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As always, the very high scientific level of the meeting and the opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Q. What in your opinion will be the hot topics for thoracic oncology?
The main important areas are lung cancer screening, nodule management and the new TNM (Tumour, Node, Metastasis) staging and implications. For pleural disease, the main areas are earlier use of pleural biopsy and phenotyping mesothelioma.
Q. Tell us your top three picks from the Congress programme.
I would suggest the Lungs on Fire thoracic oncology session, the symposia on TNM staging, and the debate on optimal management of malignant effusion.
This year’s ERS Congress offers a comprehensive programme covering various topics in Thoracic Oncology, featuring top international speakers. Personally, I’m especially excited that the conference will be held in Amsterdam — the city where I work. For fellow early career members, we’ve organised a full day of engaging lectures as part of the NEXT programme on September 27, focusing on enhancing research and presentation skills to help participants prepare for the conference.
Q. In your opinion, what will be the highlights for ECMs in Assembly 11 during the ERS Congress?
Beyond the NEXT programme, the conference will spotlight several hot topics such as the 9th TNM (Tumour, Node, Metastasis) edition for thoracic oncology staging, the diagnosis of mesothelioma and malignant pleural effusion, and clinical cases featured in the “Lungs on Fire” session. Additionally, early career members will have the opportunity to present their research in numerous poster sessions, where questions can be asked in an accessible setting, fostering future collaborations.
Q. With this in mind, please tell us your top three session or abstract picks from the Congress programme and why?
Some key highlights for me include the two sessions on EU-funded ERS lung cancer projects: the SOLACE project on lung cancer screening, and the OPTIMA IMI project, which focuses on advancing lung cancer care through real-world evidence, AI, and computerised clinical guidelines. I’m also eagerly anticipating the live endoscopy session 1 on September 30, “Diagnosing, staging and treatment of early-stage lung cancer”, which will feature a live broadcast from the hybrid OR at Amsterdam UMC. Another session I’m looking forward to is the symposium on “Lung cancer and severe respiratory comorbidities: navigating complex clinical challenges” on September 29, as it addresses a challenge many of us encounter in clinical practice.