Concluded Events

October 2024

October 17-20, 2024
International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Congress. Honolulu, Hawaii. The 56th Annual SIOP Congress will be the place to hear the latest research findings in pediatric oncology and to catalyze new ideas, generated by the multi-disciplinary attendance. Keynote lectures include perinatal solid tumor management, oncolytic viruses for treatment of cancer, myeloproliferative syndromes, and more. AECA will convene global partners around the event as the organization further advances its engagements in both pediatric cancer and palliative care.

October 16-18, 2024
International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Annual Global Meeting. Dublin, Ireland. The IGCS Annual Global Meeting provides members and gynecologic oncology professionals with opportunities to share research, collaborate with colleagues, and receive education from an international faculty of world-class experts in gynecologic cancers. As a strong IGCS partner and as in prior years, AECA will conduct regional leadership session during the event for international leaders and anticipates to have leaders of societies and associations alike to be engaged. AECA will conduct “meet the mentor” sessions with regional stakeholders to develop tailored, county-specific directions and synergies within the global oncology community.

September 2024

September 29-October 2, 2024
ASTRO 66th Annual Meeting. Washington, DC, USA. While AECA has been supporting the international radiation oncology field for decades through various work streams, a more targeted focus on the topic has evolved to further propel the expansion of radiation therapy infrastructure in the Eurasian region. Most recently, AECA Executive Director attended ASTRO 2022 to facilitate productive partnership between Eurasian and radiation industry leaders, increasing the opportunity for world-class technology to be adopted within the Eurasian region. This year, AECA will once again convene on the ASTRO platform to further enhance Eurasian radiation oncology efforts, including through some of the most novel radiotherapy techniques - such as brachytherapy, intraoperative radiation therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery.

September 17-19, 2024
World Cancer Congress. Geneva, Switzerland. Since 2006, AECA has taken an active role in the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Congress, in close collaboration with the U.S. National Cancer Institute. AECA’s extensive UICC experience has laid the groundwork for prosperous Eurasian-focused conversations and collaborations. Once again this year, AECA will support various Eurasian-focused sessions with partners across the region, with specific topics of interest including palliative care, radiation oncology, and gynecological care.

September 13-17, 2024
ESMO Congress. Barcelona, Spain. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress is the most influential oncology platform for clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, journalists and healthcare industry representatives from all over the world. ESMO 2024 will disseminate the latest cutting-edge data, provide high quality education and unparalleled networking opportunities for oncologists and other stakeholders from all around the world. AECA will support Eurasian clinical partnerships participating in events related to several AECA workstreams, including gynecology and urology.

September 7-10, 2024
2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer. San Diego, CA, USA. For over a decade, AECA has been active in tobacco control policy and programs in an effort to reduce the global burden on tobacco-related illnesses, with a large focus on lung cancer. This event serves as the world's largest international gathering of clinicians, researchers and scientists in the field of lung cancer and thoracic oncology. Previous years’ plenary discussions have covered screening, incidental nodules, and adjuvant therapy for early-stage lung cancer; the impact of COVID-19 on patients with lung cancer; novel approaches to cessation in cancer care; and more. AECA will ensure Eurasian stakeholders are active participants in the event, as well as continuing to promote tobacco cessation and lung cancer care in national cancer control plans.

August 2024

August 29-30, 2024
Best of ASCO - Eurasia. Almaty, Kazakhstan. This officially-licensed “Best of ASCO” comes on the heels of the inaugural, AECA-coordinated Eurasian session hosted in 2023 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Best of ASCO showcases the most clinically-relevant research from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. This event will ensure leaders throughout the region are kept abreast of the most advanced surgical, technological, and pharmaceutical treatment options. It will also promote increased opportunities for productive collaboration between leading global and regional cancer control experts. Topical focus areas among the session will include lung cancer, stomach and pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, gynecological cancer, and urological cancer.

June 2024

June 20-22, 2024
ESMO Gynaecological Cancers Congress 2024. Florence, Italy. ESMO Gynaecological Cancers has become an essential annual appointment for oncology professionals treating patients with such malignancies – the place to learn the latest promising news, acquire high quality education, and exchange ideas. Longstanding AECA partner in global gynecological research and education - Dr. Robert Coleman of IGCS - serves on the event’s scientific committee. Given AECA’s breadth and depth in gynecological research development, AECA will organize robust participation from the Eurasian community to ensure best practices globally in gynecological care are implemented within the region.

May 2024

May 31-June 4, 2024
2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL, USA. AECA engages on a yearly basis around ASCO, the world’s largest clinical cancer research meeting. In 2024, AECA will once again connect with oncology professionals, patient advocates, and industry representatives to ensure the success of current research and training efforts, as well as foster growth of international partnerships and programs. Based on significant growth of the Eurasian cancer control platform, this year ASCO Global, AECA, and Eurasian partners will continue discussions around opportunities to increase international cancer control collaborations.

May 27–June 1, 2024
World Health Assembly. Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Assembly is the main decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is comprised of 194 Member States. Every year at the Health Assembly, country delegates make decisions on health goals and strategies that will guide their own public health work and the work of the WHO Secretariat to move the world towards better health and well-being for all. This year, AECA clinical expert Dr. Stephen Connor has been invited to serve on a palliative care committee at the Health Assembly. This gathering will serve as a forum for reporting back on the implementation of palliative care actionable indicators, in order to determine what has been achieved and decide on strategies for addressing the gaps. AECA will synchronize with international palliative care leaders to ensure Eurasian programmatic successes are disseminated and that policy-makers, palliative care program managers, and health-care workers are informed of WHO palliative care priorities.

May 17-18, 2024
International Cancer Congress. Bukhara, Uzbekistan. AECA Executive Director Dr. Sophia Michaelson will join the organizing committee of the International Cancer Congress to plan the event, call for actions, resolutions, and research initiatives. AECA leads a conference team of multidisciplinary stakeholders across multiple cancer specialties, with a focus on female-focused cancer sites, including breast and cervical, as well as palliative care integration. AECA will launch pre-invasive cancer at the session to educate healthcare providers on opportunities to identify cervical cancer early and reduce morbidity and mortality. Additionally, AECA, jointly with WHPCA, will hold meetings, hospice visits, and policy roundtable discussions jointly with Uzbekistan stakeholders to promote increased access to palliative care training, education, and patient care.

May 16-18, 2024
European Association for Palliative Care World Research Congress. Barcelona, Spain. This international event provides an opportunity to learn about exciting innovations and progress from within the palliative care community. AECA jointly with WHPCA will engage Eurasian partners to present on the latest accomplishments in palliative care as well as develop a joint collaborative roundtable dedicated to the development and region-specific program priorities of the Eurasian Palliative Care Alliance that will engage Central Asian, Caucuses, and Eastern/Central European countries.

May 15-17, 2024
ESMO Breast Cancer 2024. Berlin, Germany. ESMO Breast Cancer is a congress designed for breast cancer researchers and clinicians who have a specific interest in innovation (including translational research, new agents, molecular and functional diagnostics, biomarkers and cutting-edge research applications in the clinical setting) and care. AECA will be adding breast cancer research and educational programs to its service lines, and will gather clinical partners across the Eurasian region on the ESMO platform to discuss this initiative.

May 3-6, 2024
American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX, USA. Optimizing on the largest global meeting in urology, AECA will continue its involvement in AUA since 2005 to strengthen international partnerships and discuss best practices in education amongst experts in urological cancer treatment. In particular, AECA clinical experts will discuss the clinical, research, and education projects derived from the monthly urology tumor boards established in 2020 between North American and Eurasian stakeholders. AECA will engage partner organizations to participate in AUA and will plan to identify opportunities to organize Eurasian-focused meetings on the margins of the event to address the most prevalent urological cancer issues.

March 2024

March 21-23, 2024
International Congress on Innovative Approaches in Head and Neck Oncology. Barcelona, Spain. The European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS), and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) will host this biennial congress, which promises to provide a unique platform for the dissemination of the most relevant and cutting-edge science and innovation in the field of head and neck oncology. The format of the meeting will include prestigious invited ‘state of the art lectures’ and presentations on the latest developments in the field of head and neck oncology. There will be also a special focus on presentations of new data from practice changing randomized trials. This topic is particularly of interest to AECA given the head and neck specialty was the first the organization supported more than two decades ago.

March 20-23, 2024
European Lung Cancer Congress 2024. Prague, Czech Republic. The European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC 2024) is a collaborative effort of the most important multidisciplinary societies representing thoracic oncology specialists, working together to advance science, disseminate education and improve the practice of lung cancer specialists worldwide. As in previous years, AECA partnering organizations will discuss current research activities with clinical partners across the Eurasian region and facilitate the submission of scientific abstracts for inclusion in the event and participate more broadly in tobacco control practices and policies.

March 14-16, 2024
ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress 2024. Lugano, Switzerland. The ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress will constitute a unique occasion for the international rare cancers community to network and collaborate. The Congress will include educational and scientific sessions covering state-of-the-art multidisciplinary management of patients affected by rare solid tumors; insights into the biology, molecular classification, and diagnostics of sarcomas and rare cancers; precision therapeutics; and policy and advocacy discussions. Given the scarcity of these types of cancers, there is a unique opportunity for international cancer control leaders to collaborate to ensure sufficient sample to study some of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies. AECA is closely reviewing opportunities, particularly in sarcoma research, to leverage its strong international platforms for rare cancer research and educational purposes.

March 13-16, 2024
EUROGIN (EUropean Research Organisation on Genital Infection and Neoplasia) 2024. Stockholm, Sweden. For several years, AECA has been actively engaged on European research platforms to ensure knowledge exchange between Eurasian and international scientific counterparts, making EUROGIN (EUropean Research Organisation on Genital Infection and Neoplasia) an optimal event to unite global gynecological oncology leaders. Started in 1993 as a conference where scientific progress and clinical practice converge, EUROGIN shares translational research with an international scientific community aiming at accelerating the reduction of the burden of HPV-related cancers. This year, AECA clinical experts from Uzbekistan were selected for an oral presentation focused on the national cervical cancer screening program. AECA looks forward to ongoing participation of Eurasian clinical experts in the event, where presentations are expected on national HPV vaccination campaign learnings.

March 7-10, 2024
European Society of Gyneacological Oncology (ESGO) Annual Meeting. Barcelona, Spain. The ESGO congress offers professionals in Gynaecological Oncology - including clinicians, researchers, residents, and students a unique opportunity to learn and discuss the latest medical and scientific developments in gynaecological cancers research, treatment, and care, as well as to network with key opinion leaders and peers from around the world. AECA will engage with Eurasia-based partners attending the event to review ongoing program development and advocate for increased programmatic support.

February 2024

February 27-28, 2024
CanScreen-ECIS Workshop for Cancer Screening Experts. Valencia, Spain. Researchers from IARC and partner institutions organized a series of workshops for cancer screening experts as part of the strengthening cancer screening data collection to update the European Cancer Information System and improve quality and coverage of cancer screening programs in Europe (CanScreen-ECIS) project. Previous workshops were attended by experts across the European and Central Asian platform. At this event, scientific leaders from Uzbekistan will deliver updates on data monitoring and quality assurance for cancer screening efforts, specifically related to the national HPV vaccination project. AECA will work with Eurasian clinical expert partners in attendance to encourage knowledge exchange and facilitate scientific partnerships across the region.

February 26-28, 2024
ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress. Paris, France. For decades, AECA has been on the frontline of research and innovation in cancer management techniques. The ESMO TAT Congress will provide a forum to discuss promising new anticancer targets and agents, with a particular focus on those in early phase clinical development. Stakeholders from academy and industry will discuss with clinicians, researchers and regulators, the global dissemination of knowledge and clinical research expertise in the field of innovative cancer therapeutics, to the benefit of cancer patients worldwide. AECA has previously facilitated the submission of several abstracts from Eurasian partners at this event, and will continue to do so to ensure novel regional findings are shared with the global ESMO community.

January 2024

January 18-20, 2024
ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. San Francisco, CA, USA. From innovative science to multidisciplinary approaches, the ASCO GI Cancers Symposium offers new, practice-changing findings in GI cancer treatment, research, and care. The program includes sessions on immunotherapy for gastroesophageal cancer, novel approaches in the treatment spectrum of biliary tract cancers, and anal cancer: beyond denitive chemoradiation, and more. AECA has hosted productive meetings with ASCO global, one topic of discussion is often gastrointestinal cancer. AECA is gathering relevant partners to once again engage in the ASCO platform to continue ongoing productive research endeavors and expand existing educational platforms to improve gastrointestinal cancer care protocols. Eurasian partners can be particularly insightful in these discussions given the high prevalence of gastrointestinal cancers in the region.

December 2023

December 1-3, 2023
ESMO Asia Congress 2023. Singapore, Republic of Singapore. The ESMO Asia Congress is the annual event where global and Asian cancer professionals come together, to present and discuss the latest scientific and clinical advances across the entire field of oncology, of relevance at a global level, and for the Asia-Pacific region. Scheduled session topics include precision medicine for small cell lung cancer, how to treat salivary gland cancer, high risk early state endometrial cancer, and more. With Kazakhstan becoming a central hub for educational and clinical programs in the Eurasian region, AECA will leverage this Asian-based platform to convene stakeholders to address the most pressing cancer control topics for the region.

