KSMO 2025 registration now open: global oncology experts to gather in Seoul in September

The Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO), celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will host KSMO 2025 -- the 18th Annual Meeting of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology and the 2025 International Conference -- from Sept. 3 to 5 at the Grand Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul.

Building on last year’s structure, the event will take place in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and online participation. Leading experts in oncology from Korea and abroad will come together to exchange insights on advancements in cancer treatment and new drug development.

To mark its 20th anniversary, the society has prepared a range of celebratory programs. Every 20th registrant will receive a full registration fee waiver, with a total of 20 participants benefiting from this promotion. Various prize events and commemorative programs will also be held during the conference.

“Celebrating our 20th anniversary, KSMO 2025 will be a meaningful occasion to reflect on the path our society has taken and to reaffirm the role and responsibility Korea has played in the global oncology community,” KSMO President Park Joon-oh said. “Through this academic conference, we hope to strengthen Korea’s position as a hub for international collaboration in cancer treatment across Asia and beyond, and to present innovative, patient-centered therapeutic directions.”

Representatives from 13 oncology societies across 12 Asian countries -- including Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Japan, China, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, and Hong Kong -- will attend.

Their participation aims to strengthen international cooperation and academic exchange, alongside representatives from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the two largest oncology societies in the world.

Under the theme “Excellence, Innovation, and Hope in Cancer Care,” the event will feature more than 50 sessions and over 500 research presentations, covering the latest scientific breakthroughs and innovative approaches to cancer treatment. Organizers expect more than 2,000 oncology professionals from 50 countries to participate.

“KSMO 2025 will serve as a leading platform for the advancement of medical oncology and international cooperation across Asia,” KSMO Chair Lee Myung-ah. “We hope it will be a pivotal venue for cancer experts worldwide to gather, share achievements, and introduce innovative therapies.”

The keynote sessions will feature distinguished speakers including Dr. Patrick Ott from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who will discuss individualized cancer vaccine therapies capable of inducing long-term anticancer immunity across various tumor types; Dr. Jeffrey Crawford from Duke Cancer Center, who will address the urgent need for early recognition and multimodal management of cancer cachexia, with promising new therapies currently under clinical development; Dr. Kohei Shitara from National Cancer Center Hospital East in Japan, who will present groundbreaking advances in gastric cancer treatment such as immunotherapy, Claudin 18.2-targeted therapies, and HER2-ADC; and Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano from the European Institute of Oncology and Università degli Studi di Milano, who will highlight the role of biomarkers in predicting efficacy and toxicity of antibody-drug conjugates in breast cancer, paving the way for precision oncology.

The conference will also include a special session titled “KSMO Initiatives for Cancer Care Inequity,” where young speakers and panelists from 12 Asian countries will discuss cancer care disparities and seek practical solutions to improve access to quality treatment across the region.

KSMO has been actively strengthening international ties by hosting joint symposia with ASCO, ESMO, and other major academic societies, building global partnerships that transcend national and disciplinary boundaries in cancer research and treatment.

“KSMO 2025 will serve as an important forum where the latest research achievements are shared and the future of cancer treatment is envisioned collaboratively by experts from Korea and around the world.” KSMO General Assembly Chair Yun Hwan-jung said. “Through the Education Session, designed to provide practical clinical applications, and the equity forum featuring leading voices from the Asia-Pacific region, we hope to foster real change in the spirit of international academic exchange and cooperation.”

KSMO 2025 has been selected for the third consecutive year as a "Korea Excellent K-Convention" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, recognizing it as one of the most promising international academic conferences in Korea.

The event is also expected to contribute to enhancing the national image and boosting Korea’s medical tourism industry.

Further details can be found on the official website at www.ksmoconference.org.

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