Refresher Course on Sarcoma
Refresher Course on Sarcoma
COURSE LEADERSHIP
Chair - Sylvie Bonvalot, FR
Host Chair - Bruno Vincenzi, IT
College Representative - Silvia Brotea-Mosoiu, RO
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course offers an updated and comprehensive overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic management of sarcomas, with a primary focus on soft tissue sarcomas and dedicated sessions on bone sarcomas, desmoid tumours, paediatric sarcomas, GISTs, and uterine sarcomas. Given the rarity and heterogeneity of these diseases, the programme is designed to foster close multidisciplinary collaboration among medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists involved in sarcoma care.
Key topics include the WHO classification, molecular biology, advanced imaging and biopsy techniques, quality standards in sarcoma surgery, as well as systemic treatment approaches and the role, sequencing, and fractionation of radiotherapy. Evidence-based strategies in both localized and metastatic settings will be addressed, with a focus on integrating multimodal management and tailoring treatment according to histological subtype and disease characteristics.
The course strongly emphasizes interactive, case-based learning, with clinical cases prepared by faculty and discussed in a multidisciplinary setting. By integrating current guidelines, expert opinion, and real-world practice, the programme aims to support personalised treatment strategies and improve clinical decision-making across the full sarcoma spectrum.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles of sarcoma classification, epidemiology, and genetic predispositions, and their clinical implications.
- Select and interpret appropriate diagnostic tools, including imaging, pathology, molecular testing, and biopsy techniques, in different sarcoma subtypes.
- Apply evidence-based criteria to plan optimal surgical, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment strategies in localized, and metastatic disease.
- Recognise subtype-specific validated treatments and areas of ongoing debate or uncertainty in sarcoma management.
- Improve multidisciplinary decision-making skills through discussion of real-life clinical cases.
LANGUAGE
The course will be held in English.
No translation will be provided.
REGISTRATION FEE
Selected participants will be required to confirm their attendance by paying a registration fee of EUR 160,00.
The fee includes:
- Access to the full course and its educational resources
- Two nights’ accommodation at Mercure Roma West hotel (arrival: Friday 25th September – departure: Sunday 27th September 2026)
- Meals as outlined in the programme
Travel costs are not covered and must be arranged independently.
ESO College members at the time of application receive a 50% discount on the registration fee.
The fee is a non-refundable contribution towards organisational costs and will not be reimbursed in the case of withdrawal or non-attendance, regardless of the reason.
ACCREDITATION
A certificate of attendance will be issued upon completion of:
• 100% attendance at the in-person course
• Completion of the evaluation questionnaire
• Application for CME recognition will be submitted to the Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe (ACOE).
ESO COLLEGE MEMBERSHIP
Participation in this course grants eligibility to join the ESO College and allows existing members to earn 9 ESO College credits toward their progression.
Visit ESO College dedicated section for more information on membership and benefits.
INSURANCE
Participants are advised to take out personal and travel insurance. ESO is not responsible for incidents during the event.
CONTACTS
Sonia Bulgarelli - sbulgarelli@eso.net
Alice Ciocchini - aciocchini@eso.net
Elena Fiore - efiore@eso.net
25/09/2026 18:30
Arrivals and registration at hotel
26/09/2026 08:30
Welcome
26/09/2026 08:40
SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA TREATMENTS
08:40
On what criteria is the WHO classification based on?
09:00
Molecular biology — expectations and optimal test selection for specific clinical situations
09:25
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Imaging — Pitfalls and the Percutaneous Biopsy Technique
09:50
Quality criteria for appropriate surgery of soft tissue sarcoma, personalized according to histology?
26/09/2026 10:15
Networking coffee break
26/09/2026 10:45
Which patients benefit from radiotherapy, and how to determine the optimal Treatment Sequencing and fractionation?
26/09/2026 11:10
Sarcoma in the Perioperative Setting - what is approved or is optional according to the local and metastatic risks?
26/09/2026 11:35
Metastatic Sarcoma: lights and shadows - a focus on what is validated according to the subtype
26/09/2026 12:00
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SARCOMAS, GENETIC PREDISPOSITIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
12:00
The surgeon point of view
12:15
The medical oncologist point of view
12:30
Clinical Case (prepared by faculty)
26/09/2026 12:55
Clinical case presentation by participants
26/09/2026 13:10
Networking lunch
26/09/2026 14:00
BONE SARCOMA
14:00
Anatomoradiological Correlation and Diagnostic Approach for Bone Tumors
14:40
Medical Strategy for Localized and Metastatic Osteosarcomas
15:05
Metastatic Chondrosarcomas and systemic therapy
15:30
Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumors (TGCTs): Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) — Indications, Duration, and Treatment Sequencing
26/09/2026 16:00
Networking coffee break
26/09/2026 16:30
Does radiation have a role in chondrosarcoma?
26/09/2026 16:55
Desmoids: Rationale for Active Initial Surveillance and Medical Treatment Options
26/09/2026 17:25
Clinical case presentation by participants
26/09/2026 18:00
End of the first day
27/09/2026 08:30
PAEDIATRICS
08:30
Medical Strategy for Localized and Metastatic Ewing
08:55
Role of radiotherapy in Ewing sarcoma
09:20
Medical Strategy for Localized and Metastatic rhadomyosarcoma
27/09/2026 09:45
Clinical case presentation by participants
27/09/2026 10:00
Networking coffee break
27/09/2026 10:30
GISTs
10:30
Local GISTS and adjuvant treatment
10:55
Medical options for metastatic GIST and Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) to monitor treatment
27/09/2026 11:20
Uterine sarcomas: a spectrum of tumor varieties
27/09/2026 11:45
Clinical case presentation by participants
27/09/2026 12:15
Closing remarks
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
PARTICIPATION
The course is limited to 30 participants, selected through a competitive application.
Priority is given to:
- Candidates aged 30–45 years
- With 2–3 years of oncology experience
- Who have previously attended an ESO Masterclass
- Who are fluent in English
HOW TO APPLY
If interested please apply online.
The application process involves completing an online questionnaire, where you will provide details about:
- Your work experience and training
- Your research experience and publications
- Your motivation and personal commitment to participating in this activity
- Recommendation letter: A letter from your head of department or mentor, written on official hospital letterhead and signed.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Clinical case: Please use this template.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications are evaluated through a two-step process:
Automated Scoring: Some responses are assessed using a predefined scoring system to ensure fairness and consistency. Points are assigned based on your answers.
Committee Evaluation: Other sections, including your qualitative responses, are reviewed and scored by our selection committee.
This type of evaluation ensures a transparent and unbiased selection of top candidates for participation in this activity.
Before you start completing the online application form, please be sure you have all the requested files (CV, Recommendation letter, and Clinical Case template) ready to be uploaded to the system. Online applications will not be considered unless all the files are uploaded.
Selected participants will be notified by end of June 2026.
You will be asked to accept ESO’s Data Protection Statement during the application process.
