Illuminating Supportive Cancer Care: MASCC 2024 Plenary Session Speakers

As the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) gears up for its 2024 annual meeting, the plenary sessions stand out as a cornerstone of the conference. These sessions are a platform for sharing groundbreaking research, innovative practices, and inspirational stories that shape the future of supportive cancer care. This year, the plenary highlights promise an engaging and enlightening experience for all attendees.

Plenary Session 1: Management of Emerging Toxicities

Chaired by Prof. Alexandre Chan (USA) and Dr. Didier Mayeur (France), this session will delve into the complexities of managing novel agent toxicity in breast cancer, presented by Dr. Hope Rugo (USA). Dr. Christina Ruhlmann (Denmark) will discuss surviving with immunotoxicity, while Dr. Ines Vaz-Luiz (France) will explore adherence, survivorship, and long-term toxicities (chronic).

Prof Alexandre Chan is a Clinical Professor at UCI with a focus on supportive care in cancer, particularly in managing side effects of cancer treatments. Dr Didier Mayeur is an oncologist at Centre Georges-François Leclerc specializing in breast and urological cancers, and President of the Association Francophone des Soins Oncologiques de Support.

Dr Hope Rugo is the director of Breast Oncology and Clinical Trials Education at UCSF, with a focus on novel therapies for breast cancer treatment. Dr Christina Ruhlmann is a consultant in the Department of Oncology at Odense University Hospital, treating melanoma and thyroid cancer, and an associate professor in clinical oncology. Dr Ines Vaz-Luiz is a recipient of the 2024 International Women Who Conquer Cancer Mentorship Award, focusing on cancer survivorship at Gustave Roussy.

Plenary Session 2: Home Care / Care Close to Home

Under the guidance of Prof. Maryam Lustberg (USA) and Dr. Mario Di Palma (France), this session will highlight the benefits of hospital at home in cancer care. Mr. Ghislain Promonet (France) and Dr. Marc Poterre (France) will present their collaborative work on this topic. Dr. Eduardo Bruera (USA) will address the ideal location for care according to disease, patient, and family characteristics. Dr. Christine Boers-Doets (The Netherlands) will share insights on post-surgical care at home and how to empower patients for follow-up treatments.

Prof Maryam Lustberg is the director of the Center for Breast Cancer at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center, with research interests in long-term outcomes and treatment side effects. Dr Mario Di Palma is the head of the Ambulatory Department at Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, with expertise in oncology and cancer-related pain. Mr Ghislain Promonet is the director of Fondation Santé Service, focusing on healthcare management and service delivery. Dr Marc Poterre is a general practitioner involved in palliative care research and the evaluation of practices in end-of-life care. Dr Eduardo Bruera is the chair of the Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center, specializing in supportive care in cancer. Dr Christine Boers-Doets is an expert in managing side effects of cancer treatments, particularly targeted therapies, and a senior side effects expert at CancerMed Side Effects Institute.

Plenary Session 3: Innovative Implementation and Quality Improvement in Supportive Care

Prof. Florian Scotté (France) will chair a session that promises to be a highlight of the conference. Dr. Alexandra Mueller (Germany) will present the SAFER Ukraine Initiative, and Dr. Cyril Lervat (France) will discuss digital health platforms or innovative technologies for pediatric supportive care. Dr. Etienne Brain (France) will examine whether digitalization can improve research for and consideration of older patients with cancer. Lastly, Dr. Don Dizon (USA) will bring attention to disparities in cancer care and sexual and gender minoritized communities.

Prof Florian Scotté is a medical oncologist and head of Gustave Roussy’s Interdisciplinary Department for the Organization of Patient Pathways, with a doctorate in medical ethics and leadership roles in supportive care organizations. Dr. Alexandra Mueller’s work with the SAFER Ukraine Initiative showcases her commitment to providing supportive care in conflict zones. Dr Cyril Lervat is an onco-pediatrician at Centre Oscar Lambret, specializing in pediatric cancers and adolescent and young adult sarcomas, with expertise in palliative care. Dr Etienne Brain is a medical oncologist at Institut Curie with a focus on breast cancer research and geriatric oncology, and past president of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology. Dr Don Dizon is the director of the Pelvic Malignancies Program and Hematology-Oncology Outpatient Clinics at Lifespan Cancer Institute, with research interests in novel treatments for women’s cancers and survivorship issues related to sexual health after cancer.

These plenary sessions are not just presentations; they are conversations that can lead to real change in the field of supportive cancer care. The speakers, chosen for their expertise and contributions to the field, will provide attendees with a wealth of knowledge and the opportunity to engage with the latest developments in cancer care.

The MASCC 2024 plenary sessions are a testament to the organization’s commitment to advancing supportive care in cancer. They reflect a dedication to innovation, quality improvement, and most importantly, patient-centered care. As we look forward to these sessions, we are reminded of the power of collective knowledge and the impact it can have on patients’ lives worldwide.

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