By Naiyarat Prasongsook, Medical Oncologist and Instructor, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand

The 13th International Conference of the Asian Clinical Oncology Society (ACOS) was held on 23-25 February, 2018 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, which was organized by Prof. Dr. Sumitra Thongprasert who was the ACOS 2018 organizing committee and conference president.

ACOS was first established in October 1991 by Professor Emeritus Tetsuo Taguchi at Osaka University and group of physicians from several Asian countries, and is held every two years in the Asia Pacific region.

The objectives are to ensure the care of Asian cancer patients by implementing multidisciplinary treatments and to update scientific knowledge through a review of cancer research and having scientific exchanges among Asian countries.

ACOS 2018 covered a wide range of topics in cancer such as prevention, epidemiology, multidisciplinary treatment such as surgical therapy, radiotherapy, systemic therapy including new targeted therapies and also oriental medicine, as well as patient care under high grade development of translational research. There were 691 participants which included 486 delegates, 116 faculty members, and 89 exhibitors.

Three winners of 5th Kobayashi Foundation Award were announced at the opening ceremony. Dr. Kunchih Tsai from Taipei Medical University, Taiwan was recognized for research titled “metronomic chemotherapy prevents therapy induced stromal activation and induction of tumor-initiating cells.” Dr. Thanyanan Reungwetwattana from Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand was recognized for research titled “subject for medical services Ramathibodi Lung Cancer Consortium (RLC) model.” Prof. Dr. Sumitra Thongprasert from Bangkok Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand was recognized for research titled “pioneer in the oncology network through education, research, society, and regional meeting.”

Additionally, the three winners for ACOS 2018 best abstract presentation were Dr. Amarendra Amar from India, Dr. Haruko Takuwa from Japan, and Dr. Prasad Kasbekar from India. Furthermore, ACOS 2018 was delighted to provide Travel Awards for 10 attendees.

In summary, as wonderful as the week was, it was without a doubt an invaluable experience to have attended the ACOS 2018 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. New and updated data and experiences were shared, and many friendships were forged with memories that will help us keep in touch. It would be clear to say that the success of the ACOS 2018 conference was demonstrated by great evaluations from delegates that mentioned excellent academic content delivered by outstanding topics and speakers. Furthermore, the 14th International Conference of Asian Clinical Oncology Society will be held in 2020.