Two of the world's major cancer societies, the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), have announced that they are forming a collaboration that could have a significant impact on improving cancer treatment worldwide in the future.
In a historic meeting on 6 June 2004, CSCO and ESMO established official relations and reciprocal membership. Given the importance of the encounter, the leaders of both societies attend so that they could discuss the existing oncology situation in China and Europe, including the availability of drugs and status of clinical trials. It is worth noting that the organization and activities of CSCO and ESMO are similar in both size and structure. Thus, future joint educational meetings and activities in Asia and Europe and Asia are desirable and welcome.
For patients, one particular benefit will be a better understanding of how Chinese Traditional Medicine and Western treatments can be used together.
"We believe through our common efforts, we will learn from each other and gain great benefit for our patients," said Dr. Da-Tong Chu, President of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology.
The alliance will also enhance the knowledge and training of oncologists in Europe and Asia. The societies plan to send delegations to one another's scientific conferences, and to jointly participate in clinical trials of cancer therapies.
"ESMO members have undertaken a lot of excellent clinical trials during recent years and CSCO is willing to learn from our European colleagues," Dr. Chu said. "We also plan to send some young fellows to Europe to do further study in clinical oncology."
Similarly, ESMO members may visit Chinese oncology hospitals to gain more experiences about the way treatment is delivered in China. "ESMO is an organization with representation throughout the world," said Dr. Paris A. Kosmidis, ESMO President. "We are interested in the status of medical oncology, education, research, and patient care in all countries."
"China is a big country with great tradition with recent various developments and therefore it is natural that we will exchange experience and knowledge for the mutual benefit of both oncologists and patients," Dr. Kosmidis said. At the 29th ESMO Congress in Vienna, Austria (29 Oct. 2004), the leaders of the two societies met again to negotiate the joint programs which will be launched in the near future.
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About the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) ESMO is Europe's leading professional society providing education and clinical guidelines for medical oncologists and other healthcare professionals, working to ensure optimal care for cancer patients. Since its inception in 1975 ESMO, currently with nearly 4,500 members throughout Europe and the world, has consistently promoted its belief that every cancer patient is entitled to the best possible treatment available. The use of medicine is now a fundamental aspect of cancer therapy and, consequently, cancer patients need to be treated by qualified medical oncologists. Through its flagship scientific journal, Annals of Oncology, ESMO publishes research results on all aspects of clinical oncology. Donations to the ESMO Foundation support ESMO activities as well as cancer research. More information about the Society is available at www.esmo.org