ESMO’s Virtual Education platform provides oncology professionals with flexible learning opportunities to stay updated on cancer treatment and research. Self-paced e-learning modules cover prevention, diagnostics, and supportive care, with CME tests awarding ESMO-MORA points. Advanced courses feature expert-led lectures and interactive discussions, while preceptorship programs offer hands-on training and mentorship in oncology subspecialties. Content is continuously updated with the latest research and ESMO’s Clinical Practice Guidelines to reflect current standards in cancer care.
Each year, ESMO brings together over 500,000 oncology professionals to drive progress in cancer care. The 2025 ESMO Congress showcased groundbreaking research and offered new hope to patients worldwide. Committed to improving cancer outcomes, ESMO advances education, clinical research, and evidence-based guidelines. This article explores its key events, global impact, and how its guidelines shape oncology practice.

What is ESMO?

Since its founding, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has become a global leader in advancing cancer care. With over 25,000 members from 160+ countries, ESMO connects oncologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes through education, research, and clinical guidelines. Each year, the ESMO Congress gathers thousands of experts to share groundbreaking research and clinical findings. Beyond its conferences, ESMO shapes oncology practices worldwide by setting evidence-based guidelines that ensure patients receive the best care possible. ESMO also drives international research collaboration, particularly in early-phase trials and new therapies, pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment and offering hope for the future.

History of ESMO: Key Milestones

• Founded in 1975 in Switzerland by medical oncologists to advance cancer care and foster collaboration.
• Focused on education and networking in its early years, organizing specialized courses and meetings.
• Expanded internationally in the 1990s, reaching a broader audience beyond Europe.
• Introduced ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines in 1993, setting global standards for cancer treatment.
• Grew into a global leader in the 2000s, expanding educational programs and increasing membership worldwide.
• Launched the Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (MCBS) in 2012, a key tool for evaluating cancer therapies.
• 2014 ESMO Congress showcased breakthroughs in immuno-oncology, including pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for melanoma.
• Introduced Cancer Care Guidelines in 2016, widely adopted for evidence-based oncology practices.
• 2018 ESMO Congress focused on precision medicine and targeted therapies, leading to key drug approvals for lung and breast cancer.
• Adapted to COVID-19 in 2020 by hosting a virtual congress, attracting over 24,000 global participants.
• 2024 ESMO Congress presented major advances in immunotherapy and targeted treatments, highlighting promising cell-based immunotherapies.

How ESMO Advances Oncology Research

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) advances cancer research through congresses, partnerships, and grants, fostering global collaboration and accelerating new treatments. The ESMO Congress is a key platform for unveiling clinical trials, such as the 2014 KEYNOTE-001 trial introducing pembrolizumab for melanoma and the 2016 CheckMate-017 & 057 trials leading to nivolumab’s approval for lung cancer. ESMO collaborates with institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and global health organizations to improve cancer prevention, screening, and treatment access. Through its Research Foundation, ESMO funds groundbreaking studies, including the 2020 Breast Cancer Research Grant for triple-negative breast cancer. In precision oncology, the 2019 DESTINY-Breast01 trial showcased trastuzumab deruxtecan’s benefits for HER2-positive breast cancer.

What Happens at the ESMO Annual Congress?

The congress offers a variety of sessions designed to engage professionals at all levels. Plenary sessions highlight major breakthroughs in cancer treatment, showcasing pivotal clinical trials and new therapies that could shape the future of oncology. Workshops provide interactive, in-depth discussions focused on practical skills and emerging trends, such as clinical trial design and new treatment methods. Poster presentations allow researchers to showcase their latest findings in a dynamic, informal setting, encouraging direct interaction and feedback. Satellite symposia, sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, explore specific therapies and clinical practices, offering insights into the latest advancements in cancer care.

source: www.esmo.org

ESMO Annual Congress 2024: Key Details

The 2024 ESMO Annual Congress, held September 13-17 in Barcelona, highlighted major advancements in personalized medicine, AI integration in oncology, and evolving immunotherapy. Precision oncology took center stage, emphasizing comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to tailor treatments based on specific mutations. AI’s role in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment planning was a key focus, alongside the announcement of the inaugural ESMO AI & Digital Oncology Congress in 2025. Immunotherapy remained a major theme, with promising results for treatment-resistant cancers, particularly through immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination therapies.

