Advanced hands-on course on rectal cancer management
Advanced hands-on course on rectal cancer management
Chairs: Isacco Montroni, IT - Albert Wolthuis, BE
Co-Chair: Riccardo A. Audisio, IT/SE
Introduction to the course
The Advanced Hands-On Course on Rectal Cancer Management is designed to provide an immersive, practice-oriented learning experience for clinicians committed to improving the care of patients with rectal cancer. Combining expert-led lectures, interactive multidisciplinary discussions, personalised surgical coaching, and high-fidelity hands-on training, the course offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary rectal cancer management.
Over two intensive days, participants will engage with leading surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists to refine their understanding of staging, multimodal treatment strategies, surgical technique, and emerging paradigms such as organ preservation and quality-of-life–centered care. Through case presentations, technical feedback sessions, and practical modules in taTME and MRI interpretation, attendees will gain the skills and insight needed to elevate their clinical practice and contribute to high-quality multidisciplinary decision-making in their own institutions.
Teaching format
Up to 24 selected participants will benefit from a rich and interactive learning experience, including:
- Keynote lectures by leading European experts
- Panel discussions and debates
- MDT case simulations
- Case presentations and surgical video reviews
- Practical, hands-on training using anatomical models (one model per two participants)
Learning objectives
- Deepen understanding of rectal cancer staging and interpretation of diagnostic imaging, particularly MRI.
- Strengthen knowledge of multimodal treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical sequencing.
- Refine technical surgical skills in TME and taTME through personalised coaching, hands-on models, and expert feedback.
- Improve ability to interpret imaging and integrate radiologic findings into treatment planning.
- Enhance competence in multidisciplinary decision-making and participation in MDT discussions.
- Develop insight into organ-preservation strategies, including Watch-and-Wait protocols, and their clinical indications.
- Understand and apply principles of quality-of-life–centered care in rectal cancer management.
- Gain exposure to international best practices in advanced rectal cancer treatment.
- Build confidence in presenting and defending clinical decisions using case-based learning.
- Acquire skills needed to help establish or strengthen local programmes such as MDT workflows, organ-preservation pathways, pelvic exenteration pathways, and QoL assessment frameworks.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language will be English. Translation will not be available.
FEE
A registration fee of 350€ will be asked to the 24 successful applicants.
The registration fee covers:
- Access to the course and its educational resources
- Meals according to the course programme
Accommodation and travel are not included.
VENUE
Imperial College London
St Mary's Hospital
London, UK
ENTERING THE UK
Participants need to make sure they have the requested documents to enter the UK (passport, ETA, visa).
Information regarding UK visa application can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
Information regarding UK ETA regulation can be found here:
CME ACCREDITATION
Participants will be issued a certificate of attendance. An online evaluation questionnaire and learning assessment test will need to be completed in order to get the certificate that will be sent by email.
Application for CME/CPD recognition has been submitted to the Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe (ACOE). The American Medical Association (AMA) and the Accreditation Council for Continuous Medical Education (ACCME) designate this type of educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA category 1 credits per hour of activity.
ESO College Membership
Being selected to take part in this ESO activity gives participants eligibility to enrol in ESO's College.
The course also enables members of the College to earn credits and therefore access more membership benefits.
Full and active participation in the event earns participants 11 ESO COllege credits.
Visit the College pages for more information on how to join the College.
Some surgical instuments are generously provided by
Some surgical instuments are generously provided by
27/11/2026 08:30
Registration
27/11/2026 09:00
Welcome speech
27/11/2026 09:10
Session #1: Lectures by faculty followed by Q/A to set the stage
Rectal cancer globally. Setting the scene and magnitude of the problem, from early onset to the geriatric population
Isacco Montroni (IT)Staging rectal cancer, from static imaging to understanding tumor biology
Gina Brown (UK)Multimodal management of RC. From neoadjuvant therapy to Watch and wait. What are the options under the sun, and where they do come from?
Joanna Socha (PL) Albert Walthuis (BE)It doesn't matter how you do it: it must be a perfect TME
Deena Harji (UK)27/11/2026 11:00
Coffee break
27/11/2026 11:20
Session #2: Simulated MDT by attendees and faculty
Attendees present cases and simulate MDT discussion (10' per case)
Before the course, 6 cases will be selected and MDT roles will be assigned.
