The European Society for Medical Oncology

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The European Society for Medical Oncology Founded in 1975 as the Société de Médicine Interne Cancérologique, ESMO took on its present name in 1980, when it transformed into a pan-European organization that established itself as a leading and highly respected institution in the field of oncology. ESMO is the leading European professional society of medical oncologists, counting approximately 4,500 members from over 100 countries. ESMO 9s flagship journal, Annals of Oncology , initiated 15 years ago by Franco Cavalli, Switzerland, ranks among the top ten clinical oncology journals.

The major focus of all ESMO activities is to improve cancer pre- vention and early diagnosis of cancer, as well as diagnosis, treat- ment, and follow-up care of cancer patients. Through its Cancer Patient Working Group, besides working with patient advocacy groups,ESMO also organizes Patient and Family Seminars in accor- dance with its mission to embrace patients 9needs. The initial theme of patient-physician communication has led to the forging of a patient-physician partnership, to which patients bring their needs and direct experiences, while physicians contribute with evidence- based science, in a united effort to improve healthcare services throughout Europe.

Current developments in oncology indicate the need for treat- ment by multidisciplinary teams. To this ... more. less.

end, ESMO offers multi- disciplinary programs which foster collaboration between different disciplines within the Society, such as medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, pediatric oncology, basic research and oncology nursing. ESMO addresses global inequalities in cancer care through stat- istical analysis of data concerning the discrepancies in the prere- quisites for the practice of oncology in Europe and developing countries. The summary reports from this data analysis will help identify necessary improvements in the infrastructure of those countries that have less than optimal healthcare system. They will indicate how to face the challenge of reducing disparities in the quality of care available to patients residing in different European countries. They will also provide further evidence of the need to recognize medical oncology as an independent specialty throughout Europe and worldwide. Together with the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), ESMO seeks identify the necessary criteria for medical oncology departments in comprehensive cancer centers. In addi- tion,the new ESMO Oncology Accreditation Committee (OAC) will examine accreditation criteria for the quality control of patient care and physician education in European cancer institutes, oncology centers, and major university oncology departments. Standardized training in medical oncology,based on a solid back- ground in internal medicine, has been defined in the Recommendations for a Global Core Curriculum in Medical Oncology , produced by ESMO in joint collaboration with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The training curriculum was published in the November 2004 issues of both Annals of Oncology and the Journal of Clinical Oncology . The ESMO Examination in medical oncology certifies medical oncologists and is required to practice medical oncology or be a Full member of medical oncolo- gy societies in several European countries. Information, knowledge, and experience combine to form the backbone of excellence in clinical practice. " ESMO Congresses focus on both state-of-the-art educational sessions and the most recent developments in oncology research and technology. " ESMO Conference Lugano (ECLU) provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art oncology for major cancer types and special interactive sessions that focus on the needs of young oncol- ogists, including an Academy of Oncology. " ESMO International Symposia (EIS) concentrate on multidiscipli- nary approaches to specific fields of oncology. " ESMO Partnership Meetings allow the Society to collaborate with other prominent oncology organizations in meetings on topics such as translational research, targeted therapies, prevention and organ-based tumors. " ESMO accredits and supports educational courses, virtual meet- ings and Internet-based projects, thereby expanding the ESMO global network. " Following the publication of the ESMO Policy on Palliative and Supportive Care , the Society has moved ahead to identify 8Designated Centers of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care 9 that meet a comprehensive list of criteria and are capable of providing specific training in this important aspect of patient care. The list of centers recognized by ESMO is available at www.esmo.org . " ESMO Special Programs are tailor-made programs for colleagues in Central and Eastern Europe as well as those in less developed regions. ESMO continues to serve its members by supporting them in their daily practice and careers. " ESMO Minimum Clinical Recommendations assess diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. They are intended as guidelines for clinical practice and prerequisites for basic healthcare services. The guidelines are freely accessible at www.esmo.org. " For ESMO members who seek a specialist's opinion on difficult and complicated cases, a Web-based Clinical Discussion Forum that allows them to consult directly with ESMO Faculty members is available on the ESMO Web site. " For young oncologists, ESMO offers a career development program of fellowships, translational research unit visits, master- classes, special educational activities, oncology handbooks - and much more. " ESMO is pleased to announce that this year it will award almost 40 grants with the aim of providing scholarships to exceptional, young oncologists. Grants will be awarded in the following categories: " ESMO Fellowships " ESMO Translation Research Unit grants " ESMO Palliative Care research grants " ESMO Developing Countries research grants " ESMO Foundation grants The great strides and improvements that are on the horizon bring with them the need to transform a wholly scientifically-oriented organization into a Society that is willing and able to face the multifaceted aspects of cancer care and research. As the voice and driving force of medical oncology in Europe, ESMO is eager to con- tinue to expand its role in multidisciplinary oncology, in order to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Major partnerships with other organizations: " American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) " Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica (AIOM) " Biotherapy Development Association (BDA) " Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) " European Association of Cancer Institutes (OECI) by guest on March 29, 2011 annonc.oxfordjournals.org Downloaded from " European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) " European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) " European Association of Urology (EAU) " European Hematology Association (EHA) " European Medicines Agency (EMEA) " European Parliament " European School of Oncology (ESO) " European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO) " Flims Alumni Club (FAC) " Imedex (World Congress on GI Cancer) " International Education Council on Molecular Targeted Therapy of Cancer (MTTC) " International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) " International Union Against Cancer (UICC) " Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO) " Latin-American and Caribbean Society of Medical Oncology (SLACOM) " Medical Oncology Group of Australia (MOGA) " Multidisciplinary Association of Supportive Cancer Care (MASCC) " NDDO Research Foundation " Open Society Institute (OSI) " Patient Groups (European Cancer Patient Coalition, ECPC/Europa Donna) " St. Gallen Oncology " World Health Organization (WHO) ESMO offers multidisciplinary programs which foster collaboration between different disciplines within the Society, such as medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, pediatric oncology, oncology pharmacy, basic research and oncology nursing. Full details concerning ESMO may be found on the Web site www.esmo.org by guest on March 29, 2011 annonc.oxfordjournals.org Downloaded from

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