Course Overview

Launched in 2021, the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Gastrointestinal Cancer (CAS-GI) is the first academic programme specifically designed to enhance both the clinical and scientific competencies of oncology professionals managing gastrointestinal cancers.

This 16-month, part-time programme includes five online modules and three in-person seminars, including participation in leading international congresses and ESO's signature Learning to Care seminar.

Upon successful completion of the programme and final exam, participants will receive an academic certificate jointly awarded by the European School of Oncology (ESO) and the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI).

Programme Details

• Duration: 16 months
• Structure: 5 online modules + 3 in-person seminars
• Seminar 1: ESMO Gastrointestinal Cancers Congress 2026, 1-4 July 2026, Munich (Germany)
• Seminar 2: 4-day standalone CAS-GI seminar, 2-5 February 2027, Lugano (Switzerland)
• Seminar 3: Conference TBD, Autumn 2027
• Collaborating University: Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
• Chairs: Sara De Dosso (CH), Pierfrancesco Franco (IT), Pietro Majno-Hurst (CH)

Attendance

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

Curriculum Overview

Key Dates

• Applications open: 1 September 2025
• Application deadline: 15 December 2025
• Admission notification: 31 January 2026
• Programme start: July 2027
• Seminar 1: 30.6-4.7.2026 - ESMO GI, Munich (Germany)
• Seminar 2: 31.1-4.2.2027 - ESO Stand-alone seminar, Lugano (Switzerland)
• Seminar 3 + Final Exam: 16-21.9.2027 - ESMO Congress, Barcelona (Spain) 

Insurance

ESO College Membership

Participants in the programme are eligible to enrol in ESO College.
Those who complete the course and pass the final exam will earn 400 ESO College Credits, unlocking access to additional benefits, including tailored career development opportunities and advanced learning resources.
Visit the ESO College dedicated section for more information on membership and benefits.

Contacts

Sarah Ortelli — sortelli@eso.net

Applications closed.

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

Ideal Candidate

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 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. ESO may grant a maximum of 500 EUR towards the programme tuition fee. Requests are reviewed case by case.

Cancellation

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

Chairs

• Sara De Dosso, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, CH
• Pierfrancesco Franco, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, IT
• Pietro Majno-Hurst, Regional Hospital of Lugano (EOC), Lugano, CH

Module Directors

• Module 1: Adriana Albini, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology IEO, Milan, IT
• Module 2: Arnaldo Amato, ASST Lecco, IT
• Module 3: Dimitri Christoforidis, Regional Hospital of Lugano (EOC), Lugano, CH
• Module 4: Demetris Papamichael, Nicosia, CY
• Module 5: Elisa Fontana, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, London, UK

Project Management and Organisation

Sarah Ortelli, ESO, Bellinzona, CH