Madrid, European Congress of Oncology Esmo, today live streaming Rome - Madrid

A real 'flash mob', all standing with folded arms, to sensitize citizens and institutions on the importance of clinical research against cancer. The initiative took place yesterday afternoon at the Esmo European oncology congress in Madrid, which hosts 24000 oncologists and researchers. All united, in support of the World Cancer Research Day scheduled for 24 September, to say that "if we stop now, by 2030 one person will die of cancer every two seconds". "Research is essential - says the flash mob slogan - not to remain with arms folded in the face of cancer". Among the promoters of the initiative, the Italian Marina Garassino, from the Tumor Institute of Milan: “It is important that this event takes place here - he explains - where doctors and researchers are united, an all-encompassing congress. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a clearly unbalanced scenario in favor of sponsored research, while the Italian state is in hiding. It should be activated for new funds, of course, but also for the creation of adequate infrastructures ”. The biologist Alberto Bardelli, fresh off his award at the Esmo congress for his pioneering research on liquid biopsy, echoes her: “Yes, in Italy the situation is a bit sad. There is no room for independent research, yet we have excellent scientists and doctors.

European Oncology Congress Esmo in Madrid

Five days are dedicated to the latest frontiers of scientific research and innovative therapies. Without this, neglecting the quality of life and the involvement of the patient. But also the sustainability of care, to reiterate once more that the right to health can not go through the size of the portfolio. Until September 12, Madrid will be the European capital of oncology, hosting the congress of the European Society of Medical Oncology (Esmo) devoted this year to the integration of different disciplines and technologies. "That galaxy of diseases we call cancer is an increasingly complex field. Oncology runs fast and is increasingly multidisciplinary. The conference therefore provides an in-depth overview of the state of the art in all its aspects, "says Fortunato Ciardiello, president of Esmo.

Research plays an increasingly important role. This is demonstrated by the involvement of the European Cancer Research Association in the Esmo scientific committee. A novelty aimed at underlining that, in the light of the progress in molecular diagnostics and innovative therapies, the doctor must also know the biology of oncological disease. "This is the way to go to make the best therapeutic choices: cancer can now be cured, or at least become chronic, it is true, but as long as you keep up to date on scientific progress" continues Ciardiello.

In particular, there is great anticipation for the presentation of clinical outcomes regarding the possibility of halving the duration of adjuvant chemotherapy in colon cancer patients - currently half-life - performed for the prevention of recurrences. A large independent study involving over 10000 patients in many clinical trials practiced almost simultaneously in many European countries, including Italy. The aim is to provide information useful to oncologists, to orient themselves in choosing the most suitable adjuvant therapy scheme. Those who seem to be a little overlooked, given that they are therapies lasting a few months, will help reduce the incidence of side effects that go well beyond the term of the treatment cycle. To the benefit of the patient's quality of life.

The congress will also be an opportunity to evaluate the results of the new molecularly targeted drugs against melanoma and for those of the third generation anti-Egfr that target the epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr), whose mutation can lead to the development of lung cancer. “If the data were confirmed, they could both revolutionize the practice,” comments Ciardiello, who stresses the importance of cultivating the relationship between health professionals and patient associations. The percentage of people recovering or living with cancer is increasing: “As of 2016, 3 million Italians had received a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. About 5% of the entire population. We must work so that everyone can be fully reintegrated into society by promoting, for example, reintegration into the world of work ”.

But cancer is also cured by fighting the false news, rumors, hoaxes that circulate on the web without any scientific verification. For This is why, today at 18, the #piufortidelcancro event is scheduled in Rome. A direct streaming will be a bridge between the Madrid Congress and the Ministry of Health, to which doctors and patients from our country can participate.

 

Madrid, European Congress of Oncology Esmo, today live streaming Rome - Madrid