Highlights from Previous ESMO Annual Congresses

Recent ESMO Congresses have showcased major advances in immunotherapy. At ESMO 2024, HST-1011, an oral inhibitor targeting CBL-B, showed promising results in the SOLAR1 trial for solid tumors. The 2023 congress marked a breakthrough for NSCLC and urothelial carcinoma, with a phase III trial showing that enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab nearly doubled overall survival in advanced urothelial carcinoma, setting a new standard of care. These findings are reshaping clinical practice, driving further research into immune regulators as cancer therapy targets.

source: www.esmo.org

ESMO Annual Congress 2025: What to Expect

The ESMO Annual Congress 2025 will take place from October 17-21 in Berlin, Germany, focusing on key advancements in cancer research and treatment. Personalized medicine will be a major theme, emphasizing tailored treatments based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. AI’s expanding role in oncology, including treatment decision-making and predictive analytics, will be explored. Immunotherapy and targeted therapies will also take center stage, with new findings on novel drug combinations and emerging therapeutic targets. The congress offers oncology professionals a chance to stay updated on cutting-edge research, network with experts, and explore innovations for improving patient care.

ESMO Virtual Education: Continuous Learning for Oncologists

ESMO’s Virtual Education platform offers oncology professionals diverse learning opportunities to stay updated on cancer treatment and research. Self-paced e-learning modules cover prevention, diagnostics, supportive care, and treatment in patients with comorbidities, with CME tests awarding ESMO-MORA points.

Advanced courses provide expert-led lectures, workshops, and interactive discussions on specific tumor management challenges. Preceptorship programs offer hands-on training and mentorship in oncology subspecialties. The platform integrates updates from ESMO’s Clinical Practice Guidelines and the latest research, ensuring content reflects current standards and advancements in cancer care.

Upcoming ESMO Events in 2025

Here are some notable ESMO events scheduled for 2025:

ESMO Gastrointestinal Cancers Congress 2025: Scheduled from 2 to 5 July 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, this congress focuses on the latest advancements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

ESMO Gynaecological Cancers Congress 2025: Taking place from 19 to 21 June 2025 in Vienna, Austria, this event is dedicated to exploring recent developments in the management of gynaecological malignancies

How ESMO Membership Can Boost Your Career

ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) offers oncology professionals numerous benefits for career growth. Members can connect with peers and experts globally, access exclusive scientific and educational events at reduced fees, and network with leading experts.

Members receive Annals of Oncology, handbooks, training guidelines, and research reports on emerging oncology trends. Participation in the ESMO Congress allows free abstract submissions and discounted registration. ESMO also supports career advancement with continuing education through the ESMO/ASCO Global Curriculum and leadership opportunities, including voting and nominating peers for recognition.

ESMO Membership: Benefits and How to Join

Becoming an ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) member comes with numerous career-boosting benefits.

• Full Membership is for oncology professionals and includes access to Annals of Oncology, congress discounts, eligibility for grants, and networking opportunities.
• Student Membership offers free access to resources but does not include voting rights.
• In-Training Membership is available at reduced fees for trainees under 40, providing access to resources and grants.
• Emeritus Membership is designed for retired professionals, offering reduced fees and continued access to educational content.

The application process is simple:

• Create an account on the ESMO website.
• Choose the appropriate membership tier.
• Complete the online application and pay the applicable fee.
• Receive confirmation upon approval.

Membership fees vary depending on the category, with full membership typically costing around €175 per year. Members gain access to ESMO’s journals, educational materials, and congresses, as well as networking opportunities with over 40,000 oncology professionals worldwide. Additional career benefits include participation in committees and leadership roles, further enhancing professional growth.

Unlocking Opportunities for Young Oncologists with ESMO

ESMO offers young oncologists a wealth of opportunities to advance their careers, connect with peers, and access valuable educational resources. Whether you’re in training or just starting out, ESMO provides the tools you need to grow in the oncology field.

YO Merit Awards – ESMO recognizes the best and brightest young oncologists by awarding Merit Awards to those submitting outstanding abstracts at ESMO meetings. These awards are given based on the quality of the abstract, as chosen by the Scientific Committee.

YO Travel Grants – Attending international meetings can be expensive, but ESMO helps ease the financial burden with travel grants, allowing young oncologists to participate in key educational events worldwide.

Reduced Registration Fees – As an ESMO member, you’ll enjoy discounted registration for all meetings. Plus, if you’re under 40 and still in training, you’ll benefit from significantly reduced fees, ensuring career development remains affordable.

To get involved with the Young Oncologists (YO) team, follow these steps:

• Be an ESMO Member – If you’re not already a member, apply online through ESMO’s website.
• Stay Active – Participate in YO activities like events, webinars, and forums. This is your chance to connect with fellow oncologists and stay updated on the latest research.
• Submit Your Abstracts – You could be eligible for a YO Merit Award by submitting high-quality abstracts to ESMO meetings, or apply for YO Travel Grants to attend key events.
• Engage with YO Channels – Stay informed by following YO E-News and the YO Facebook Group, where opportunities and updates are shared.
• Attend ESMO Meetings – Take advantage of ESMO’s meetings and congresses to expand your professional network and increase your visibility within the oncology community.
• YO Merit Awards and Travel Grants are promoted through the YO E-News and YO Facebook Group, and full details listed within the meeting pages on esmo.org/meetings

