Certificate of Advanced Studies in Prostate cancer - second cohort (CAS-Pr2)

Course Overview

The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Prostate Cancer (CAS-PC) is a postgraduate programme designed to strengthen both the clinical expertise and scientific competence of oncology professionals involved in the care of patients with prostate cancer.

Delivered over 13 months on a part-time basis, the programme combines six online modules with three in-person seminars, hosted in collaboration with leading international events such as PROSCA, APCCC, and ESO’s Learning to Care Seminar (LTC).

Upon successful completion of the programme and final exam, participants will receive an academic certificate jointly issued by the European School of Oncology (ESO) and the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), along with a diploma supplement from USI.

Programme Details

Duration: 13 months
Structure: 6 online modules + 3 in-person seminars
Seminar 1: PROSCA 2025 – Lisbon, Portugal
Seminar 2: APCCC 2026 – Lugano, Switzerland
Seminar 3: Learning to Care Seminar 2026 – Padova, Italy
Collaborating University: Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Chairs: Andrea Gallina (CH), Silke Gillessen (CH), Barbara Jereczek-Fossa (IT), Ursula Vogl (CH)

ESO College Membership

Participation in this programme grants eligibility to enrol in ESO College.

Members who complete the course and pass the final exam will earn 400 ESCO credits, gaining access to further resources and career development opportunities.

Visit ESO College dedicated section for more information on membership and benefits.

Key Dates

Applications open: 1 December 2024
Application deadline: 30 April 2025
Admission notification: 15 June 2025
Programme start: September 2025
Seminar 1: 3–6 December 2025 – PROSCA 2025, Lisbon (Portugal)
Seminar 2: 29 April – 2 May 2026 – APCCC, Lugano (Switzerland)
Seminar 3 + Final Exam: 15--18 November 2026 – ESO Learning to Care Seminar, Padova (Italy)

Contacts

Sarah Ortelli - sortelli@eso.net

Admission

Admission is via competitive application only. A maximum of 25 participants per cohort will be selected. Applications must be submitted with all required documentation before the published deadline.

Attendance

Attendance at all seminars and modules is mandatory in order to be eligible for the final certificate.

Insurance

Participants must arrange their own personal and travel insurance. ESO accepts no liability for events related to seminar attendance.

Eligibility Criteria

This programme is open to:

Medical doctors with a master’s degree or equivalent, and at least 2 years’ residency in a relevant oncology setting
Natural scientists with a master’s degree and at least 2 years of oncology-related experience

Additional criteria that may strengthen your application:

Further professional experience related to the course of studies or completion of an additional qualification in oncology
Publications (impact factor > 10)
At least 1 year of international oncology experience

Participation

Admission to the certificate is competitive and limited to 30 selected participants.

Who Should Apply

The ideal candidate profile includes:

Completed oncology specialisation at least 2 years ago
Being engaged in clinical trials or research
Fluency in English
Age up to 50 years
Being based in Europe, the Mediterranean region, or Latin America

Priority will be given to candidates who:

Are ESO College members
Have attended previous ESO activities

How to apply

Candidates must complete an online application form and upload the following PDF or JPEG documents:
Recommendation letter (on official letterhead, signed)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Copy of medical or science degree (original + certified English translation)
Transcript of records (original + certified English translation)
Proof of professional experience in oncology (employment/reference letters)
Supporting documents for additional qualifications

You will be asked to accept ESO’s Data Protection Statement during the application process.

Selection Process

The current two-step selection method ensures a transparent and unbiased selection of top candidates for participation in this activity:

Automated Scoring using a predefined system
Committee Evaluation of qualitative answers

The tuition fee is of EUR 4.900,00 for all participants.

What’s Included

Access to all online modules
Registration and accommodation for 3 in-person seminars
Participation in all required exams

Travel expenses are not included.

Financial Aid

A CAS Financial Aid Fund is available for candidates unable to cover the full fee. Requests are reviewed case by case.

Cancellation

All cancellation requests must be sent in writing and will be evaluated individually.

Chairs

Andrea Gallina, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, CH
Silke Gillessen, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH
Barbara Jereczek-Fossa, European Institute of Oncology, IT
Ursula Vogl, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH

Module Directors

Elena Castro, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, ES
Eva Compérat, Medizinischen Universität Wien, AT
Stefano Fanti, University of Bologna, IT
Karim Fizazi, Institut Gustave Roussy, FR
Rossella Graffeo, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH
Ken Herrmann, Universitätsklinikum Essen, DE
Piet Ost, Cancer Research at Ghent University, BE
Jean-Philippe Theurillat, Institute of Oncology Research, CH
Thomas Zilli, University of Geneva, CH

Project Management and Organisation

Sarah Ortelli, ESO, Bellinzona, CH