More than 30,000 medical professionals who treat people with cancer are meeting at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO’s) Annual Meeting May 29 to June 2 in Orlando, Florida, where nearly 4,000 new research studies are being featured. What should patients know about this meeting? To find out, Cancer.Net talked with Richard L. Schilsky, MD.

Q: What is the purpose of the ASCO Annual Meeting?

A: The primary purpose of the Annual Meeting is to provide a forum and opportunity for oncology specialists to exchange the latest information on cancer research, treatment, prevention and survivorship. Through formal education sessions, presentation of original research, and informal meetings and networking, attendees of the Annual Meeting learn of the latest advances that directly affect the care of their patients.

Q: What makes it unique?

A: The ASCO Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of cancer specialists anywhere in the world. It brings together medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists from around the world, as well as clinical and laboratory researchers, trainees, and established leaders in the field to learn about, discuss, and debate the latest findings.

Q: The theme of the Annual Meeting is “Personalizing Cancer Care.” What does that mean and why was it chosen?

A: “Personalizing Cancer Care” reflects both the way oncologists deliver care to their patients and the scientific direction of contemporary cancer research. Each person with cancer is unique in the course of their illness, tolerance of treatment, and in how they are affected by and deal with their diagnosis. Oncologists must consider the unique needs of each person in crafting a treatment and survivorship plan. Modern science has now begun to provide many tools to help tailor treatment programs to the specific features and needs of each person. By understanding the molecular characteristics of the tumor and the genetic makeup of the patient, oncologists can now design treatment programs that will be as effective as possible with fewer side effects. Cancer treatment is no longer “one size fits all,” but now blends modern molecular biology with good old-fashioned caring to create a truly personalized approach to cancer care.

Q: Where can people learn more about the research studies presented at the meeting?

A: Cancer.Net is the premiere resource for all of the breaking research news coming from ASCO’s Annual Meeting. Read patient-friendly summaries of important research studies that spell out what each study means for patients, what questions to ask the doctor, and where to find more information on Cancer.Net. Check back each day of the meeting for more cancer news at www.cancer.net/ascoannualmeeting and listen to daily podcasts from leading oncologists that explain more about the research advances.

Q: How are patient advocates involved in the Annual Meeting?

A: ASCO’s mission includes serving the educational needs of the patient advocate community. At this year’s Meeting, approximately 300 patient advocates are in attendance, representing about 100 patient advocacy organizations. Twenty patient advocacy organizations are exhibiting in the ASCO-sponsored Patient Advocacy Booth in the Exhibit Hall. There are also about 40 additional patient advocacy organizations exhibiting at the Annual Meeting. Individual patient advocates (not exhibiting at the Meeting and who meet certain criteria) are able to apply for a special discounted registration rate. For patient advocates who aren’t able to attend the Meeting, ASCO offers a discounted subscription to the Virtual Meeting. With a Virtual Meeting subscription to the ASCO 2009 Annual Meeting, subscribers will be able to view audio and slides of presentations made at the Meeting. Visit www.asco.org/vm for more information.

Dr. Schilsky is Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago and Chairman of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B, a national clinical research group sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Schilsky is the 2008-2009 ASCO President.

More Information

Facts About Personalized Cancer Medicine

How to Read a Medical Abstract in a Research Study

Last Updated: May 29, 2009