How to Stay Updated on ESMO News and Events

Oncology professionals can stay updated on ESMO news and events through various resources:

ESMO Newsletters: Sign up here to receive personalized updates on research and upcoming events.
ESMO Events Calendar: Check the calendar to track congress dates, registration deadlines, and key oncology events.
ESMO Mobile App: Download the app for real-time event updates, educational content, and push notifications.
Social Media: Follow ESMO on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for the latest news, research, and event highlights.
ESMO Online Forums: Join discussions with fellow professionals on oncology-related topics.
ESMO Blog & Publications: Explore the blog for articles on cutting-edge oncology topics and subscribe for notifications.

ESMO Research Highlights: Key Studies in Oncology

Recent ESMO Congresses have highlighted advancements in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and AI, enhancing cancer treatment and outcomes. At ESMO 2024, Keytruda with chemotherapy cut death risk by 34% in early-stage TNBC, with 87% of patients alive after five years. In locally advanced cervical cancer, Keytruda with chemoradiotherapy improved three-year survival by 8%, reducing mortality risk by 33%. The UpFrontPSMA trial assessed 177Lu-PSMA-617 plus docetaxel for metastatic prostate cancer, while a study on gestational trophoblastic disease showed a 96.2% cure rate with methotrexate and avelumab. Research confirmed breastfeeding is safe for breast cancer survivors, including BRCA mutation carriers. Immunotherapy agents like Keytruda and Opdivo continue to enhance survival across multiple cancers.

Key Takeaways from Recent ESMO Congresses

Recent ESMO Congresses have introduced groundbreaking advancements in oncology, shaping the future of cancer treatment. At ESMO 2023, the MARIPOSA-1 and MARIPOSA-2 trials highlighted the potential of combination therapies in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), showing improved progression-free survival. In 2024, Merck’s Keytruda demonstrated significant success in women’s cancers. In early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, five-year survival reached 87% with Keytruda versus 82% with placebo, reducing mortality risk by 34%. In locally advanced cervical cancer, three-year survival was 83% versus 75%, reducing mortality risk by 33%. ESMO 2024 also presented evidence that breastfeeding is safe for breast cancer survivors, including those with BRCA mutations, with no increased recurrence risk.

ESMO 2025 Dates and Location: Important Information

The ESMO Congress 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 17 to 21, 2025, in Berlin, Germany.

Registration Details:

• Opening Date: Registration is set to open in January 2025( esmo.org)
• Process: To register, you’ll need an ESMO account. It’s essential to use the official ESMO Congress Registration System to avoid potential scams.
• Travel Protection: ESMO requires delegates to purchase travel protection to cover potential cancellations and other travel-related risks.

​ Abstract submission

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 13 May 2025
• Late-Breaking Abstracts Deadline: 9 September 2025

• Eligibility: Abstracts must present original research in the field of medical oncology.
• Format: Submissions should include objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Process: All abstracts must be submitted through the official ESMO submission portal.

Registration Fees (Including 19% German VAT)

• Early Registration (until 16 July 2025)
• Late Registration (until 10 September 2025)
• Full Registration (from 11 September 2025)

ESMO Member Rates

• General Member: €665 (Early), €934 (Late), €1,195 (Full)
• Developing Countries Member*: €185, €300, €598
• Member in Training**: €107, €140, €210
• Undergraduate Student Member: €107, €140, €210
• Nurse Member: €555 (Flat rate for all periods)
• Patient Advocate Member: €107, €140, €210

EONS Member Rates (European Oncology Nursing Society)

• Nurse: €555 (Flat rate)
• Early Career Nurse***: €107 (Flat rate)

Non-Member Rates

• General Non-Member: €1,040, €1,315, €1,595

Other Registration Fees

• Private Meeting Badge: €265 (Access to exhibition, satellites, private meetings, business rooms)
• Industry Symposium Badge: €265 (Same access as above)
• Exhibition Visitor Badge: €130 (Access to exhibition area only)
• Third-Party Media: €700 (Access to venue common areas, filming zones, exhibition, and private meeting rooms upon invitation)

For other badge requests, contact: [email protected]

source: www. esmo.org

Activities in Berlin

Brandenburg Gate: Iconic landmark symbolizing German unity.

Museum Island: Home to world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum and Neues Museum.

Berlin Wall Memorial & East Side Gallery: Preserved sections of the Berlin Wall with historic murals.

Alexanderplatz: A bustling square with shopping, restaurants, and the iconic TV Tower.

Reichstag Building: Offers stunning city views from its glass dome.

Tiergarten: A large, scenic park perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Hackescher Markt: A lively area known for its cafés, shops, and street art.

Berlin Philharmonic: A must-visit for classical music lovers.

Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD