Singapore – The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), a medical oncology organisation, has successfully concluded the ESMO Asia 2017 Congress in Singapore. 

Since its inauguration in 2015, ESMO Asia Congress has garnered attention and significant interest from cancer experts and researchers not only in Asia but around the world. This year, the Congress is endorsed by twenty-one oncology societies across Asia and has attracted close to 3000 participants. Year-on-year, ESMO Asia has received positive feedback from its attendees and this year is no exception. 

According to ESMO President, Professor Fortunato Ciardiello, “The ESMO Asia 2017 Congress was yet another success, and we are pleased to see the new developments and advancement in cancer research, treatment options, and that best clinical practices are being shared among the medical community here at ESMO. ESMO is about people. We are here to facilitate knowledge exchange among medical oncologists and healthcare professionals so that one day, we can conquer the battle with cancer. We will continue to work closely with all our partners in the region to further develop the ESMO Asia Congress, to build on this influential platform, inspire further cancer research, and propel integrated cancer care.”

One of ESMO’s visions for the year 2020 is to bridge cancer prevention, research, early-diagnosis, and treatment to improve patient outcomes, and the ESMO Asia 2017 Congress lived up to that vision.  In addition to discussing current clinical challenges and novel treatment strategies, this year the Congress also sees focus on cancer supportive care and associated cultural issues. Numerous abstracts and studies on the use of liquid biopsy and how circulating tumour DNA can help monitor disease and provide guidance for treatment decision-making were also presented.