The SIOG 2025 Annual Conference, held 20-22 November in Ghent, Belgium, marked a milestone for the International Society of Geriatric Oncology, celebrating 25 years of leadership in cancer care for older adults. Set under the theme “Bridging Research and Clinical Practice in Geriatric Oncology”, the meeting featured a rich program of plenary sessions, symposia, poster walks, and interactive workshops on topics ranging from comprehensive geriatric assessment to antibody-drug conjugates in older patients.
The event emphasized not just scientific advances, but also the critical need for implementation – particularly universal adoption of geriatric assessments and multidisciplinary care pathways – and ended on a hopeful note, calling for system-level change to ensure older adults worldwide receive truly personalized, evidence-informed cancer care.
Here are several standout highlights from the event:
“Today marks the start of SIOG with the plenary session celebrating the society’s 25th anniversary.
YSIOG, the young voice of SIOG, joins the celebration, looking ahead – we are the present driving the future of geriatric oncology.
Here’s to the next 25 years!”
“Delighted to be here in Ghent, Belgium, for the special Anniversary Edition of SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology!
Always a joy to hang out with so many illuminaries from the Geriatric Oncology galaxy. See you all soon!
Especially excited for Vani Katheria to present our Rising Tide Group-supported GOTO program infrastructure from City of Hope and Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG), showing all the work to build a whole new way to do trials for older adults.
Also, to present our Plenary Symposium on avoiding the Overtreatment/Undertreatment dilemmas using Geriatric Assessment with Mslissa Loh, Siri Rostoff, Suzanne Fesden, and Anne Pennela. Will miss Clark DuMontier, who put so much work into this!”
“Celebrate SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology’s birthday the way we know, boost our patient’s care, find friends, and make new ones! That is: LIVING, LEARNING and HAVING FUN in freezing.”
“The party continues in Belgium with the SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology Annual Conference in Gent!
How do we ensure older adults are true partners in oncology research?
I’m still buzzing from a stimulating SPAR Croundtable discussion on ‘Partnering with Older Adults in Oncology Research: Engagement, Endpoints & Design’ that took place yesterday at SIOG2025. The roundtable discussion brought together patient advocates, clinicians, researchers, regulators, and industry to address how we can move beyond inclusion to genuine partnership.
It was an honor to contribute to the dialogue and share thoughts on how industry is partnering with patients to improve Representativeness in clinical research. Great energy, excellent questions, and inspiring co-panelists.
A few key points that resonated with me:
- Engagement: Older adults are a heterogeneous group of individuals with unique needs. We need to stop ‘assuming’ and start ‘engaging’ with them directly to design components of research and care that align with their preferences.
- Endpoints: OS and PFS are not always the endpoints older adults care about. We must consider utilising patient experience dat to capture relevant endpoints both for regulatory and clinical decision making.
- Design: There is no one trial design that can solve for lack of data on older adults in oncology trials. We must consider both trials that are specifically dedicated to older adults and cohorts in pivotal trials that include older/co-morbid patients. The design of the trial should facilitate participation and not create additional burden for patients.
Most importantly, Collaboration will be key to redefine research design for better care for older adults with cancer.
A hearty congratulations to SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology for celebrating their 25th Anniversary.”
“So proud of the good Swiss representation at SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology in Ghent, and happy to present our poster about the geriatric oncology landscape in Switzerland. Thank you to Prof. Dr. med. Marcus Vetter and Anita Margulies, and all the Swiss Geriatric Oncology Group (SGOG) Members present.”
“The second day of SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology Annual Conference was marked by scientific depth, academic rigor and an atmosphere of genuine cooperation among experts dedicated to improving cancer care for older adults.
I had the honour of presenting on “Systemic Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer”, addressing the principles underpinning an integrated and personalised approach to metastatic disease.
The day was equally enriched by stimulating discussions, exchange of experience and close collaboration with colleagues from different countries – all driven by a shared mission: to elevate the quality of cancer care delivered to older adults through robust science and critical thinking.
Here are a few moments that capture the energy, professionalism and collective spirit that shaped this day.”
“Thrilled to be at SIOG 2025 in Ghent this week! It’s especially meaningful to reconnect with Prof. Lissandra Dal Lago – my mentor during my Geriatric Oncology mini-fellowship in 2020 at Institut Jules Bordet, and one of the most influential mentors I’ve had throughout my career.
Tomorrow, we will be presenting a mini oral communication at the Rapid Fire Session:
‘Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Patients with HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer Treated with Chemotherapy and Anti-HER2 Therapy: an APHINITY Trial Sub-Group Analysis’.
Happy to share this collaborative work and celebrate 25 years of SIOG.”
“Early start at SIOG 2025 and proudly presenting my poster on social frailty among older adults with co-morbid cancer and dementia. Grateful for the chance to highlight an under-explored area in geriatric oncology.”
