Noteworthy Workshops: Preparing for MASCC 2024

As the MASCC 2024 Annual Meeting draws near, attendees are eagerly anticipating a diverse program of workshops that promise to enrich their knowledge and skills in supportive cancer care. These workshops are specially designed to provide hands-on experiences and in-depth discussions on various emerging topics in the field. Here's a guide to the workshops and sessions that are not to be missed at this year's conference.

Workshop 1: A Masterclass on Fundamentals of Cancer Supportive Care

This workshop, chaired by Prof Alexandre Chan (USA), is a comprehensive masterclass covering the clinical management of acute toxicities. It will feature case-based discussions on nausea and vomiting in cancer patients led by Prof Jørn Herrstedt (Denmark), as well as insights into the toxicities associated with antibody drug conjugates and immunotherapy presented by Dr Tim Cooksley (United Kingdom). The session will also delve into the fundamentals of mucositis with Prof Sharon Elad (USA) and cancer pain management with Dr Guillaume Pierre Serge Economos (France).

Workshop 2: Using Patient-Reported Outcomes Around the Globe

Chaired by Prof Alexandre Chan (USA) and Dr Corina van den Hurk (The Netherlands), this workshop will explore the EORTC approach and best practices for patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Dr Corneel Coens (Belgium) will discuss (e-)PROM data collection using EORTC approaches, while Dr Ines Vaz-Luis (France) will address the use of PROM data from large patient cohorts. The session will include discussion groups moderated by experts like Dr Matthew Allsop (United Kingdom) and Dr Pierluigi Bonomo (Italy), focusing on starting and improving PROM collection in daily practice and for research purposes.

Workshop 3: Restoring Vitality in the Supportive Care Clinician

This burnout prevention workshop, chaired by Dr Fay Hlubocky (USA), is tailored for MASCC members and will tackle the critical issue of clinician burnout. Dr Jonathan Lim (United Kingdom) will discuss strategies for tackling burnout in oncology clinicians, and Dr Vilma Pacheco Barcia (Spain) will present on meeting the needs of the supportive care clinician. This interactive workshop will provide valuable tools and strategies for clinicians to maintain their well-being while delivering high-quality care.

Workshop 4: Exercise for Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Prof Anne May (The Netherlands) will chair a workshop presenting the results of the PREFERABLE Project. This session will discuss the effects of exercise on patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), featuring topics such as exercise effects on physical fitness and patient-reported outcomes presented by Prof Karen Steindorf (Germany), and insights into biomarkers by Dr Helene Rundqvist (Sweden). Dr Aniek Schouten (Netherlands) will cover the cost-effectiveness of the project, and reflections from a trial participant, Ms Ineke Helmer (Netherlands), will provide a unique patient perspective.

Preparing for the Workshops

To make the most out of these workshops, attendees should plan ahead. Registration is required for each workshop, and additional fees apply. It's advisable to register early as spaces are limited and these sessions tend to fill up quickly. Attendees should also prepare by familiarizing themselves with the topics and speakers beforehand to engage fully during the workshops.

Conclusion

The workshops at MASCC 2024 are an integral part of the conference experience. They offer a unique opportunity for attendees to gain practical skills, engage in critical discussions, and connect with experts and peers in the field of supportive cancer care. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or student, these workshops will provide valuable insights and experiences that will enhance your professional development and impact your practice. Be sure to secure your spot and prepare to dive deep into the world of supportive cancer care at MASCC 2024.

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