Refresher course for diagnosis and management of early-stage lung cancer

Chairs: Alessandra Curioni, CH – Michael Shackcloth, UK

Host chair: Dragana Jovanovic, RS

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this course are to provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the diagnosis and management of early stage lung cancer.. The course will focus on enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration between respiratory physicians, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists to ensure accurate diagnosis, staging, and individualized treatment plans. By addressing the latest advancements in imaging techniques, biopsy procedures, molecular testing, oncology and surgical management the course will equip participants with the skills needed to accurately assess and treat early-stage lung cancer, ensuring patients receive timely, targeted, and effective interventions.

Furthermore, the course aims to improve the participants' knowledge of surgical and non-surgical treatment options, including minimally invasive techniques, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and the role of adjuvant therapies. By integrating case-based learning and evidence-based guidelines, the course will foster a deeper understanding of patient-centered care, highlighting the importance of shared decision-making and long-term follow-up. Ultimately, the program seeks to empower physicians to optimize outcomes in early-stage lung cancer, reduce recurrence rates, and improve patient survival and quality of life.

The course is suitable for all physicians (medical and surgical oncologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, radiologists)  involved in the management of early stage lung cancer.

Learning objectives

• Understand the epidemiology and burden of lung cancer in Europe.
• Refresh knowledge on the benefits of lung cancer screening and understand unanswered questions with regards screening programmes.
• Understand the new changes being introduced in TNM 9 staging system.
• Learn about how best to diagnose and stage a patients lung cancer.
• Understand the natural history and management of ground glass opacities in the lung.
• Learn about the latest developments in peri-operative cancer treatment.
• Understand the challenges a clinicians face with the increased use of immunotherapy.
• Learn about the indications and benefits of a segmentectomy rather than a lobectomy for early stage lung cancer.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment modalities in different stages of lung cancer.
• Refresh knowledge of different follow-up regimes after treatment of early stage lung cancer and review evidence.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

The official language will be English. No translation will be available.

CME ACCREDITATION

An application to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) will be submitted to obtain CME credits for medical specialists. The EACCME is an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), www.uems.net

ESO COLLEGE MEMBERSHIP

Being selected to take part in this course is one of the ESO activities that 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 course earns participants 9 ESO College credits.

Visit www.ESCO.org for more information on how to join the College.

PARTICIPATION

Attendance is limited to 30 participants and admittance is by competitive application only. Priority will be given to applicants who have attended an ESO masterclass.

Applicants should meet the following profile:

• Age between 30 and 45 years
• At least 2-3 years’ experience in oncology
• Fluency in English

FEE

If selected, a registration fee of 150 EUR will be requested in order to confirm your participation in this event.

The registration fee covers:

• Access to the course and its educational resources
• Accommodation for 2 nights at the event venue arrival on Thursday, 20^th March and departure on Saturday, 22^nd March 2025
• Meals according to the programme

The fee does not cover travel costs, these should be organized and paid by the participant.

Participants who are ESO College members at the time of application will receive a 50% discount.

The registration fee for this event is a small contribution towards the cost for organising it, therefore it will not be refunded if a participant withdraws or is unable to attend, for whatever reason.

INSURANCE

The organisers bear no responsibility for untoward events in relation to the participation in the event. Participants are advised to take out their own personal and travel insurance coverage.

ORGANISING SECRETARIAT

Elena Fiore
e-mail: efiore@eso.net

Dolores Knupfer
e-mail: dknupfer@eso.net

Riccardo A. Audisio, Institute of Clinical Sciences - Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Dept. of Surgery, Göteborg, SE
Tanja Cufer, University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Ljubljana, SI
Alessandra Curioni-Fontecedro, Freiburger Spital, HFR Kantonsspital Freiburg, Department of Oncology, Freiburg, CH
Milos Grujic, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Radiation Oncology Dept., Kragujevac, RS
Dragana Jovanovic, Internal Medicine Clinic "Akta Medica", Dept. of Thoracic Oncology, Belgrade, RS
Nensi Lalic, Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodna, Dept. of Pulmonary Oncology, Sremska Ramenica, RS
Umberto Malapelle, University of Naples Federico II, Dpt. of Public Health, Naples, IT
Nebojsa Maric, Military Academy Hospital, Thoracic Surgery Department, Belgrade, RS
Jarushka Naidoo, Waterford Regional Hospital, Medical Oncology Dpt., Waterford, IE
Thi Dan Linh Nguyen-Kim, University Hospital Zurich, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Zurich, CH
Gordana Petkovska, University Clinic of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Radiotherapy And Oncology Dept., Skopje, MK
Sara Ramella, University Campus Bio-Medico, Radiotherapy Dpt., Roma, IT
Miroslav Samarzija, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Zagreb, HR
Milan Savic, Hospital for Thoracic Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, RS
Michael Shackcloth, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Liverpool, UK

APPLICATION DEADLINE - 16 December 2024

Interested candidates should apply online providing:

• Application template
• Abstract
• Letter describing motivation for attending
• Short CV (template CV) with the list of publications (if the list of publication is not provided, it will be assumed that no articles have been published)

If you are a past ESO Masterclass participant, you only need to submit the application template and abstract.

ABSTRACT

Applicants are requested to submit an abstract describing a clinical case related lung cancer on one of the following categories:

• Early-stage NSCLC
• Stage 3A NSCLC
• Borderline operable NSCLC
• Oligometastatic disease NSCLC

A selected number of admitted participants will have the opportunity to present their clinical case in the format of a clinical grand round discussion with the chairs, other faculty members and participants within plenary tumour board sessions in the programme. The application outcome will be notified by e-mail by  mid-January 2025.