Rapid advances in drug development, genetics and multidisciplinary treatment have brought the field of oncology to a critical moment, says Dr. Rafael Rosell from the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Badalona, Spain, co-chair of the second European Lung Cancer Conference (ELCC), which will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 28 April to 1 May 2010.
More than 1,500 delegates are expected at the conference, which is a joint initiative of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC).
"Recognized as the leading force of medical oncology in Europe, ESMO is partnering with key associations to provide the oncology community with the best knowledge in selected areas, including lung cancer," said Dr. Rolf Stahel, Chair of the ESMO Educational Committee.
"The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer is the world's largest professional organization solely dedicated to reducing the burden of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Educational programs are one way in which we accomplish this goal. We are proud to work jointly with ESMO in Europe to sponsor the largest European meeting on lung cancer," said Dr. Paul Bunn, IASLC Executive Director.
The event program will build on the success of the first European Lung Cancer Conference, which was held in 2008. Cutting-edge data on experimental new drugs, improvements in diagnosis and advances in treatment will be complemented by sessions on important topics presented by the world's leading authorities and debates on controversial topics. Dr. Ala Din Alwan, WHO Assistant Director-General for Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, will address the opening session of the conference.