About the European Society for Medical Oncology

Founded in 1975 as the Société de Médicine Interne Cancérologique, ESMO took on its present name in 1980, when it transformed into a pan-European organization that established itself as a leading and highly respected institution in the field of oncology. ESMO is the leading European professional society of medical oncologists, welcomes other related specialties, and has a worldwide membership from over 100 countries. ESMO’s flagship journal, Annals of Oncology, ranks among the top five clinical oncology journals.

The major focus of all ESMO activities is to improve cancer prevention and early diagnosis of cancer, as well as diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of cancer patients. In keeping with its mission to embrace patients’ needs, an open dialogue between patients and physicians has led to the forging of a patient-physician partnership, to which patients bring their needs and direct experiences, while physicians contribute with evidence-based science, in a united effort to improve healthcare services throughout Europe.

Current developments in oncology indicate the need for treatment by multidisciplinary teams. To this end, ESMO offers multidisciplinary programs which foster collaboration between different disciplines within the Society, such as medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, pediatric oncology, basic research, oncology pharmacy and oncology nursing.

ESMO's multidisciplinary vision has also led to the forging of strategic partnerships with the other oncology societies, associations in specific fields and cancer organizations both in Europe and around the world. ESMO is a competent, credible partner and consulting Society that works with numerous organizations, including the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), the European Union (EU), and the World Health Organization (WHO). ESMO has also actively been strengthening working relationships with some of the major national and regional oncology societies around the world with initiatives such as reciprocal membership, joint projects and exchange programs.

As part of its global vision and strategy ESMO has become more active in politics by opening an office in Brussels. Contributing to the development, funding and positioning of oncology at the European level is one of ESMO's ambitions. Taking care of the future of ESMO members and patients implies that the Society takes action to raise political awareness on issues that affect the constantly evolving environment of oncology.

ESMO addresses global inequalities in cancer care through statistical analysis of data concerning the discrepancies in the prerequisites for the practice of oncology in Europe and developing countries. The summary reports from this data analysis will help identify necessary improvements in the infrastructure of those countries that have less than optimal healthcare system. They will indicate how to face the challenge of reducing disparities in the quality of care available to patients residing in different European countries. They will also provide further evidence of the need to recognize medical oncology as an independent specialty throughout Europe and globally.

Standardized training in medical oncology, based on a solid background in internal medicine, has been defined in the Recommendations for a Global Core Curriculum in Medical Oncology, produced by ESMO in joint collaboration with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Another ESMO-ASCO joint publication is the Consensus Statement on Quality Cancer Care, published in 2006, which outlines the basic needs and rights of cancer patients to the highest level of care.

Information, knowledge, and experience combine to form the backbone of excellence in clinical practice. To this end ESMO is a platform, offering a wide range of educational and scientific tools, such as:

•  ESMO Congresses focus on both state-of-the-art educational sessions and the most recent developments in oncology research and technology.

•  ESMO Conference Lugano (ECLU) provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art oncology for major cancer types and special interactive sessions that focus on the needs of young oncologists, including an Academy of Oncology.

•  ESMO International Symposia (EIS) concentrate on multidisciplinary approaches to specific fields of oncology.

•  ESMO Partnership Meetings allow the Society to collaborate with other prominent oncology organizations in meetings on topics such as translational research, targeted therapies, prevention and organ-based tumors.

•  The ESMO Examination in medical oncology certifies medical oncologists and is required to practice medical oncology or be a Full member of medical oncology societies in several European countries.

•  ESMO accredits and supports educational courses, virtual meetings and Internet-based projects, thereby expanding the ESMO global network.

•  ESMO, together with the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), seeks to identify the necessary criteria for medical oncology departments in comprehensive cancer centers.

•  Following the publication of the ESMO Policy on Palliative and Supportive Care, the Society now accredits ‘Designated Centers of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care’ that meet a comprehensive list of criteria and are capable of providing specific training in this important aspect of patient care. 

•  ESMO Clinical Recommendations assess diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. They are intended as guidelines for clinical practice and prerequisites for basic healthcare services. 

•  For young oncologists, ESMO offers a career development program of fellowships, translational research unit visits, masterclasses, special educational activities, oncology handbooks - and much more.

•  ESMO awards an ever increasing number of grants and fellowships with the aim of providing scholarships to exceptional, young oncologists.

The ESMO Foundation, since 2004, has been supporting ESMO’s educational activities, ranging from specific training of young talented people to educational programs of the highest quality in cancer care and prevention, as well as activities in translational and clinical research..

The great strides and improvements that are on the horizon bring with them the need to transform a wholly scientifically-oriented organization into a Society that is willing and able to face the multifaceted aspects of cancer care and research. As the voice and driving force of medical oncology in Europe, ESMO is eager to continue to expand its role in multidisciplinary oncology, in order to meet the challenges that lie ahead.