November 2023

November 5-7, 2023
International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Annual Global Meeting. Seoul, South Korea. Capitalizing on the success of the inaugural AECA Eurasian session at IGCS 2022, AECA will host an expanded Eurasian session at IGCS 2023 and anticipates even larger participation from the international cancer control community. The IGCS Annual Global Meeting provides members and gynecologic oncology professionals with opportunities to share research, collaborate with colleagues, and receive education from an international faculty of world-class experts in gynecologic cancers. AECA’s Eurasian session will unite regional leaders in clinical, educational, and scientific affairs, as well as provide an avenue for further international collaboration. In particular, this event will serve as the culmination of a productive year of increased collaboration between Central and Eastern Asian cancer control leaders.

October 2023

October 26-27, 2023
IX Congress of Oncologists and Radiologists of Kazakhstan
Astana, Kazakhstan. The Congress, held under the auspices of the Association for Directors of Centers and Institutes of Oncology and Radiology (ADIOR), is the largest event for the oncological and medical community within the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eurasia. AECA has participated in and contributed to the biannual Congress for more than a decade. AECA will continue to encourage partners to engage with the platform through dissemination of novel scientific accomplishments, development of scientific relationships, and facilitation of educational exchanges.

October 20-24, 2023
2023 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress. Madrid, Spain. In partnership with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, AECA engaged yearly since 2015 with several Eurasian nations to develop both National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) and corresponding budgetary guidance, and in 2019 these NCCPs were presented at the EMSO Congress in Barcelona. Based on successful AECA NCCP planning and ongoing engagement, Eurasian partners have become productive participants within the ESMO platform. The ESMO Congress is the yearly appointment in Europe for nearly 30,000 clinicians, researchers, oncology nurses, patient advocates, journalists, and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry from all over the world to get together, learn about the latest advances in oncology, and translate science into better cancer patient care. AECA is committed to increasing Eurasian participation within the ESMO platform, and invites ESMO constituents to join AECA events throughout Eurasia in order to more effectively address the most prevalent global oncology issues.

October 19-21, 2023
International Congress of Asian Oncology Society. Tokyo, Japan. Due to increased research and educational focus throughout Asia, AECA and its partners have been able to leverage several robust scientific platforms to exchange knowledge and experiences with regional counterparts. The Asian Oncology Society (AOS) is charged with bringing together clinical oncologists from Asian countries for a free exchange of ideas on the problems, challenges, and methods of cancer management in the region. The third International AOS Congress will be hosted by the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO), Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO), Japan Surgical Society (JSS), and Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology (JASTRO). AECA partners from Central Asia have poster presentation accepted and will be presenting at the event. The 2022 AOS Congress was hosted by the Korean Cancer Association and featured attendance from Eurasian cancer control experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Representatives from Asia will be in attendance at the Eurasian Gynecological Summit (April 2023) and the IGCS Annual Global Meeting (November 2023) will be hosted this year in South Korea, demonstrating the increasingly close relationship between Central and Eastern Asian scientific communities.

October 18-20, 2023
2023 World Cancer Congress. Geneva, Switzerland. Since 2006, AECA has taken an active role in the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Congress, in close collaboration with the U.S. National Cancer Institute. AECA’s extensive UICC experience has laid the groundwork for prosperous Eurasian-focused conversations and collaborations. Once again this year, AECA will participate in various Eurasian-focused sessions with partners across the region, with specific topics of interest including palliative care, radiation oncology, and gynecological care.

October 16-17, 2023
World Cancer Leaders’ Summit. Long Beach, CA. AECA has partnered with Eurasian countries during several WCLS events over the past decade on behalf of the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Center for Global Health. Global influencers and leaders in cancer control and public health from around the world and from across governments, UN agencies, academia, non-profit organizations, and private sectors will convene in order to explore how the cancer community works with and encourages governments to invest in cancer control and be innovative in their approach so they can better understand their cancer burden, improve prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer. The event will be hosted by the American Society of Clinical Pathology; WCLS also partners traditionally with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

October 14, 2023
World Hospice & Palliative Care Day. WHPCD is an annual unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world. Stakeholders will engage governments and key stakeholders in a health promotion approach to palliative care, aiming to support solidarity among community members throughout their life course up to and at the end of life. For many years AECA has worked closely with the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance and regional palliative care leaders in order to ensure innovative research and care delivery methods reach the greatest number of affected patients. AECA will continue to advocate for palliative care topics to be introduced into site-specific cancer discussions to carefully consider the full spectrum of care services.

October 11-14, 2023
International Society of Paediatric Oncology Congress. Ottawa, Canada. The 55th Annual SIOP Congress will be the place to hear the latest research findings in pediatric oncology and to catalyze new ideas, generated by the multi-disciplinary attendance. Keynote lectures include managing neurological toxicities associated with ALL therapy, vaccine development in neuroblastoma and beyond, engaging children and adolescents with cancer and their parents in clinical research, and more. AECA will convene global partners around the event as the organization further advances its engagements in both pediatric cancer and palliative care.

October 1-3, 2023
ASTRO 65th Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA. While AECA has been supporting the international radiation oncology field for decades through various work streams, a more targeted focus on the topic has evolved to further propel the expansion of radiation therapy infrastructure in the Eurasian region. Most recently, AECA Executive Director attended ASTRO 2022 to facilitate productive partnership between Eurasian and radiation industry leaders, increasing the opportunity for world-class technology to be adopted within the Eurasian region. This year, AECA will once again convene on the ASTRO platform to further enhance Eurasian radiation oncology efforts, including through some of the most novel radiotherapy techniques - such as brachytherapy, intraoperative radiation therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery.

September 2023

September 28-October 1, 2023
European Society of Gyneacological Oncology (ESGO) Annual Meeting. Istanbul, Turkey. The ESGO congress offers professionals in Gynaecological Oncology - including clinicians, researchers, residents, and students a unique opportunity to learn and discuss the latest medical and scientific developments in gynaecological cancers research, treatment, and care, as well as to network with key opinion leaders and peers from around the world. AECA will engage with Eurasia-based partners attending the event to review ongoing program development and advocate for increased programmatic support.

September 9-12, 2023
2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer. Singapore, Republic of Singapore. For over a decade, AECA has been active in tobacco control policy and programs in an effort to reduce the global burden on tobacco-related illnesses, with a large focus on lung cancer. This event serves as the world's largest international gathering of clinicians, researchers and scientists in the field of lung cancer and thoracic oncology. Previous years’ plenary discussions have covered screening, incidental nodules, and adjuvant therapy for early-stage lung cancer; the impact of COVID-19 on patients with lung cancer; novel approaches to cessation in cancer care; and more. AECA will ensure Eurasian stakeholders are active participants in the event, as well as continuing to promote tobacco cessation and lung cancer care in national cancer control plans. 

June 2023

July 13-14, 2023
Best of ASCO - Eurasia. Almaty, Kazakhstan. AECA has coordinated the official license for a partner country to host the first Eurasian-based Best of ASCO event, which showcases the most clinically-relevant research from the most recent American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. With Eurasia’s increasing presence as strong global cancer control partners, this event will ensure leaders throughout the region are kept abreast of the most advanced surgical, technological, and pharmaceutical treatment options. The event will also promote increased opportunities for productive collaboration between leading global and regional cancer control experts. The conference will feature two days of compact, interactive sessions, including case-based presentations where participants will connect with peers and take home impactful, practical applications that will enhance patient care. Hosting a Best of ASCO in Eurasia will not only increase regional investment in the ASCO mission, but will create a more cohesive global scientific and educational program for future ASCO events. Other international Best of ASCO sessions have been hosted by institutions within Africa (virtual), Brazil, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, India, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

June 15-17, 2023
European Association of Palliative Care Congress (EAPC) World Congress. Rotterdam, The Netherlands. This international event provides an opportunity to learn about exciting innovations and progress from within the palliative care community. AECA jointly with WHPCA will engage Eurasian partners to present on the latest accomplishments in palliative care as well as develop a joint collaborative roundtable dedicated to the development and region-specific program priorities of the Eurasian Palliative Care Alliance that will engage Central Asian, Caucuses, and Eastern/Central European countries.

June 2-6, 2023
2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL, USA. AECA engages on a yearly basis around ASCO, the world’s largest clinical cancer research meeting. In 2023, AECA will once again connect with oncology professionals, patient advocates, and industry representatives to ensure the success of current research and training efforts, as well as foster growth of international partnerships and programs. AECA partners have had abstracts accepted for the event and will present on the following scientific topics: colorectal cancer, chemotherapy, and oncourology. Based on significant growth of the Eurasian cancer control platform, this year ASCO Global, AECA, and Eurasian partners will continue discussions around the upcoming “Best of ASCO” in Kazakhstan, where national stakeholders serve as unifying source across the region.

May 2023

May 11-13, 2023
ESMO Breast Cancer 2023. Berlin, Germany. ESMO Breast Cancer is a congress designed for breast cancer researchers and clinicians who have a specific interest in innovation (including translational research, new agents, molecular and functional diagnostics, biomarkers and cutting-edge research applications in the clinical setting) and care. AECA will be adding breast cancer research and educational programs to its service lines, and will gather clinical partners across the Eurasian region on the ESMO platform to discuss this initiative.

April 2023

April 28 - May 1, 2023
American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL, USA. Optimizing on the largest global meeting in urology, AECA will continue its involvement in AUA since 2005 to strengthen international partnerships and discuss best practices in education amongst experts in urological cancer treatment. In particular, AECA clinical experts will discuss the clinical, research, and education projects derived from the monthly urology tumor boards established in 2020 between North American and Eurasian stakeholders. AECA will engage partner organizations to participate in AUA and will plan to identify opportunities to organize Eurasian-focused meetings on the margins of the event to address the most prevalent urological cancer issues.

April 27-29, 2023
3rd and 4th Joint Sapporo Conference for Palliative and Supportive Care in Cancer. Sapporo, Japan. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sapporo Conference for Palliative and Supportive Care in Cancer has been changed to a joint 3rd and 4th conference. The event program includes a focus on palliative oncology, psycho-oncology, and technology-enabled care in palliative oncology. Jointly with Central Asian leaders, AECA will attend key sessions, alongside experts from partner organizations such as University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Levine Cancer Institute.

March 2023

March 29-April 1, 2023
ESMO European Lung Cancer Congress. Copenhagen, Denmark. The European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC 2023) is a collaborative effort of the most important multidisciplinary societies representing thoracic oncology specialists, working together to advance science, disseminate education and improve the practice of lung cancer specialists worldwide. As in previous years, AECA will discuss current research activities with clinical partners across the Eurasian region and facilitate the submission of scientific abstracts for inclusion in the event and participate more broadly in tobacco control practices and policies.

March 20-22, 2023
ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress. Lugano, Switzerland. The ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress will constitute a unique occasion for the international rare cancers community to network and collaborate. The Congress will include educational and scientific sessions covering state-of-the-art multidisciplinary management of patients affected by rare solid tumors; insights into the biology, molecular classification, and diagnostics of sarcomas and rare cancers; precision therapeutics; and policy and advocacy discussions. Given the scarcity of these types of cancers, there is a unique opportunity for international cancer control leaders to collaborate to ensure sufficient sample to study some of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies. AECA is closely reviewing opportunities, particularly in sarcoma research, to leverage its strong international platforms for rare cancer research and educational purposes. 

March 6-8, 2023
ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress. Paris, France. For decades, AECA has been on the frontline of research and innovation in cancer management techniques. The ESMO TAT Congress will provide a forum to discuss promising new anticancer targets and agents, with a particular focus on those in early phase clinical development. Stakeholders from academy and industry will discuss with clinicians, researchers and regulators, the global dissemination of knowledge and clinical research expertise in the field of innovative cancer therapeutics, to the benefit of cancer patients worldwide. AECA has previously facilitated the submission of several abstracts from Eurasian partners at this event, and will continue to do so to ensure novel regional findings are shared with the global ESMO community. Organizational partners from Central Asia will be in attendance, with a specific focus on oncourology topics.

February 2023

February 23-24, 2023
ESMO Gynecological Cancers Congress. Barcelona, Spain. ESMO Gynaecological Cancers has become an essential annual appointment for oncology professionals treating patients with such malignancies – the place to learn the latest promising news, acquire high quality education, and exchange ideas. Longstanding AECA partner in global gynecological research and education - Dr. Robert Coleman of IGCS - serves on the event’s scientific committee. Given AECA’s breadth and depth in gynecological research development, AECA will organize robust participation from the Eurasian community to ensure best practices globally in gynecological care are implemented within the region. In addition to bringing Eurasian experts to the European platform, AECA will also engage in conversations around the upcoming Eurasian Summit on gynecological cancers (April 2023; Almaty, Kazakhstan) to facilitate robust European participation at the event.

