor of KSMO 2024 is further enhanced by the participation of oncology society representatives from seven Asian countries, including Japan, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan. This diverse representation underscores the conference's commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration in oncology research and practice.

A highlight of this year's conference is the "Asia Young Oncologist Forum," a special session designed to nurture the next generation of oncology talents.

The forum brings together speakers from five countries (Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Australia, and South Korea) and panelists from seven countries (the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Myanmar).

This session aims to explore challenges and opportunities in multinational research, overcome clinical barriers, and discuss the application of technology in cancer research and treatment.