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)

Contacts

Sarah Ortelli — sortelli@eso.net

Admission

Attendance

Insurance

Eligibility Criteria

• 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

• 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 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

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

Module Directors

• Adriana Albini, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology IEO, Milan, IT
• Arnaldo Amato, ASST Lecco, IT
• Dimitri Christoforidis, USI Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Regional Hospital of Lugano (EOC), Lugano, CH
• Pierfrancesco Franco, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, IT
• Demetris Papamichael, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Nicosia, CY
• Andrea Sartore Bianchi, Ospedale Niguarda, Milan, IT

Project Management and Organisation

• Sarah Ortelli, ESO, CH