Why ASCO Is a Must-Attend Event for Oncologists Worldwide

Oncology professionals reflect on the unique value of attending the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting—from discovering new clinical trial results to reconnecting with peers from around the world. With major practice-changing research and global thought leadership in one place, ASCO continues to be a can't-miss event for the cancer care community.

Here is what the following attendees who spoke with The American Journal of Managed Care® had to say about the event:

• Dirk Arnold, MD, PhD, medical director, Asklepios Tumour Biology Centre
• Vincent Picozzi, MD, medical oncologist and director of the Pancreaticobiliary Program, Virginia Mason
• Danny Rischin, MD, medical oncologist, clinician researcher, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia

This transcript was lightly edited; captions were auto-generated.

Transcript

What is your favorite thing about attending ASCO?

Arnold: It’s always about learning, and learning is so great, so that’s a great week of oncology. We can learn so much about new trials, new results which come out, and also new strategies for our patients. And of course, it’s also networking. It’s meeting with colleagues and friends. So therefore, it’s always a great week—in this year and every year. And yeah, hopefully we’ll all have a great and joyful and super exciting ASCO.

Picozzi: Well, I like Italian food, so Chicago is always good for that. But really, the thing I like about ASCO is getting to see my colleagues and peers from around the country and around the world. It’s probably the best place to engage other thought leaders, and so I really look forward to seeing my colleagues worldwide every year.

Rischin: I’ve been coming to ASCO regularly over the last 25 years or so. I think the key thing is that at the meeting, major findings of new studies—studies that change clinical practice—are presented. It’s an opportunity to interact with your colleagues and discuss new findings. It’s a stimulating opportunity to interact and learn more about new treatments.