Course Overview

The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Thoracic Malignancies (CAS-TM) is a joint collaboration between the European School of Oncology (ESO) and the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.  The programme will focus on the improvement on both the clinical and the scientific aspects of improving quality in the management of patients with lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies.  Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will obtain an academic certificate assigning 14 ECTS credits, equalling a work load of 420 hours and a diploma supplement by the University of Fribourg.

Programme Details

• Duration:  15 months
• Credits assigned:  14 ECTS
• Structure: 4 online modules + 3 in person seminars
• Collaborating university: University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
• Start date next cohort: 17 March 2027

ESO College Membership

Participation in this programme grants eligibility to enrol in the ESO College.
 
Members who complete the course and pass the final exam will earn 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:  15 June 2026
• Application deadline: 30 September 2026
• Seminar 1: 17 - 20 March, 2027, ELCC in Munich, Germany
• Seminar 2: November 2027, ESO Learning to Care seminar (location TBC)
• Seminar 3: June 2028, Stand-alone seminar and Final exam in Fribourg, Switzerland

Contact

Alexandra Zampetti - azampetti@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

Applications will open on June 15, 2026

Participation

Admission to the certificate is competitive and limited to 25 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

• Alessandra Curioni, Freiburger Spital, HFR Kantonsspital Fribourg, Fribourg, CH
• Christian Rolfo, the Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, US
• Jarushka Naidoo, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, IE

Project Management and Organization

• Alexandra Zampetti, ESO, Bellinzona, CH