“I had the pleasure to share some preliminary results of my research on mammography, FOBT and colonoscopy use among adults above the recommended age for cancer screening at the SIOG2025 annual conference.
Thank you to SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology for the opportunity, and a big thanks to all researchers and healthcare professionals who stopped by to discuss these results. They gave me really interesting insights and feedback!”
“Our amazing India Pinker, PhD gave a brilliant talk on qualitative research methods to a medical audience at SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology annual meeting!”
“Excited to share the Center for Implementation Research in Cancer in Later Life with international colleagues at SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology. Join us!”
“SIOG 2025: Ghent is the international centre of Geriatric Oncology for 3 days! The French delegation took this great opportunity to come as neighbours.”
“Palliative care session SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology. Early integration in clinical care focusing on what patients want most.”
“SIOG25 in Ghent wraps up today.
SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology continuing to lead the global cause to improve the care of older people with cancer.”
“Feeling inspired in stunning Ghent, Belgium, among colleagues from around the world at SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology
Today’s session co-developed and co-chaired by Clark DuMontier, with speaker Melissa Kah Poh Loh, MD, MS, FACCC, FASCO, AGSF on under- and overtreatment really stood out. Their framework for balancing treatment intensity, frailty, and patient values highlights how geriatric assessment guides ethical, patient-centered care.
Grateful to learn from mentors who continue to shape the field of geriatric oncology!”
“OncoDaily is on the ground at SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology 2025 in Ghent!
Throughout the conference, we’ll be conducting interviews with leading experts in geriatric oncology, sharing live updates, key insights, and highlights from the sessions
If you’re attending SIOG, stop by the SIOGxOncoDaily booth near the registration desk, we’d be happy to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities to collaborate.
See you in Ghent!”
“Thrilled to call this outstanding oncogeriatrician my mentor.
Today on the SIOG 2025, he showed us some of the next steps we need to take to advance frontline research for older adults with cancer! Dr.Shabbir Alibhai.”
“Great to be at SIOG 2025 – SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology in Ghent, Belgium, showcasing the Geronte project on myPatientSpace at the SIOG booth with Ciara Gormley.
We’ve been honoured to collaborate with leading oncologists, nurses, and geriatricians across Europe in developing a digitally enabled pathway to support MDTs and integrated care as part of this H2020 project. The multidimensional dashboard brings critical information together for stronger decision-making and supports patients at home through remote monitoring and self-management.
Fantastic to meet teams from around the world at an event dedicated to improving the quality of life and outcomes for older adults with cancer.
Great to see so many of the consortium members:
Soubeyran Pierre, Hans Wildiers, Siri Rostoft, Bridget O’ Sullivan, Barbara Ewals, Cindy Kenis
Great singing from the impromptu Choir!”
“My first SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology Annual Conference was in Amsterdam in 2018 – the largest SIOG event at the time. Not anymore! Thrilled to see the SIOG Annual Conference keep breaking its own records! Grateful for the incredible people who made this growth possible. Here’s to many more!”
“Very excited to present my project on behavior change theory in exercise in oncology geriatrics at SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology’s annual conference.”
“So proud of SIOG UK Country Group showing a strong presence at SIOG 2025.”
Stellar talk by William Dale! A masterclass on redefining over- and undertreatment in older adults with cancer. Important insights on moving beyond guideline-driven care toward ethical, patient-centered decision-making. Truly thought-provoking and inspiring.”
“I was thrilled to see that SIOG 2025 GA Assessment once again drew so many healthcare professionals eager to integrate CGA into their GO clinics! Always a privilege to learn from experts across diverse fields, sharing practical insights that help elevate everyday practice.”
“Great talk by my Canadian colleague Kristen Haase about the systemic presence of ageism and how it affects shared decision making. Ageism is common in the healthcare system – but can occur in patients themselves! (I’m too old for treatment).”
“Huge congrats Cristiane D Bergerot on your excellent presentation at SIOG 2025! Truly inspiring to see the incredible work you’ve poured your heart and soul into building in Brazil. So proud of you!”
“Thrilled to see my friend and mentee Ramy Sedhom on the SIOG plenary stage showcasing how informatics-enabled Geriatric Oncology models drive data → action → better care for older adults with cancer. So proud of you!”
SIOG:
“As SIOG 2025 comes to a close, we leave Ghent with gratitude, connection, and a shared sense of purpose.
Three days of learning and collaboration reminded us why this community matters – and how much there is still to do to improve care for older adults with cancer.
Now, it’s time to look ahead.
In 2023, Valencia welcomed us with warmth and Mediterranean light. In 2026, we’ll return – to continue advancing geriatric oncology together, with the same spirit that’s defined SIOG for 25 years.
See you in Valencia for SIOG 2026.”
You can find more posts from SIOG 2025 on OncoDaily.