SMC to host 1st Thoracic Tumor Symposium to advance multidisciplinary collaboration

Samsung Medical Center (SMC) has launched an initiative to formalize multidisciplinary discussions on thoracic tumors.

The hospital's Department of Lung and Esophageal Surgery announced that it will host the “1st Thoracic Tumor Symposium” on Nov. 22 at the Grand Auditorium on the first basement level of the main building.

The inaugural symposium will focus on esophageal cancer. From this starting point, the department plans to cover the latest developments across all thoracic tumors, including lung cancer, and the symposium will feature distinguished Korean and international experts from institutions such as SMC, CHA University Bundang Medical Center, Asan Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, and Severance Hospital.

“This symposium focuses on esophageal cancer, marking the starting point for regular discussions on thoracic tumors in general,” said Dr. Kim Hong-kwan, head of the Department of Lung and Esophageal Surgery. “We hope it becomes a collaborative platform where we share clinical experiences and research outcomes to explore future treatment directions.”

Pre-registration for the symposium is available online until Nov. 17. For further details, participants can contact the Department of Lung and Esophageal Surgery at SMC (02-3410-3489).

Esophageal cancer often appears with vague symptoms, delaying diagnosis. It frequently spreads to nearby organs, worsening prognosis. To address these challenges, SMC’s Department of Lung and Esophageal Surgery prioritizes research and surgical innovation.

In September 2023, SMC introduced Asia's first Da Vinci surgical robot dedicated to thoracic and esophageal surgery. The hospital also operates a specialized intensive care unit to improve patient recovery and treatment outcomes. In September this year, SMC was designated a Robotic Surgery Epicenter, recognizing its expertise in thoracic and esophageal cancer surgery and education.

SMC’s five-year relative survival rate for esophageal cancer is 62.2 percent—higher than the national average of 43.2 percent and the U.S. average of 21.9 percent. Its 30-day postoperative mortality rate stands at 0.5 percent, reflecting its strong record of surgical safety.