Cases presented by faculty with multiple choices and debate
Deena Harji (UK) Sara Lonardi (IT) Joanna Socha (PL) Patricia Tejedor (ES) Albert Walthuis (BE)27/11/2026 13:20
Lunch
27/11/2026 14:00
Session #3: Surgical coaching video sessions
Each faculty has 4 attendees sitting together and reviewing attendees’ surgical videos and technical steps to improve their technique.
27/11/2026 15:30
Coffee break
27/11/2026 15:50
Session #4: How I do it
Implementing a Pelvic Exenteration practice at your place: why/who/when/where/how
Jurriaan Tuynman (NL)Implementing a Watch and Wait program at your place
Gina Brown (UK) Isacco Montroni (IT)Implementing a culture of multidisciplinary discussion: who is the true leader in the MDT and the role of sharing the decision without delegating responsibilities
Deena Harji (UK) Demetris Papamichael (CY)Implementing a culture of Quality-of-Life measuring. How and why invest resources on patients’ QoL
Patricia Tejedor (ES)17:10
Discussion
27/11/2026 17:30
Day 1 closure
28/11/2026 08:30
Day 2 welcome and opening
28/11/2026 08:45
GROUP 1: Hands-on workshop
28/11/2026 08:45
GROUP 2: SOS MRI: how to read a rectal cancer MRI for surgeons
28/11/2026 10:45
Coffee break
28/11/2026 11:00
GROUP 2: Hands-on workshop
28/11/2026 11:00
GROUP 1: SOS MRI: how to read a rectal cancer MRI for surgeons
28/11/2026 13:00
Debriefing and feedback
28/11/2026 13:45
Day 2 closure
Albert Walthuis
AZ Leuven, Abdominal Surgery Dpt., Leuven, BE
Deena Harji
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Manchester, UK
Demetris Papamichael
BOC Oncology Center, Nicosia, CY
Gina Brown
Imperial College, Department of Surgery & Cancer, London, UK
Isacco Montroni
National Cancer Institute, Milan, IT
Joanna Socha
Military Institute of Medicine, Department of Radiotherapy, Warsaw, PL
Jurriaan Tuynman
Amsterdam UMC, Gastrointestinal Surgery Dpt, Amsterdam, NL
Patricia Tejedor
University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Colorectal Surgery Unit, Madrid, ES
Riccardo A. Audisio
Institute of Clinical Sciences - Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Dept. of Surgery, Göteborg, SE
Sara Lonardi
Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV - IRCCS, Ospedale Busonera - Oncology Unit, Padova, IT
Application
Attendance is by application only.
A maximum of 24 participants will be selected.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30.06.2025
Ideal profile of the candidate
The ideal candidate for this interactive, hands-on course is a clinician who is actively involved—or preparing to be actively involved—in the multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer.
These expectations make the course ideal for individuals who want to engage, share, and be challenged—rather than simply sit through lectures. More specifically, the course is best suited for:
Surgeons who already perform colorectal procedures and want to:
- Refine and augment their technical skills, especially in TME and taTME (which needs a steep learning curve outside in terms of dexterity);
- Receive personalized coaching on their own surgical videos;
- Deepen their understanding of radiology and multimodal treatment strategies;
- Strengthen decision-making in MDT environments.
Surgical trainees or fellows specializing in colorectal surgery
Highly motivated trainees who may not yet have high case volumes but are seeking:
- Structured exposure to advanced techniques;
- Insight into international best practices;
- Experience discussing cases and defending decisions in a simulated MDT.
Clinicians looking to develop new programmes locally
Those aiming to implement:
- Watch-and-Wait protocols,
- Structured MDT workflows,
- Pelvic exenteration pathways
- Quality-of-life assessment frameworks
Participants eager for active, not passive, learning
Because selected participants will be requested of:
- submitting a clinical case and a surgical video,
- participating in simulated MDTs,
- engaging in detailed technique critique,
- switching between hands-on models and imaging interpretation.
Fluency in English will be needed.
Applicants should come from ESO’s geographical reach: Europe, Mediterranean countries and Latin America.During selection, ESO College membership level and earned credits will also be considered.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online and must include a completed online questionnaire detailing:
- Professional training and clinical experience
- Research activities and publications
- Motivation and personal commitment
- Supporting letter from head of department or mentor (PDF)
- Curriculum vitae (PDF)
Selected participants will also be requested to:
- Provide one clinical case (a selection of cases will be presented during the event)
- Provide an unedited video of a colorectal surgical procedure
- Bring their own laptop/tablet during the event (to be used to watch the surgical video provided)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30.06.2026