February 15-16, 2023
Regional AECA Research Leadership Virtual Summit - Central/Eastern Europe. Recognizing that cancer survival is significantly lower in Eastern European countries than the rest of the European Union, stakeholders will address opportunities to reduce excess mortality from neoplasms through adequate resources, training, and logistics to deliver diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. AECA collaborators from the largest oncological clinics in Eastern Europe will moderate the meeting, alongside progressive regional stakeholders. Session participants will hear from colleagues on tactics that have been successful and research efforts in progress, which will further disseminate best-practices and encourage innovation in cancer control protocol.

February 8-11, 2023
EUROGIN (EUropean Research Organisation on Genital Infection and Neoplasia) 2023. Bilbao, Spain. For several years, AECA has been actively engaged on European research platforms to ensure knowledge exchange between Eurasian and international scientific counterparts, making EUROGIN (EUropean Research Organisation on Genital Infection and Neoplasia) an optimal event to unite global gynecological oncology leaders. Started in 1993 as a conference where scientific progress and clinical practice converge, EUROGIN shares translational research with an international scientific community aiming at accelerating the reduction of the burden of HPV-related cancers. At this year’s event, AECA clinical experts from Central Asia will present on national HPV vaccination efforts, as well as experiences with colposcopy based on artificial intelligence. In anticipation of several high-profile Eurasian-based GYN summits and increased global scientific engagement, AECA and Eurasian partners will be active participants in the EUROGIN platform to both share clinical expertise and identify synergies for international collaboration.

February 4, 2023
World Cancer Day. Alongside the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), AECA will celebrate World Cancer Day to raise awareness and increase education about cancer. AECA has supported World Cancer Day efforts since its inception in 2000. Through strong connections with researchers, clinicians, and policymakers throughout Eurasia, AECA jointly with regional cancer control stakeholders will continue to take action against the disease.

January 2023

January 19-21, 2023
ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. San Francisco, CA. From innovative science to multidisciplinary approaches, the ASCO GI Cancers Symposium offers new, practice-changing findings in GI cancer treatment, research, and care. The program includes sessions on immunotherapy for gastroesophageal cancer, novel approaches in the treatment spectrum of biliary tract cancers, and anal cancer: beyond denitive chemoradiation, and more. AECA has hosted productive meetings with ASCO global, one topic of discussion is often gastrointestinal cancer. AECA is gathering relevant partners to once again engage in the ASCO platform to continue ongoing productive research endeavors and expand existing educational platforms to improve gastrointestinal cancer care protocols. Eurasian partners can be particularly insightful in these discussions given the high prevalence of gastrointestinal cancers in the region.

January 9-10, 2023
AECA Leadership Conference. AECA will convene North American and Eurasian cancer control leaders to address opportunities to continue fruitful scientific and educational endeavors. Similarities and differences of cancer etiology and prevalence between nations will be discussed, as well as new approaches to improve prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care techniques. Discussions will also include opportunities to optimize international collaboration at several AECA-led upcoming events, including the Eurasian Summit on Modern Approaches in Management of Gynecological Tumors (Kazakhstan, April 2023); Eurasian Session with ASCO Global at the ASCO Annual Congress (USA, June 2023); Eurasian Palliative Care Alliance Round Table at the EAPC Annual Congress (Netherlands, June 2023); Best of ASCO (Kazakhstan, July 2023); Central Asian Task Force on Radiation Oncology Regional Modernization (USA, October 2023); and the Eurasian Session at the IGCS Annual Conference (South Korea, November 2023). The Leadership Conference will be organized by AECA’s core programmatic areas: 1) Promoting Research Training and Education, 2) Translating Research into Policy and Programs, and 3) Strengthening Global Cancer Research. AECA will align with global stakeholders on 2023 priorities to improve treatment and outcomes for the global cancer community.

December 2022

December 2-4, 2022
ESMO Asia Congress 2022. Singapore, Republic of Singapore. The ESMO Asia Congress is the annual event where global and Asian cancer professionals come together, to present and discuss the latest scientific and clinical advances across the entire field of oncology, of relevance at a global level, and for the Asia-Pacific region. Scheduled session topics include precision medicine for small cell lung cancer, how to treat salivary gland cancer, high risk early state endometrial cancer, and more. With Kazakhstan becoming a central hub for educational and clinical programs in the Eurasian region, AECA will leverage this Asian-based platform to convene stakeholders to address the most pressing cancer control topics for the region.

October 2022

October 27-30, 2022
European Society of Gyneacological Oncology (ESGO) Annual Meeting. Berlin, Germany. The ESGO congress offers professionals in Gynaecological Oncology - including clinicians, researchers, residents, and students a unique opportunity to learn and discuss the latest medical and scientific developments in gynaecological cancers research, treatment, and care, as well as to network with key opinion leaders and peers from around the world. Jointly with the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), AECA will engage with Eurasia-based partners at the event to review ongoing program development and advocate for increased programmatic support.

October 23-26, 2022
ASTRO 64th Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX. The American Society for Radiation Oncology is committed to providing educational programming that creates a forum for collaboration on issues in radiation oncology. This meeting is designed to improve professional practice by increasing level of knowledge as required to improve competency and performance in the field of oncology. It will also start to address how advances in digital health care should be best used post pandemic to improve patient care. AECA Executive Dr. Sophia Michaelson will be in attendance at the event to meet with industry representatives to discuss opportunities to support modern education and research activities within Eurasia.

October 18-21, 2022
International Congress on Palliative Care. Montréal, Canada. With a growing network of palliative care collaborating experts, AECA will encourage the North American and Eurasian palliative care community to participate in events that may advance the field. This Congress offers a unique opportunity to meet, share experiences and exchange ideas with colleagues from 60 countries, representing all disciplines – nurses, physicians, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, music therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, pastoral care providers, administrators, volunteers, etc. In-depth workshops and seminars covering all aspects of end-of-life care, from the most current scientific developments in pain and symptom control to the large existential questions, to hands-on experiential sessions addressing practical issues faced every day.

October 17-20, 2022
2022 World Cancer Congress. Geneva, Switzerland. Since 2006, AECA has taken an active role in the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Congress, in close collaboration with the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The theme for this year’s Congress is “Committed to global collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate progress in cancer control.” The meeting has six thematic areas including one on cancer treatment and palliative care, co-chaired by AECA partner Dr. Stephen Connor, CEO of the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, and Dr. Carlos Rodriguez-Galind, from St. Jude. AECA’s extensive UICC experience has laid the groundwork for prosperous Eurasian-focused conversations and collaborations. This year, AECA will participate in various Eurasian-focused sessions with partners across the region, with specific topics of interest including palliative care, radiation oncology, and gynecological care.

October 14-16, 2022
ESMO Molecular Analysis for Precision (MAP) Oncology Congress 2022. Amsterdam, Netherlands. At MAP 2022, international key opinion leaders will explain how to use genomic data for treating cancer patients, matching such data to a specific drug or therapy, based on the genetic drivers detected in the patients’ tumours, and they will debate about the future challenges in precision oncology. While the event’s program is to be determined, the event will have strong participation from scientific leaders in the Eurasian region. Last year, AECA clinical experts presented abstracts on 1) targeting androgen receptor splice variant 7 in 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells, 2) transient multiple transfection of miR-181a into MCF-7 breast cancer cells induces irreversible resistance to tamoxifen, and 3) low glucose sensitizes A431 skin cancer cells to metformin treatments.

October 13-15, 2022
Global Kidney Cancer Summit. Milan, Italy. The 12th annual Global Kidney Cancer Summit, attendees will learn from each other, share successes and challenges, and collectively built capacity across the kidney cancer network. The 2021 Summit Report highlights the range of conversations and connections fostered at the event. Historically, AECA has fostered decades of partnerships and programs in the field, as urological cancers was one of the first adopted work streams of the organization. AECA will leverage this European-based platform to convene urological oncologists from the Eurasian perimeter to exchange modern kidney cancer management techniques.

October 6-7, 2022
VII Conference of KAPC with Participation of  International Experts. Virtual Event. AECA Executive Director Dr. Sophia Michaelson has provided broad programmatic oversight for this Kazakhstan-focused palliative care event. She will be joined by stakeholders from the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care, Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, and Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology, as well as national political leaders. As part of a robust agenda, session topics will include discussions around clinical protocols, challenges to meeting physical and psychosocial needs, the WHO Essential Package of Palliative Care (based on Lancet Commission Recommendations), and more. After more than a decade of palliative care engagement with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian leaders, this session will present on various successful research and educational work streams.

September 2022

September 30-October 2, 2022
International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Annual Global Meeting. New York City, USA. The IGCS Annual Global Meeting provides members and gynecologic oncology professionals with opportunities to share research, collaborate with colleagues, and receive education from an international faculty of world-class experts in gynecologic cancers. Program details for the 2022 event are being finalized; last year included tumor board presentations, debates on endometrial and cervical cancer treatment, and surgical film sessions. As a strong IGCS partner, AECA is hosting a Eurasian session on the perimeter of the event for international leaders and anticipates to have leaders of societies and associations alike to be engaged. Tentative agenda items include a U.S. National Cancer Institute presentation on radiation in the Eurasian region, Ukraine and Polish updates on regional cancer control progress, and international tumor board outcomes. After many years leveraging the ESMO platform to develop Eurasian-specific scientific sessions, AECA is taking the opportunity to lead a gynecological oncology focused session under the auspices of IGCS.

September 29, 2022
AECA Leadership Summit - Cancer Moonshot. New York City, USA. In support of the Biden’s administration’s renewed efforts to spearhead the Cancer Moonshot initiative to speed progress in cancer research and lead to improved cancer outcomes, the AECA will host a leadership summit for international stakeholders to align on opportunities to engage in collaborative research, education, and public policy actions. Specific topics of focus will range for gynecological cancer to urological cancer to palliative care. With more than two decades of experience in international coalition building and working directly with premier cancer centers, AECA is uniquely capability of optimizing global platforms for the benefit of U.S. populations.

September 28-October 1, 2022
International Society of Paediatric Oncology Congress. Barcelona, Spain. The 54th Annual SIOP Congress will be the place to hear the latest research findings in pediatric oncology and to catalyze new ideas, generated by the multi-disciplinary attendance. Keynote lectures include managing neurological toxicities associated with ALL therapy, vaccine development in neuroblastoma and beyond, engaging children and adolescents with cancer and their parents in clinical research, and more. AECA is leveraging this European-based event to convene AECA global partners as the organization further advances its engagements in both pediatric cancer and palliative care.

September 9-13, 2022
2022 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress. Paris, France. In partnership with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, AECA engaged yearly since 2015 with several Eurasian nations to develop both National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) and corresponding budgetary guidance, and in 2019 these NCCPs were presented at the EMSO Congress in Barcelona. Based on successful AECA NCCP planning and ongoing engagement, Eurasian partners have become productive participants within the ESMO platform. Last year, AECA clinical stakeholders presented on novel ovarian cancer research that is poised for additional clinical trials. The ESMO Congress is the yearly appointment in Europe for nearly 30,000 clinicians, researchers, oncology nurses, patient advocates, journalists, and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry from all over the world to get together, learn about the latest advances in oncology, and translate science into better cancer patient care. AECA promotes and facilitates Eurasian participation in this global event, and will join global leaders in participation of sessions to address the most prevalent global oncology issues.

August 2022

August 6-9, 2022
2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer. Vienna, Austria. For over a decade, AECA has been active in tobacco control policy and programs in an effort to reduce the global burden on tobacco-related illnesses, with a large focus on lung cancer. This event serves as the world's largest international gathering of clinicians, researchers and scientists in the field of lung cancer and thoracic oncology. Last year, plenary discussions included screening, incidental nodules, and adjuvant therapy for early-stage lung cancer; the impact of COVID-19 on patients with lung cancer; novel approaches to cessation in cancer care; and more. AECA will ensure Eurasian stakeholders are active participants in the event, as well as continuing to promote tobacco cessation and lung cancer care in national cancer control plans. 

July 2022

July 14-17, 2022
Regional AECA Research Leadership Virtual Summit - Central Asia. Central Asia is a large and diverse region characterized by relatively low but increasing cancer incidence rates. Cancer profiles are consistent with low- to medium-HDI countries, with a high incidence of infection-related cancers such as stomach (11% of all cancer cases) and cervical cancer (6% of all cancer cases). The region forms part of the so-called esophageal cancer belt, which includes Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and the eastern part of Turkey, with some of the highest incidence rates worldwide, particularly in men. AECA stakeholders will discuss cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care, as well as opportunities for synergies across organizations. AECA will discuss recent gynecological leadership cancer care joining the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) platform, and opportunities to further gynecological cancer care across the region.

June 2022

June 29-July 2, 2022
ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer. Barcelona, Spain. The ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer represents the year’s premier gathering of international oncology professionals who are dedicated to improving the lives of patients impacted by diseases of the GI tract. Through didactic lectures, tandem talks, debates, keynote lectures, and selected abstract presentations, the Scientific Programme examines a range of gastrointestinal malignancies and offers a mix of dynamic education and exchange. AECA will ensure Eurasian stakeholders are active participants in the event, bringing with them their unique knowledge of GI track cancers which are highly prevalent in the region.

June 26-30, 2022
XXIV International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) WorldLab. Seoul, South Korea. The 24th IFCC Congress, which was rescheduled from January 2021 due to COVID-19 uncertainties, focuses on the globalization of medical knowledge related to clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine through a well-structured system of continuing education. The event will be attended by key AECA-affiliated stakeholders. AECA, jointly with Central Asian partners, will participate in key programs throughout the event.

June 20-23, 2022
European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) Congress. Seville, Spain. EACR 2022 is a four day congress dedicated to basic, preclinical and translational cancer research across a wide breadth of topics. It will highlight the latest research and bring together the cancer research community to inspire innovation and build knowledge, connections and collaborations. AECA will engage Eurasian stakeholder to be active participants in the event.

June 3-7, 2022
2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Chicago, USA. AECA engages on a yearly basis around ASCO, the world’s largest clinical cancer research meeting. In 2022, AECA will once again connect with oncology professionals, patient advocates, and industry representatives to ensure the success of current research and training efforts, as well as foster growth of international partnerships and programs. AECA partners have had abstracts accepted for the event, where they will present on novel scientific topics. AECA is also organizing a roundtable with oncology leaders from Eurasia on the margins of ASCO to develop new plans for clinical trials and promote the development of scientific cohorts and discuss opportunities to create an ASCO Central Asian council. At the roundtable, Eurasian representatives will have the opportunity to meet leaders from ASCO Global, IGCS, and the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

May 2022

May 20-21, 2022
IV Congress of Oncologists and Radiologists of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Nukus, Uzbekistan. AECA Executive Director Dr. Sophia Michaelson will provide opening remarks at the event, alongside international cancer control leaders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and India. The extensive scientific program includes presentations will include updates on malignancy prevention and treatment from healthcare professionals from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Austria, Greece, Turkey, Germany, the UK, and more. A panel session on assessment, health system and policy implications will be held by experts from WHO, IARC, and IAEA.

May 18-20, 2022
12th World Research Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC). Virtual Event. This international event provides an opportunity to learn about exciting innovations and progress from within the palliative care community. Plenary conversations to include the reduction of Black-White disparities in end-stage cancer care, the role of big data in palliative care research, children’s palliative care research, and more. AECA, alongside international partners, will join the knowledge exchange experience, as well as participate in key aspects of the event.

May 3-5, 2022
ESMO Breast Cancer 2022. Berlin, Germany. ESMO Breast Cancer is a congress designed for breast cancer researchers and clinicians who have a specific interest in innovation (including translational research, new agents, molecular and functional diagnostics, biomarkers and cutting-edge research applications in the clinical setting) and care. AECA, jointly with EURAMA (European – Asian Society for Breast Disease) and various Eurasian partners, will participate in the congress to contribute regional learnings to the international exchange. Additionally, AECA will continue to engage leading mammalogists and breast cancer specialists to add valuable global perspectives to the event.

April 2022

April 27-29, 2022
Congress of Oncologists and Radiologists of the CIS and Eurasia. Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. The bi-annual Congress is the largest event for the oncological and medical community within the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eurasia. In 2022, organizers are expecting participation from more than two thousand oncologists from the Central Asian region, the Baltic countries, as well as international leading experts in different fields of cancer care. AECA has participated in and contributed to the Congress for more than a decade. This year, AECA is co-chairing sessions on gynecology and palliative care and will provide opening remarks and moderate the Eurasian gynecological session. Additionally, AECA leveraged its large academic network of experts to bring renowned faculty to share their expertise the event.

April 10-12, 2022
EUROGIN 2022. Düsseldorf, Germany. EUROGIN (EUropean Research Organisation on Genital Infection and Neoplasia) brings together clinicians and scientists whose work is related to genital infections and neoplasia; it is the first large international in-person conference in the field of HPV-related diseases. AECA clinical expert from Uzbekistan’s National Cancer Institute - Dr. Nargiza Zakhirova, Head of GYN Oncology - had a poster abstract accepted to the conference, and will present on a pilot screening of cervical cancer HPV testing in the Republic of Karakaipakistan. Additional AECA collaborators will join the events discussions as active participants.

March 2022

March 30-April 2, 2022
ESMO European Lung Cancer Congress. Prague, Czech Republic. The European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC 2022) is a collaborative effort of the most important multidisciplinary societies representing thoracic oncology specialists, working together to advance science, disseminate education and improve the practice of lung cancer specialists worldwide. This year, AECA clinical partners at KazIOR in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian cancer centers will be submitting abstracts for inclusion in the event.

March 28 - April 1, 2022
Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) 2022. Virtual Event. AECA international educational programs engage premier U.S. and Eurasian universities, engaging institutions in cancer control curriculum that will influence the next generation of global oncology leaders. Longstanding AECA partnerships, education platforms, and training experiences influence how programs and policies are reported out at events like CUGH. At this annual event, a wide range of medical and non-medical disciplines are represented throughout the virtual pre-conference satellites and the main conference. As one of seven conference sub-themes, non-communicable disease topics will include public health, tobacco control, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and more. AECA clinical experts, focused on topics such as gynecological oncology and palliative care, will report out on multidisciplinary lessons learned to the diverse, international audience.

March 18-21, 2022
Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2022 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Phoenix, Arizona, USA. AECA clinical expert Dr. Amanda Nickles-Fader of Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions will serve as the co-chair of the annual event which serves as a comprehensive forum for the subspecialty of gynecologic oncology. Key research concepts include cancer care delivery and preventable harm, surgical trials and innovations, patient-reported outcomes/quality of life, novel therapeutics and clinical trials, and more. Because of the important topical research arenas that align with AECA priorities, the Alliance will work toward brining a strong Eurasian country presence to these cutting-edge conversations.

March 9-12, 2022
International Conference on Surgical Cancer Care. Dallas, TX. The Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) will host their annual conference, welcoming attendees from all practice settings and from all parts of the globe. The symposium sessions will touch on a range of topics including management of breast cancer, new techniques for cytoreduction and peritoneal chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, small bowel neuroendocrine tumors, and more. AECA top Eurasian surgical oncology partners will be participating in live surgical procedures and other virtual events coming out of the event.

February 2022

February 5, 2022
Annual International Symposium on Melanoma and Other Cutaneous Malignancies. Virtual Event. This educational conference is designed to examine current and emerging treatments in melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other skin-related cancers. Topics of interest include immunotherapy phase 3 trial data, autologous T-cell therapies, adjuvant and neoadjuvant approaches to cutaneous malignancy treatment, and more. Program co-chairs include Omid Hamid, MD of Cedars-Sinai Medical Care Foundation and Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD of NYU Langone Medical Center.

February 4, 2022
World Cancer Day. Alongside the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), AECA will celebrate World Cancer Day to raise awareness and increase education about cancer. AECA has supported World Cancer Day efforts since its inception in 2000. Through strong connections with researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in Russia and other CIS countries, AECA jointly with regional cancer control stakeholders will continue to take action against the disease.

January 2022

January 20-22, 2022
ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. The ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium is a high-profile, specialized oncology event that allows for the exchange of the latest research and science in the prevention, diagnosis, and multidisciplinary treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. This meeting features a wide array of multidisciplinary topics of international interest, covering cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, small bowel, hepatobiliary tract, colon, and rectum.

December 2021

December 8, 2021
Round Table on Palliative Care in Elderly Patients and People with Incurable Chronic Diseases Who Have Had COVID-19. Virtual Event. AECA is pleased that robust attention to the topic continues throughout the Eurasian region and with support of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO) Office in the Russian Federation, one result of a multi-year engagement of service supporting advanced palliative care services and policies by AECA and other international stakeholders. In order to develop the most effective way to address the complex needs of this target group, participants will discuss special geriatric aspects of care, identify the needs of chronic incurable patients and conditions that develop after acute COVID-19 disease is cured, and develop recommendations that would improve access to and quality of the care provided at any level. The preliminary program includes presentations from several top AECA clinical experts, from organizations including Harvard Medical School (USA) and I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Russia).

December 2, 2021
3rd International Web-Conference on Gynecologic Oncology: from Clinical Trials to Practice. Moscow, Russia. To further advance North American and Eurasian collaboration on promising gynecological oncology research and treatment efforts, AECA alongside the Russian Reproductive Tumors Society, International Gynecologic Cancer Society, and N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, will host this international convening. Topics of discussion include management strategies for borderline ovarian tumors, protocol for advanced and recurrent disease, and novel therapeutics. AECA’s Executive Director Dr. Sophia Michaelson is honored to provide opening and closing remarks at the event to the gathering of esteemed international experts in the field.

November 2021

November 23, 2021
CentEast Webinar Series: Hard Talk on Endometrial Cancer. Virtual Event. The Central Asia and East Europe Trial Group, formed by various Kazakhstan-based stakeholders, will host the latest webinar series event on endometrial cancer. AECA clinical experts will be participating from leading international organizations including KazIOR, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Levine Cancer Institute, and the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.

November 19-21, 2021
ESMO Asia 2021. Singapore, Republic of Singapore. In 2015, AECA jointly with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, organized the Cancer Control Leadership Forum (CCLF) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In parallel, the ESMO Asia Congress was established in 2015, which Uzbekistan and Kazakstan quickly joined following participation at the CCLF. ESMO Asia now serves as a leading scientific platform in the Asia-Pacific region for the presentation of the latest oncology advances by key opinion leaders from all over the world. The Congress is actively involved with Central Asian stakeholders, as the regional ESMO conference addresses high-prevalence malignancies specific to Asian populations (i.e. pancreatic and liver cancer). AECA stakeholders will convene to discuss the latest in basic research, clinical trials, and world-class oncology treatment.

November 10-12, 2021
XXV Russian National Oncology Congress. Moscow, Russia. Since 2013, AECA jointly with the U.S. National Cancer Institute have been invited to events held by the Russian Society of Clinical Oncology (RUSSCO) and connected organizers with world-renowned U.S. speakers. This year’s congress plans to hold more than various sessions featuring presentations by leading Russian and international oncologists and highlighting the latest achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. During the congress, AECA clinical experts will address some of the most prominent issues in oncology and follow up on the latest scientific advancements.

November 2-3, 2021
Development of Palliative Care for Adults and Children Conference. Moscow, Russia. AECA Executive Director Dr. Sophia Michaelson serves on the organizing committee and has been invited to provide opening remarks for the largest educational event in Russia for specialists providing care to adults and children with severe progressive and life-limiting diseases. This year the conference will be held online under the auspices of the World Day for Palliative and Hospice Care, which is celebrated on the second Saturday in October. The program includes presentations on quality and effectiveness of palliative care, symptomatic therapy, and interdisciplinary treatment, as well as conversations on the impact of the pandemic on end-of-life care. This year, AECA and WHPCA were engaged to develop an agenda for two new sessions: one to discuss the highlights from the WHPCA Cancer Atlas and the other on general oncology topics as they relate to palliative care. AECA clinical experts from Fox Chase, Johns Hopkins, Harvard Medical School, Indiana University, and the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance have already confirmed their participation; AECA will continue engage international faculty and encourage country engagement to ensure event is well attended by the Eurasian oncological community.

October 2021

October 27-29, 2021
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 2021. Boston, MA. The ASCP Annual Meeting is the essential global gathering of the diagnostic medicine team; an unequaled experience with education and networking opportunities that will promote new skills and knowledge. During events organized on the margins of the main conference, AECA partners will engage in discussion related to development and progress of standards in pathology. Particular U.S.-Russia advancements are expected as AECA continues to develop strong collaboration with the N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center.

October 25-30, 2021
5th International Congress on Pediatric Palliative Care. Rome, Italy. The Congress aims to transfer knowledge and experiences while fostering new synergies, as stakeholders work toward improved palliative care (PC) delivery to children worldwide regardless of the type of their illness or their social and economic background. Scientific committee members include individuals from the UK, Italy, USA, Belarus, and more. Presentation topics include perinatal PC, spirituality in PC, pain treatment and prevention in children with serious illness, and analgesia in children, among others. The event will be attended by AECA’s Dr. Sophia Michaelson and Dr. Elena Polevichenko, key child cancer specialist and member of the AECA-affiliated N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center.

October 25-26, 2021
2021 World Cancer Leaders' Summit. Boston, MA. AECA has partnered with Eurasian countries during several WCLS events over the past decade on behalf of the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Center for Global Health. This year’s Summit will be held in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Global influencers and leaders in cancer control and public health from around the world and from across governments, UN agencies, academia, non-profit organisations, and private sectors will convene in order to explore how the cancer community works with and encourages governments to invest in cancer control and be innovative in their approach so they can better understand their cancer burden, improve prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer. Several key questions will be addressed, such as the nature of the current innovations along the continuum of cancer control (with particular regard to learnings from the Covid-19 pandemic), how they can be assessed in different national contexts, and what needs to be considered when implementing innovative policies, practices, and technologies from a health systems perspective. AECA has been instrumental in bringing AECA-partnering Eurasian countries into the UICC platform; partners from the Russian Federation, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other Eurasian nations will unite to join leading cancer control exchanges.

October 14-16, 2021
VIII Congress of Oncologists and Radiologists of Kazakhstan. Turkestan City, Kazakhstan. After more than a decade supporting productive programs and increasing visibility in the country, AECA has been invited to provide opening remarks at one of the largest regional oncology events. Several AECA-affiliated stakeholders are also part of the program of the Congress, which covers a wide range of issues oncology, such as the organization and economics of the oncological service; prevention and early detection of oncological diseases; molecular biological characteristics of tumors; innovative methods of personalized therapy, high-tech methods of radiation therapy and targeted therapy; rehabilitation and palliative care for cancer patients; implementation of screening programs; scientific research in development and evolution of malignant neoplasms and much more. AECA will continue to encourage partners to disseminate novel scientific accomplishments, develop collaborative relationships, and facilitate educational exchanges.

October 6-8, 2021
17th European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) World Congress. Virtual Event. This international event provides an opportunity to hear about exciting innovations and progress from within the palliative care community. AECA Executive Director Dr. Sophia Michaelson will present opening remarks at a Russian Federation focused session (program, registration) that AECA organized alongside the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, Russian Palliative Care Society, and EAPC leadership. The session development was a direct result of longstanding AECA palliative care efforts throughout Eurasia, which enabled AECA to facilitate presentations from Kazakhstan, Moldova, Belarus, and Tajikistan on the challenges and opportunities of each respective national palliative care education program. The session is well positioned to become ongoing event on the platform of EAPC and will engage more countries to enhance knowledge transfer of valuable palliative care processes.

September 2021

September 30-October 1, 2021
Annual Congress of Russian Association of Oncological Urology (RAOU). Moscow, Russia. After 15 years of engaging with the RAOU, in 2020 AECA and RAOU signed a memorandum of understanding on joint clinical engagement and knowledge transfer. Due to this development, the 2021 Congress will incorporate elements of AECA’s portfolio that have been particularly successful recently, including discussions of tumor board cases and international collaboration protocol. The Congress will also focus on basic research and clinical practice advancements of importance to urologists and oncourologists, chemotherapists and radiation therapists, surgeons, pathomorphologists, and many other medical specialists. AECA will continue to identify international faculty to participate in the Congress, as well as encourage Eurasian stakeholders to participate in the event as an opportunity to exchange best practices and research results.

September 24-25, 2021
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Modern Treatment of Urological and Gynecological Malignancies. Virtual Event. Following years of productive exchange between Uzbekistan and international stakeholders, the Association of Oncologists of the Republic of Uzbekistan will hold their annual conference to discuss innovations along all stages of the urogenital cancer continuum. AECA has been invited to partner with organizing committee members to contribute to the structure of the event. AECA, in conjunction with distinguished international colleagues, has ensured regional experts in the field will be present to share best practices on prevention, management, and palliative care of urogenital cancers. AECA partners’ focus will be on cervical cancer, congruent with WHO regional priority, as well as the ovarian cancer as a prominent regional problem in Eurasia. Dr. Anuja Jingran of the MD Anderson Cancer Center will present on locally advanced cervical cancer. Other presentations include radical trachelectomy in the treatment of invasive cervical cancer, new treatment tactics for endometrial cancer, palliative care for cancer patients, and more. Emphasis will also be on the most prevalent urological cancers: kidney, prostate, and bladder cancers; focusing on the most innovative disease management guidelines and techniques. Jointly with Uzbekistan, AECA has invited long-standing, world-renowned cancer control professionals from the Russian Federation and other international faculty to contribute to this important regional event. 

September 17-21, 2021
European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress. Paris, France. In partnership with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, AECA engaged yearly since 2015 with several Eurasian nations to develop both National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) and corresponding budgetary guidance, and in 2019 these NCCPs were presented at the EMSO Congress in Barcelona. Based on successful AECA NCCP planning and ongoing engagement, Eurasian partners have become productive participants within the ESMO platform. The ESMO Congress is the yearly appointment in Europe for nearly 30,000 clinicians, researchers, oncology nurses, patient advocates, journalists, and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry from all over the world to get together, learn about the latest advances in oncology, and translate science into better cancer patient care. AECA will continue to engage stakeholders from North America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States to address the most prevalent global oncology issues.

September 10-13, 2021
American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, USA. Optimizing on the largest global meeting in urology, AECA will continue its involvement in AUA since 2005 to strengthen international partnerships and discuss best practices in education amongst experts in urological cancer treatment. In particular, AECA clinical experts will discuss the clinical, research, and education projects derived from the monthly urology tumor boards established in 2020 between North American and Eurasian stakeholders. AECA will engage partner organizations to participate in AUA and will plan to identify opportunities to organize Eurasian-focused meetings on the margins of the event to address the most prevalent urological cancer issues, jointly with representatives of the Russian Association of Onco-Urologists that plan to attend.

September 7-10, 2021.

2021 Oceanic Palliative Care Conference. Sydney, Australia. The event, hosted by Palliative Care Australia, will feature presentations from clinicians, researchers, and policy influencers on palliative care and end of life care on a national and international scale. Topics of interest include holistic healing, managing chronic breathlessness, psychological resilience, dynamics of terminal care, and ethical challenges and their impact on palliative care. Cancer-specific presentations include 1) existential and spiritual well-being in people living with chronic and cancer pain, 2) PRECEDE-PROCEED model to implement and evaluate the process of an educational intervention for nurses on cancer palliative care, and 3) virtual reality for the treatment of people with cancer-related pain. The event will be attended by key AECA-affiliated palliative care stakeholders.

August 2021

August 30-September 2, 2021
IGCS 2021 Annual Global Meeting. Rome, Italy. The IGCS Annual Global Meeting provides members and gynecologic oncology professionals with opportunities to share research, collaborate with colleagues, and receive education from an international faculty of world-class experts in gynecologic cancers. Program details for the 2021 event are being finalized; last year included plenaries focused on using avelumab in combination with and/or following chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer, refining pathologic interpretation of endometrial carcinomas, safety and outcomes in patients receiving niraparib, among others. As a strong IGCS partner, AECA will continue to identify opportunities for scientific and clinical alignment between U.S. and Eurasian stakeholders in the field of gynecological oncology, ensuring the highest level of care is provided to millions of individuals each year. AECA looks forward to reconvening with international leaders in gynecological cancer research, prevention, and treatment in order to bolster the strong advances made within the field.

August 29-31, 2021
33rd European Congress of Pathology. Virtual Event. Over the years, AECA has succeeded in raising the pathology profile and standardization of measures throughout the Eurasian region. Monthly virtual pathology sessions have kept lines of communication open for information sharing across North American and Eurasian networks. At the 2021 ECP, pathologists and their collaborators, molecular biologists, geneticists, bioinformaticians, and information technologists will meet to share recent and important advances in the discipline that offer the latest diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive information needed in the best patient care. Exciting topics in the field of molecular pathology, digital pathology, AI in pathology, quality assessment, education, and public awareness will be part of the scientific programme.

July 2021

July 8-12, 2021
36th Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress. Virtual Event. Given AECA’s longstanding urology research and practice efforts, affiliated stakeholders will once again participate in the Annual EAU Congress, Europe’s biggest urological event with specialists and affiliated medical professionals gathering for a critical assessment of clinical practices and key research developments. The congress presents the latest in science and education in various formats to suit the needs of all participants, including challenging state-of-the-art lectures, fascinating HD video surgery sessions, skill-boosting hands-on training, and practice-oriented courses. AECA will promote attendance from all Eurasian partners to ensure robust participation

June 2021

June 30-July 3, 2021
ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer. Virtual Event. As the premier global gathering in the field, the Congress brings together leading gastroenterology, oncology, pathology, and hepatology experts, clinicians, and surgeons, as well as clinical researchers from across the globe to share pioneering research, approaches, and best practices in treating patients with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. AECA will engage relevant stakeholders form the Eurasian region to participate to take advantage of opportunities to learn, debate, discuss, and network in this very active scientific field where recent progress has led to improvements in patient outcomes. Through didactic lectures, tandem talks, debates, keynote lectures, and selected abstract presentations, the event will touch on topics such as genetics and molecular alterations in pancreatic cancer, the management of locally advanced bile duct cancer, new endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic technique screening tools, unraveling the molecular taxonomy in esophageal and gastric cancer, genetic testing for familial and hereditary colorectal cancer, among other topics.

June 25-26, 2021
ESMO Gynecological Cancers Virtual Congress. Virtual Event. AECA has helped organizations in the Eurasian region make tremendous strides in gynecological cancer research and treatment, and will encourage partners to attend the first edition of the newest ESMO Congress, with a focus on ovarian cancer. The event will offer the latest insights and explore future developments in key areas: treatment of newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, first-line maintenance therapy for advanced ovarian cancer, treatment and biomarkers of recurrent ovarian cancer, DNA damage repair in ovarian cancer, and more.

June 23-25, 2021
Regional AECA Research Leadership Virtual Summit - Central Asia. Central Asia is a large and diverse region characterized by relatively low but increasing cancer incidence rates. Cancer profiles are consistent with low- to medium-HDI countries, with a high incidence of infection-related cancers such as stomach (11% of all cancer cases) and cervical cancer (6% of all cancer cases). The region forms part of the so-called esophageal cancer belt, which includes Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and the eastern part of Turkey, with some of the highest incidence rates worldwide, particularly in men. AECA stakeholders will discuss cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care, as well as opportunities for synergies across organizations.

June 12-15, 2021
European Human Genetics Conference 2021. Glasgow, United Kingdom. The event, organized by European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG), aims to promote research in basic and applied human and medical genetics, to ensure high standards in clinical practice and to facilitate contacts between all stakeholders. Topics include discussions on internal organs and endocrinology, sensory disorders, reproductive genetics, metabolic and mitochondrial disorders, and more. The event will be attended by Dr. Margarite Filippova of the N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, who will present on mutations in MMR genes in patients with Lynch syndrome in Russia.

June 9-11 and June 16-18, 2021
2021 IASP World Congress on Pain. Amsterdam, Netherlands. This event provides a unique educational opportunity for pain professionals around the world to learn and network, featuring plenaries, lecture-style sessions, hands-on workshops, and more than 2,500 poster presentations. Cancer specific sessions include a refresher course on evidence-based palliative care on the cancer journey and a symposium on the war against cancer pain. Two stakeholders from the AECA-affiliated N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Drs. Guzal Abuzarova and Deana Nevzorova, will be in attendance.

June 4-8, 2021
2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Virtual Event. Jointly with clinical experts across the Eurasian perimeter, AECA will participate and contribute to the ASCO annual meeting. AECA engages on a yearly basis around ASCO, the world’s largest clinical cancer research meeting. In 2021, AECA will once again connect with participating oncology professionals, patient advocates, and industry representatives to ensure the success of current research and training efforts, as well as foster growth of international partnerships and programs.

May 2021

May 24-June 1, 2021
World Health Assembly. Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. In 2016 and 2017, AECA participated in the World Health Assembly as part of U.S. NCI Center for Global Health, jointly with HHS and NCI leadership. This included meeting with Ministers of Health and Heads of Oncology of partnering countries to identify cancer control priorities. This year, AECA will be engaged in the development of discussion agendas and talking points for participants of partnering Eurasian countries to ensure impactful conversation on best practices to advance cancer control and palliative care efforts globally, especially amid the current COVID-19 pandemic.

May 20, 2021
Gynecologic Oncology: From Clinical Trials to Practice. Virtual Event. AECA jointly with organizational partners, the Russian Reproductive Tumor Society (RRTS) and International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), will host an international web conference to discuss the latest advancements in gynecologic oncology. As part of a full meeting agenda, AECA-affiliated experts from University of Toronto, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center will discuss a range of topics related to research, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian, endometrial, vulvovaginal, and cervical cancers, with a particular emphasis on rare cases. Leaders from Blokhin will also present on surgical management of germ cell tumors of the ovary. The event is open to the global gynecological cancer community; AECA will invite all Eurasian countries to ensure active and productive participation. Following this event AECA, jointly with partners, will continue planning for another GYN-focused international event scheduled for October 2021.

April 2021

April 2-3, 2021
International Cancer Control Workshop: Building Cancer Control Beyond the COVID Pandemic. Virtual Event. This comprehensive workshop aims to focus on the current status of cancer control, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the future of cancer control by bringing experts from national and international levels. Workshop chairs include Professor Richard Sullivan of King’s College London and Dr. Tezer Kutluk of the Turkish Association for Cancer Research and Control (TACRC); Dr. Kutluk is the ormer president of UICC and longstanding partner of AECA. AECA clinical experts at the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology (KazIOR) will participate in the event.

April 7-9, 2021
XII Congress of Oncologists and Radiologists of CIS and Eurasia. Virtual Event. The Congress, held under the auspices of the Association for Directors of Centers and Institutes of Oncology and Radiology (ADIOR), is the largest event for the oncological and medical community within the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eurasia. AECA has participated in and contributed to the biannual Congress for more than a decade. This year AECA worked with organizers to introduce leading international faculty to the event; Drs. Eric Krakauer (Harvard) and Stephen Connor (WHPCA) will present on the most relevant COVID-related palliative care topics. AECA also engaged the Eurasian palliative care community to join the event, and will continue to encourage partners to disseminate novel scientific accomplishments, develop scientific relationships, and facilitate educational exchanges.

April 14-17, 2021
17th EADO Congress & 10th World Congress of Melanoma. Rome, Italy. In 2020, stakeholders from Russia, Romania, Serbia, Latvia, and Ukraine attended the EADO conference, and another strong Eurasian presence is expected in 2021. The scientific program includes presentations on Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Actinic Keratosis, Cutaneous Sarcoma, and Cutaneous T- and B-Cell Lymphoma. Epidemiology, prevention and early detection, diagnostics and staging, surgical and radiotherapy and systemic and intralesional therapies are core themes of the meeting. AECA build on existing dermato-oncology relationships, especially world-renounced subject matter experts from the N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center, to ensure novel diagnostic and treatment techniques are shared across boarders.

April 22-25, 2021
International Congress of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Seoul, South Korea. In 2001, AECA initiated its first public health service line with a focus on head and neck cancer. Leadership from Siberian cancer centers traveled to Fox Chase Cancer Center to discuss novel diagnostic and treatment techniques, given the high prevalence of tobacco use within the Russian Federation. For many years, AECA has facilitated the relationship between Dr. John (Drew) Ridge of Fox Chase and various Eurasian stakeholders, building up the level of expertise in the region. Today, Eurasian researchers and clinicians are highly engaged in related professional development opportunities, including the International Congress of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ICORL), which serves as a global platform for the otorhinolaryngology community. The event program includes presentations on topics such as cochlear implantation, intraoperative neuromonitoring, laryngoloical surgery techniques, thyroid cancer management, HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer, and more. Several representatives from Uzbekistan-based, AECA-affiliated institutions will be in attendance, including Drs. Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Otabek Tuychiev, and Ruzibaev Ortik Bakhtiyorovich.

April 29-30, 2021
International Conference on Symptom Assessment and Management. Jerusalem, Israel. The conference aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of symptom assessment and management. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns, as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of symptom assessment and management. The event will be attended by an AECA-affiliated stakeholder from the N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center.

March 2021

March 1-2, 2021
ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress. Virtual Event. For decades, AECA has been on the frontline of research and innovation in cancer management techniques. The ESMO TAT Congress will provide a forum to discuss promising new anticancer targets and agents, with a particular focus on those in early phase clinical development. Stakeholders from academy and industry will discuss with clinicians, researchers and regulators, the global dissemination of knowledge and clinical research expertise in the field of innovative cancer therapeutics, to the benefit of cancer patients worldwide. AECA facilitated the submission of several abstracts from many partners including N.N. Blokhin, which were selected to present on the evaluation of combinations of photoswitchable novel combretastatin A-4 analogues with chemotherapy drugs and metformin, DNMT1/3-targeting microRNAs are over-expressed in the exosomes of estrogen-resistant breast cancer cells, and the effect of dose level of the selective FGFR2 inhibitor alofanib on toxicity, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy.

March 15-17, 2021
Regional AECA Research Leadership Virtual Summit - The Caucasus. The Caucasus is an area between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea and mainly occupied by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Russia. While AECA has engaged with regional stakeholders in a variety of capacities through Eurasian projects and programs, progress has been made toward a more direct line of communication that may foster valuable, formalized international partnerships. Many areas within the region have benefitted from recent investments in cancer control, including the establishment of a population-based cancer registry in order to improve the epidemiological surveillance of cancer. The study of gastric cancer epidemiology in the North Caucasus may be of particular interest to international stakeholders, as fluctuations in the incidence are most closely linked to nutrition and alcohol consumption. AECA will continue to identify opportunities to incorporate Caucus cancer experts into international programs, as well as identify new avenues for novel scientific research activities.

February 2021

February 4, 2021
World Cancer Day. Virtual Event. Alongside the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), AECA will celebrate World Cancer Day to raise awareness and increase education about cancer. AECA has supported World Cancer Day efforts since its inception in 2000. Through strong connections with researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in Russia and other CIS countries, AECA jointly with regional cancer control stakeholders will continue to take action against the disease.

February 4-6, 2021
23rd International Endoscopy Symposium. Düsseldorf, Germany. Starting in 2016, AECA began prioritizing knowledge sharing within the Eurasian perimeter of minimally invasive cancer screening and management, which increased visibility and importance of the initiative within the region. Today, Eurasian stakeholders are actively engaged with this annual symposium which presents the latest developments in endoscopic imaging and minimally invasive approaches to gastrointestinal diseases. Program highlights include discussions on treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), detection and management of early gastric neoplasia, multimodality therapy of pancreatic fluid collections, optimizing endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and more. Dr. Olga Malikhova from the N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center is slated to speak at the event. Presentations from the Symposium will have simultaneous translation into English, German, and Russian to ensure knowledge transfer across dialects.

January 2021

January 11-12, 2021
AECA 20th Anniversary Leadership Conference. To honor the success of the American Eurasian Cancer Alliance’s 20 years in operation, North American and Eurasian cancer control leaders will convene to address opportunities to continue fruitful scientific and educational endeavors. Similarities and differences of cancer etiology and prevalence between nations will be discussed, as well as new approaches to improve prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care techniques. Participating Eurasian regions include the Russian Federation, Eastern and Central Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. AECA will align with global stakeholders on policies and programs to prioritize in 2021 to improve treatment and outcomes for the global cancer community.

January 15-17, 2021
ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. AECA’s steady focus on GI cancer research and program management in Eurasia brought this event to the forefront for several international stakeholders. The virtual Symposium, co-sponsored by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), and the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO), will deliver the latest science and multidisciplinary educational content in GI cancers, including COVID-19’s impact on practice and research. Scheduled events include practical perspectives for the integrated management of GI malignancies in the era of precision oncology, keynotes on disparities and COVID-19 vaccines, multidisciplinary panels and case-based discussions, and sessions covering early-onset to survivorship and palliative management of symptoms in GI cancers. AECA facilitated the submission of several abstracts from regional partners including N.N. Blokhin, which were selected to present on antiangiogenic therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and Phase II study for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer.

January 19-21, 2021
Regional AECA Research Leadership Virtual Summit - Russia and Central/Eastern Europe. Recognizing that cancer survival is significantly lower in Eastern European countries than the rest of the European Union, stakeholders will address opportunities to reduce excess mortality from neoplasms through adequate resources, training, and logistics to deliver diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. AECA collaborators from the largest oncological clinics in Eastern Europe will moderate the meeting, alongside progressive regional stakeholders. Session participants will hear from colleagues on tactics that have been successful and research efforts in progress, which will further disseminate best-practices and encourage innovation in cancer control protocol.

January 30, 2021
International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Early Career Workshop. AECA is supporting long-term partner IGCS’s efforts to provide critical resources for the next generation of researchers and clinicians by connecting the organization with up-and-coming gynecological oncology experts in the Eurasian region. IGCS members who are currently in training or completed training within the last five years are eligible to join this supportive network of peers and mentors to discuss publishing and writing as critical components to career development. During this workshop, early career professionals will learn about the importance of data variables in a research project, elements of writing an abstract and following through with a manuscript, and how to find a mentor. AECA clinical expert Dr. Pedro Ramirez will also present on opportunities to be an International Journal of Gynecological Cancer (IJGC) editorial fellow. AECA will continue to support IGCS's scientific agenda, both by promoting IGCS opportunities to U.S. and Eurasian experts and by encouraging new Eurasian territories to join the IGCS Strategic Alliance Partner Program.

December 2020

December 1-4, 2020
For Healthy Life Forum, Moscow, Russia. The event serves as a platform for direct dialogue between government agencies and the healthcare community, as well as for development of practical proposals on implementing national programs and projects aimed at increasing life expectancy in Russia. This year, AECA will be particularly interested in Russian tobacco cessation legislation that was proposed following a 2019 AECA-organized event which encouraged the exchange of vaping research and polices between Russian and U.S. public health practitioners.

December 6-8, 2020
XXXIII International Congress of the IAP and the 32nd Congress of the ESP (Virtual Event). Over the years, AECA has succeeded in raising the pathology profile and standardization of measures throughout the Eurasian region. Monthly virtual pathology sessions, led by AECA clinical expert Dr. Anna Plotkin of the University of Toronto, have kept lines of communication open for information sharing across North American and Eurasian networks. Dr. Vera Delektorskaya of the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center will be presenting a scientific poster at the session. The pathology community will convene at this international event in order to learn from other experts in the field and discuss opportunities for cooperation that will continue into 2021 and beyond.

December 7-9, 2020
Regional AECA Research Leadership Virtual Summit - Central Asia. Central Asia is a large and diverse region characterized by relatively low but increasing cancer incidence rates. Cancer profiles are consistent with low- to medium-HDI countries, with a high incidence of infection-related cancers such as stomach (11% of all cancer cases) and cervical cancer (6% of all cancer cases). The region forms part of the so-called esophageal cancer belt, which includes Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and the eastern part of Turkey, with some of the highest incidence rates worldwide, particularly in men. AECA stakeholders will discuss cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care, as well as opportunities for synergies across organizations.

December 10-11, 2020
International Conference on Cancer Care in Kazakhstan: From the Past to the Future (Virtual Event). Due to AECA’s focus on the region and facilitation of engagement with premier U.S. cancer centers, Kazakhstan has become an imminent leader in the international cancer control community. This event, hosted by the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology (KazIOR), will bring international stakeholders together to discuss cancer care in Kazakhstan and the greater Eurasian region. AECA will be providing opening remarks at the event, as well as co-hosting a conference session with the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) on prevention and management of gynecological cancer. Other conference topics include adjuvant therapy for ovarian cancer, fertility sparing in cancer treatment, updated gynecological cancer guidelines, and more. Invitees include stakeholders from the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Russia, Uzbekistan, Georgia, South Korea, and the United States. Prominent speakers at the event include Drs. Elisabete Weiderpass and Vitaly Smelov (IARC), Dr. Marilys Corbex (WHO), and Dr. Ted Trimble (NCI). Additional AECA participating partners include representatives from MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Ohio State University, and Levine Cancer Institute, among others. AECA will continue to support the Kazakhstan and Eurasian cancer control communities and they continue to become integrated with global scientific and clinical networks.

December 11-12, 2020
3rd International Symposium on Uro-oncology, Cologne, Germany. More then a decade ago, AECA helped to form the Russian Association of Oncological Urology, incorporating U.S.-based experts into the program, including Drs. Richard Greenberg and Alexander Kutikov of the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Since then, AECA has maintained U.S.-Russian relations in the field of oncological urology, including frequent touchpoints with Dr. Vsevolod Matveev of the N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center. With the Symposium’s focus on diagnostic and therapeutic innovations in kidney and bladder cancer, Dr. Matveev, in partnership with Dr. Michael Stöckle, will host a state-of-the-art presentation from the University Hospital Saarland Homburg (Germany) on radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy (renal cell carcinoma with venous thrombus up to the right atrium). AECA will continue to collaborate with both U.S. and Eurasian experts in the field of urological oncology, including supporting the launch of an ongoing, international tumor board on the topic.

November 2020

November 11-14, 2020
XXIV Russian National Oncology Congress (Virtual Event). Since 2013, AECA jointly with the U.S. National Cancer Institute have been invited to events held by the Russian Society of Clinical Oncology (RUSSCO) and connected organizers with world-renowned U.S. speakers. This year’s congress plans to hold more than 40 sessions featuring presentations by leading Russian and international oncologists and highlighting the latest achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. During the congress, AECA clinical experts will address some of the most prominent issues in oncology and follow up on the latest scientific advancements; Dr. Valery Breder of the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center will present on strategy of genetic analysis, from diagnosis to treatment decision.

November 18-19, 2020
European Cancer Summit (Virtual Event). Historically, AECA has optimized European events to discuss science, education, and research topics, in particular considering the world-renowned experts in the region and the advantageous proximity to both U.S. and Eurasian stakeholders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AECA will continue to leverage European-based platforms, albeit through a virtual format. The European Cancer Organisation brings together leading oncology specialists, patient advocates, politicians and policy-makers to discuss the main issues impacting cancer policy, for the benefit of citizens, cancer patients and healthcare professionals across Europe. Topics this year include the impact of COVID-19 on cancer, health systems and treatment optimization, disparities and discrimination in cancer care, and more. AECA proudly shares that Summit participation will include Uzbekistan cancer control representatives.

November 20-22, 2020
ESMO Asia Congress, Suntec City, Singapore. In 2015, AECA jointly with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, organized the Cancer Control Leadership Forum (CCLF) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In parallel, the ESMO Asia Congress was established in 2015, which Uzbekistan and Kazakstan quickly joined following participation at the CCLF. ESMO Asia now serves as a leading scientific platform in the Asia-Pacific region for the presentation of the latest oncology advances by key opinion leaders from all over the world. The Congress is actively involved with Central Asian stakeholders, as the regional ESMO conference addresses high-prevalence malignancies specific to Asian populations (i.e. pancreatic and liver cancer). AECA stakeholders will convene to discuss the latest in basic research, clinical trials, and world-class oncology treatment.

November 23-24, 2020
Webinar on Oncology and Cancer Therapy (Virtual Event). webinar will focus on the theme “Empowering Modern Research to Incline to Conquer Cancer” to enhance and explore knowledge among academics and industry personnel dealing with oncology, cancer research, and related subjects. Presentations include the effectiveness of systemic treatment of breast cancer depending on the body weight index using levocarnitine, perioperative use of NSAID to prevent early relapses in breast and other cancers, national cancer registries, combination targeted and immunotherapies in solid tumor brain metastases, and more.

November 23-27 and December 14-18, 2020
Palliative Care “Teach the Teacher” Course - Part 1&2 (Virtual Event). For decades, AECA has prioritized educational opportunities which foster improved patient care and scientific innovation. In 2018, Dr. Sophia Michaelson (AECA) and Dr. Eric Krakauer (Harvard) participated in the palliative care section of a Russia-CIS Congress in Sochi; follow up conversations were held with First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss content for a palliative care educational course. After two years of diligent work and ongoing engagement, the Russian Hospice Care Professionals Association, in collaboration with Sechenov University and WHO, is preparing to launch the educational course on palliative care for faculty of seven Russian higher education institutions. The course is intended to provide educational professionals with guidance on how to teach the next generation of palliative care specialists, thus ensuring that best practices in palliative care research and treatment are implemented. This effort will provide a level of nation-wide standardization, which could encourage further collaboration across the nation and potentially with palliative care researchers across the globe. AECA-affiliated faculty from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance have been invited to present on a number of topics, including grief and bereavement, patients with refractory dyspnea, neurobiology of pain, and life-sustaining treatment. Final remarks at the course will be provided by AECA clinical experts Dr. Eric Krakauer (Harvard), Dr. Elena Yurasova (WHO Russia), and Dr. Diana Nevzorova (Russian Ministry of Health). AECA will ensure that topics addressed during the two-week event will be incorporated in clinical practice throughout the Russian Federation, and will continue to connect palliative care stakeholders throughout the Eurasian region to identify research and collaborative synergies. Additionally, discussions are in progress to host the palliative care course on an annual basis; AECA will continue to support program development, international partnership engagement, and materials dissemination.

October 2020

October 1-3, 2020
Annual Congress of Russian Association of Oncological Urology (Virtual Meeting). The conference will focus on basic research and clinical practice advancements of importance to urologists and oncourologists, chemotherapists and radiation therapists, surgeons, pathomorphologists, and many other medical specialists. Capitalizing on more than a decade of productive engagement within the urological field, AECA will encourage Eurasian stakeholders to participate in the event as an opportunity to exchange best practices and research results.

October 6-7, 2020
Development of Palliative Care for Adults and Children Conference (Virtual Event). AECA Executive Director Dr. Sophia Michaelson serves on the organizing committee for the largest educational event in Russia for specialists providing care to adults and children with severe progressive and life-limiting diseases. This year the conference will be held online under the auspices of the World Day for Palliative and Hospice Care, which is celebrated on the second Saturday in October. The program includes presentations on quality and effectiveness of palliative care, symptomatic therapy, and interdisciplinary treatment, as well as conversations on the impact of the pandemic on end-of-life care. AECA clinical experts from Johns Hopkins, Harvard Medical School, and the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance have already confirmed their participation; AECA will continue to rally international faculty to join the event.

October 8-9, 2020
World Research Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) (Virtual Meeting). The congress will offer excellent opportunities for experts in palliative care to discuss research and collaboration opportunities to improve the treatment and care of patients and their families. On the margins of the event, AECA will convene international palliative care leaders – including representatives from EAPC, Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA), PACED, and Russian Palliative Care Association – to share the status of current national palliative care activities and to formulate strategies for improving relevant programs and policies. Discussions will also focus on opportunities to unify palliative care research, training, and education across the Eurasian region.

October 9-10, 2020
ASCO Quality Care Symposium (Virtual Event). In May 2018, AECA conducted a special session to advertise ASCO programs throughout Eurasia, which later became a staple of the regional oncology community. This symposium, which is expected to receive robust participation from Eurasian cancer control leaders, will leverage the most up-to-date science and discover proven strategies and tools to make key decisions that can reduce disparities and raise the quality of care for all patients. Featured sessions include leveraging telemedicine to deliver cancer care and quality care in the time of COVID-19.

October 12-14, 2020
16th European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO) Congress (Virtual Event). In 2013, AECA and the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) welcomed melanoma expert Dr. Lev Demidov to the NIH campus for a tour of Dr. Steven Rosenberg’s immunology lab, as well as visits of several other NCI-designated cancer centers. The following year, AECA, NCI, Dr. Demidov, and his Fellow, Dr. Igor Samoylenko, reconvened at UICC in Melbourne, Australia to discuss increasing interest of addressing melanoma within the Russian Foundation. AECA and Russian experts from the N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center have reconvened frequently to discuss potential U.S.-Russian melanoma research. At this year’s EADO Congress, Dr. Samoylenko will present on two topics: 1) Final results of phase II trial (MIRACULUM) of the novel PD-1 inhibitor prolgolimab in patients with advanced melanoma and 2) Challenges in the adjuvant environment. Additional Eastern European countries within the Eurasian perimeter participating in the conference include Romania, Serbia, Latvia, and Ukraine. Program topics include advanced basil cell carcinoma classification and treatment, barriers to access innovative medicines, predictive markers for immunotherapy in melanoma, and more.

October 15, 2020
International Gynecologic Oncology Virtual Congress (Virtual Event). This event serves as the one-year milestone of Russia’s participation in the IGCS community, largely influenced by AECA’s success encouraging other Eurasian nations to join the fruitful partnership. Experts from North America, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Russian Federation will convene to address updates in the field of gynecologic oncology, including pathology, treatment of advance ovarian cancer, and novel surgical techniques. The session will commence with a live broadcast of laparoscopic and open procedures performed by physicians from N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology (Moscow) and N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology (Saint Petersburg). AECA’s Dr. Sophia Michaelson will participate in a special session on the benefits of international collaboration, alongside Dr. Robert Coleman (U.S. Oncology Network), Dr. Kirill Zhordania (Society of Oncologists in Cancer of Reproductive System), Dr. Pedro Ramirez (MD Anderson Cancer Center), and Mary Eiken (IGCS). The event will also be joined by additional U.S. cancer control experts including Dr. Ted Trimble (U.S. National Cancer Institute) and Dr. Amanda Fader (Johns Hopkins). The event will be particularly impactful for Russian oncogynecologists and experts from Russian-speaking territories, which have become increasingly engaged in the gynecologic oncology field.

October 15-17, 2020
3rd Central Asian Radiation Oncology Congress (Virtual Event). Radiation oncology was a main topic of discussion at the 2015 Central Asia Cancer Control Leadership Forum, where U.S. experts provided recommendations to Eurasian countries on the most important technologies to invest in, given limited resources at the time. Due to ongoing onco-gynecologic tumor board engagement through IGCS, AECA has encouraged pathologists, radiologists, and other cancer treatment providers to attend the Central Asian Radiation Oncology Congress. The main thematic areas of the event are the experience and challenges of oncological services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, digitalization of radio oncology, oncosurgery, and radiosurgery. Leading experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have been invited to participate in the congress and share enlightening presentations. Several speakers from Uzbekistan are confirmed, including: Ibragimov Shavkat Narzikulovich, Karimova Nargiza Sunnatillaevna, Ubaydullaev Ulugbek Ergashevich, Alimov Jamshid Makhmudjonovich, Mansurova Guli Bakhodirovna, Saidova Kamola Obidovna, and Chen Ekaterina Evgenevna.

October 21-24, 2020
Eurasian Hematology Oncology Congress (EHOC 2020) (Virtual Event). In an AECA effort to widen its perimeter of cancer control programs addressed within Eurasia, hematology has become a new area of focus considering the prevalence of disease and opportunity for international collaboration. This Congress aims to fill a significant gap in knowledge sharing with the field of adult and pediatric hematology within the Eurasian region. Dr. Nikolay Tupitsin of the N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center will serve as a session chair at the event.

October 22-23, 2020
Virtual Congress on Hematology (Virtual Event). Precision medicine has risen in usage in recent years, with opportunities now to tailor medical decisions on individuals patients. The abundance of novel treatments based on molecular diagnostics and informatics has opened up new avenues within the cancer control landscape. Congress participants include hematology experts from several prominent AECA-collaborating institutions, including University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center. Additional participating U.S. universities include Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

September 2020

September 9-11, 2020
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Annual Meeting (Virtual Event). For the past decade, AECA has been engaged throughout Eurasia in developing programs that address the most pressing pathology topics. Starting in 2016, AECA incorporated pathology elements within ongoing gynecology efforts, bolstering the use of this diagnostic specialty. Since then, AECA clinical experts remain highly involved with the Eurasian pathology community; both U.S. and Eurasian pathologists plan to participate in the ASCP Annual Meeting. Highlights are expected to include case-based learning through virtual microscopy tutorial sessions and the Resident Review Series, as well as more general presentations on topics including hematology/coagulation, blood banking/transfusion medicine, microbiology, chemistry, and more. The event provides another opportunity for AECA partners to further enhance scientific collaboration with global pathology leaders.

September 10-13, 2020
IGCS 2020 xDigital Annual Global Meeting. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 IGCS Annual Global Meeting originally planned to take place in Rome, Italy is being relaunched as a digital meeting. After cultivating the IGCS network within Eurasia, AECA will now encourage IGCS strategic partners to join the four-day event which will feature oral abstracts, master sessions, industry symposia, surgical film previews, tumor board discussions, educational seminars, and more. Main sessions will cover a range of discussions focused on cancer sites, including ovarian, vaginal, vulvar, uterine, breast, and cervix cancer. With consideration for the global audience, the live broadcasted program is intentionally scheduled in different time zones each day to provide delegates and speakers from all regions of the world the opportunity to participate in parts of the program in real-time. While short-term efforts focus on fostering participation at the event, AECA partner participation in the digital conference will also establish a Eurasian coalition that will be able to continue the stimulating discussions into the Moscow-based oncogynecology event scheduled for October 2020. Learn More→

September 14-16, 2020
Regional AECA Research Leadership Virtual Summit - Russia and Central/Eastern Europe. Recognizing that cancer survival is significantly lower in Eastern European countries than the rest of the European Union, stakeholders will address opportunities to reduce excess mortality from neoplasms through adequate resources, training, and logistics to deliver diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. AECA collaborators from the largest oncological clinics in Eastern Europe will moderate the meeting, alongside progressive regional stakeholders. Session participants will hear from colleagues on tactics that have been successful and research efforts in progress, which will further disseminate best-practices and encourage innovation in cancer control protocol.

September 19-21 and October 16-18, 2020
European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Virtual Congress (Virtual Event). In partnership with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, AECA engaged yearly since 2015 with several Eurasian nations to develop both National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) and corresponding budgetary guidance, and in 2019 these NCCPs were presented at the EMSO Congress in Barcelona. Based on successful AECA NCCP planning and ongoing engagement, Eurasian partners have become productive participants within the ESMO platform. This year, the ESMO Virtual Congress will be the global stage for the exchange and debate of translational cancer science of excellence, first announcements of practice-changing data, and multidisciplinary conversations set to spur transformative therapies against cancer. In response to the needs of the moment, the scientific program will include a dedicated COVID-19 and cancer research track. AECA will continue to engage with Eastern European and Central Asian stakeholders, now enthusiastic ESMO participants, to address how their NCCPs have been implemented and to ensure substantial cancer control progress continues within the region.

September 26, 2020
IGCS Survivor-Caregiver Public Summit (Virtual Event). Long-time AECA partner, the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), will host a large, globally diverse pool of individuals in a virtual summit filled with educational presentations, material, and discussions. Summit highlights include conversations on topics such as gynecologic cancer literacy, survivorship 101, the power of patient advocacy, and more. Through ongoing tumor boards that AECA conducts jointly with IGCS throughout Eurasia, the Summit will receive active engagement and participation from Eurasian stakeholders.

July 2020

July 9, July 23, August 6, August 20
Summer Palliative Care Webinar Course. AECA, jointly with the Russian Hospice Care Professional Association and Sechenov University, has reformatted certain U.S-Russian educational exchanges to virtual online webinars for physicians and nurses, in order to provide multidisciplinary training despite the challenges from the COVID pandemic. AECA partners throughout the U.S. and Eurasia will be in attendance; the latest virtual event garnered nearly 500 specialists. Upcoming webinars include discussions of the principles of pain therapy in oncology, neuropathic pain, dose titration, among other topics. By continuing to make valuable clinical knowledge accessible to healthcare partitioners around the world, AECA and partners ensure that the palliative care community continues to discuss unique treatment approaches and develop strong partnership foundations.

June 2020

June-August 2020
Patient End-of-Life Clinical Review Special Course. While post-mortem case reviews are commonplace in the palliative care space, less often are physicians able to discuss current patient treatment that aims to improve real-time quality of life. This AECA and partner-designed course, which will feature virtual conversations between international palliative care specialists, will review and align on optimal treatment plans. The first case for discussion will focus on an elderly cancer patient on dialysis, who also recently had mild presentation of coronavirus symptoms. Based on U.S. recommendations, Russian counterparts are storing information captured from reviews in a digital library to reference for future clinical care scenarios. These collated materials may serve as a resource for U.S.-Eurasian collaboration in scientific, clinical, and patient-centered research.

June 5, 2020
Surgical Film Festival: Lymph Node Assessment in Gynecologic Cancers. As organizations continue to use creative channels to disseminate vital information during the COVID pandemic, AECA will call on partners to participate to ensure Eurasian stakeholders have the opportunity to learn from international experts and share their experiences with the global cancer control community. A free online surgical film festival, to be hosted by the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), will feature films on sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in endometrial and vulvar cancer, as well as the novel technique of SLN in ovarian cancer. Various approaches to lymph node dissection, including the transperitoneal and extraperitoneal approach, will also be showcased. The video presentations and live discussion will serve as a potential template for a virtual event AECA is developing for October 2020 in conjunction with the Russian Reproductive Tumors Society, which will provide a platform to discussion on addressing surgical challenges in gynecologic oncology.

June 23, 2020
Launch of Central Asian Surgical Pathology Virtual Training Session. With a population around 72 million, Central Asia has the potential to serve as an incredible resource for the global cancer control community. With a large number of unique cancer cases of interest to international stakeholders, AECA remains dedicated to connecting Eurasian scientific and medical staff with high-quality educational opportunities to further increase their capacity within international research partnerships. Noting several challenges related to surgical pathology in Central Asia - including lack of proper training and resources, fewer opportunities to attend conferences, and limited access to relevant literature - AECA partners aligned to launch virtual training sessions on the field of study. This initiative aims not only to educate Eurasian surgical pathologists on the techniques and technologies that can be used to improve diagnostic results, but to standardize the collection - and potential analysis - of data and diagnoses both within and outside national borders. AECA will ensure stakeholders are fully engaged and committed to this important program.

May 2020

May 8, 2020
World Ovarian Cancer Day. Since 2013, ovarian cancer advocacy organizations have recognized May 8 as a date to joint forces to increase awareness of the global fight against ovarian cancer. AECA partners united in this effort through participation in the IGCS Ovarian Cancer Webinar. The event, which featured information on the latest diagnostic trends and surgical techniques, was joined by Russian and CIS representatives and provided a forum for care providers to discuss their experiences and align on best-practices for patient care. Based on AECA’s continuous engagement in the region, several ovarian cancer research and treatment protocols have been in development, with the ultimate goal to provide more advanced care to women diagnosed with the condition both locally and globally.

May 19, 2020
Palliative Care Within Context of Pandemic Virtual Seminar. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to stress the capacity of hospital infrastructures and community care resources, medical professionals must re-evaluate the role palliative care (PC) will play throughout the healthcare landscape. AECA has united stakeholders from Johns Hopkins, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Harvard University, Indiana University, the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA), and the Russian Palliative Care Society for special virtual session to discuss topics such as PC consultation in the emergency department, mobile PC teams responding to respiratory distress in the home, and PC treatment for COVID patients who appear to be dying. Leadership from the Russian Federal Palliative Care Center will present a case review for a Moscow- based patient with both chronic and acute conditions that was referred to PC during the COVID crisis, as well as lead discussions on both individual and institutional actions that can be taken to prioritize epidemiological disease control. To further increase impact throughout the Eurasian region, clinicians from Armenia have been invited as observational guests. Through this knowledge exchange, both U.S. and Eurasian PC experts will be able to discuss pain management best practices and incorporate valuable lessons learned into their clinical practices. Review case study recommendations available in English and Russian→

May 29-June 2, 2020
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (Virtual Meeting). AECA engages on a yearly basis around ASCO, the world’s largest clinical cancer research meeting. In 2020, AECA will once again connect with oncology professionals, patient advocates, and industry representatives to ensure the success of current research and training efforts, as well as foster growth of international partnerships and programs.

April 2020

April 8, 2020 
Palliative Care Research Conference. The Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA) and AECA will host a summit with the Russian Association of Hospice Care Professionals to discuss cooperative palliative care research. Early efforts are underway to conduct clinical trials on essential medicines, but the group is also helping to create a health services research infrastructure in Russia to ensure the viability of strong clinical partnerships. The foundation of this relationship is the creation of a nationwide data set in Russia with standardized measures, which would strengthen researchers ability to evaluate the impact of palliative care within the health system and align Russian data with global healthcare operations and outcomes figures.

April 23, 2020
Palliative Care Educational Forum (Virtual Meeting). Through a digital platform, the Russian Association of Hospice Care Professionals will connect with palliative care professionals throughout the Russian Federation to discuss the current state of palliation within the region. The nation has recently taken great strides in the field through the establishment of a federal palliative care center and legislative changes to ensure improved clinical research and patient care. Nearly 500 clinicians are expected to participate, and many palliative care topics related to COVID-19 will be discussed. AECA will invite Eurasian partners to join the virtual event in an effort to contribute to knowledge exchange and maintain continuous regional activity through the challenging circumstances of the global pandemic.

April 23-25, 2020
XI Congress of Oncologists and Radiologists of the CIS Countries and Eurasia (Virtual Meeting). The congress, held under the auspices of the Association for Directors of Centers and Institutes of Oncology and Radiology (ADIOR), is the largest event for the oncological and medical community within the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eurasia. Having participated in and contributed to the biannual Congress for more than a decade, including the support and sponsorship of multidisciplinary experts from leading U.S. cancer centers, AECA will continue to encourage partners to disseminate novel scientific accomplishments, develop scientific relationships, and facilitate educational exchanges.

April 25, 2020
COVID-19 Virtual Tumor Board. Information regarding the understanding of COVID-19 is continually evolving and its impact on the care of gynecologic oncology patients is rapidly changing. In this ongoing Project ECHO engagement, IGCS hopes to bring together the global gynecologic oncology community to share valuable information about  prevention and treatment during such unprecedented times. This session, which anticipates more than 200 viewers, will feature 4-5 case presentations on ethical and palliative care considerations related to COVID, as well as invited participation from AECA clinical expert Dr. Alexey Shevchuk of the N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center. Individuals and organizations must be IGCS members to participate in the discussion.

April 28, 2020
COVID-19 Cancer Care Protocol Launch. In March, medical experts from Fox Chase Cancer Center (AECA Coordination Center) published clinical guidelines of cancer care in the time of COVID-19. AECA will introduce the resource to Eurasian partners to ensure global oncology experts have access to the latest patient care guidelines amid a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex healthcare landscape. The publication includes information about how to balance delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment, risk mitigation for disruption of care, and appropriate allocation of limited health care resources.

April 30, 2020 
Russian COVID-19 Palliative Care Journal Launch. AECA and WHPCA, in partnership with the Russian Association of Hospice Care Professionals, have become proactively engaged by mobilizing efforts by developing up-to-date palliative care resources amid the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. By unifying experienced experts, renown institutions, and recognized leaders in palliative care, the task force has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to cancer patients and medical professionals during this difficult time, as well as showcased its ability to streamline relevant and valuable content for the special issue of the quarterly "Pallium" magazine. The purpose of this unique publication is to introduce updated palliative care protocol to healthcare workers under the pressure of pandemic throughout the Russian Federation, and potential throughout the entire CIS perimeter and beyond.  English | Russian

February 2020

February 4, 2020
World Cancer Day. Alongside the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), AECA will celebrate World Cancer Day to raise awareness and increase education about cancer. AECA has supported World Cancer Day efforts since its inception in 2000. This year's theme, 'I Am and I Will', is all about individuals and their commitment to act. Through strong connections with researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in Russia and other CIS countries, AECA will encourage regional cancer control stakeholders to continue to take action against the disease. 

January 2020

January 20-25, 2020
Russian Delegation Visit to U.S. Cancer Centers, Houston, TX and Baltimore, MD, USA. Gynecological and administrative leadership from the largest research and treatment facility in the Russian Federation will visit the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. The event, aimed at sharing best practices and fostering international cooperation, is a result of AECA- and IGCS-facilitated partnership solidified at the 2019 HPV Congress in Moscow, Russia. Through 2020, AECA plans to build out its women’s health program to continue making critical strides in the prevention and treatment of gynecological cancer.

December 2019

December 4-6, 2019
For Healthy Life Forum, Moscow, Russia. Playing a leading role in the organization of the noncommunicable disease forum, AECA facilitates the discussion of advancements and challenges related to legislative prevention and treatment strategies in the areas of cardiovascular, diabetes, and cancer indicators in Russia and the Eurasian region.

December 9-10, 2019
Russian Federation Public Health Visit, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will host senior legislative staff from the Russian State Duma Healthcare Committee for deliberation on the nature and consequences of tobacco use. As e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products have become more prevalent, international tobacco control experts continue to discuss and debate the most effective solutions to curb the growing trend. Between the two countries, amendments in healthcare policy have the potential to impact more than 400 million individuals. This exchange builds on AECA’s efforts for more than a decade to convene stakeholders within the anti-tobacco movement, which in 2007 encouraged Russia to adopt several national tobacco control policies, including smoke-free public zoning, bans on direct advertising, and strict package labeling requirements. AECA continues to place the reduction of tobacco use - the leading cause of preventable death - at the forefront of its global health agenda.

October 2019

October 2-4, 2019
Annual Congress of Russian Association of Oncological Urology, Moscow, Russia. By fostering ongoing scientific exchange, AECA encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing between international onco-urological stakeholders. Cancer research and publication networks have been developed to address relevant opportunities and challenges.

October 30-31, 2019
International Conference on the Development of Palliative Care for Adults and Children, Moscow, Russia. Through ongoing partnerships with top U.S. universities, AECA secured a representative from Harvard Medical School to attend the largest Russian educational event for palliative care specialists. He will present on WHO palliative care guidelines, the neurobiology of pain, and palliative care for patients with refractory dyspnea. The conference, which will convene world-class experts from Russia, Belarus, Israel, Belgium, Germany, the U.S. and U.K., will also feature hospice care knowledge-sharing through master-classes and clinical case studies. The event will be held at the Russian federal palliative care center, which AECA helped to establish earlier this year.

September 2019

September 19-21, 2019
International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Congress, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AECA facilitated the integration of Russian surgical experts as Master Trainers to showcase innovative operating techniques via live streaming to the international gynecological oncology community.

September 27-October 1, 2019
European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, Barcelona, Spain. AECA joined the 2019 ESMO Congress to facilitate the review of the Eurasian Cancer Control Plan. The discussion of cancer control practices amongst practitioners from Russia, Uzbekistan, and Latvia aimed to reduce the burden of cancer in the region and to encourage the adoption of best practices to optimize resources in limited resource settings.

July 2019

July 11-14, 2019
VI Eurasian Head and Neck Cancer Forum, Moscow, Russia. Beginning in 2019, AECA initiated a new effort in professional training, focused specifically on head and neck cancers. Jointly with the Eurasian Society of Head and Neck Oncology, AECA facilitated the participation of Dr. John Ridge of Fox Chase Cancer Center at the conference to encourage international collaboration on the topic.

June 2019

June 3-5, 2019
International Cancer Screening Network (ICSN) Conference, Rotterdam, Netherlands. Building on the success of the widely-praised Eurasian Cancer Screening Congress in 2018, AECA is ensuring the continued engagement of regional cancer screening experts at the 2019 International Cancer Screening Network (ICSN) Conference. Several AECA-facilitated discussions will examine the latest progress on cancer screening research and implementation programs within low- and middle-income countries within the Eurasian region.

June 17-19, 2019
Roundtable on HPV-Associated Cancers, Primary Prevention, and Screening, Moscow, Russia. AECA will serve as a facilitator to convene international experts in HPV vaccination and pathology to discuss the economic, logistical, and cultural challenges related to HPV-associated cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. Representatives from Russia and Eurasia are particularly invested in the event due to the relatively high incidence rate of cervical cancer in the region. During the meeting, gynecological oncologists from the Russian Federation plan to join the International Gynecologic Cancer Society as a Strategic Alliance Partner.

June 27-28, 2019
Inauguration of the International Palliative Care Center, Moscow, Russia. The Russian Federation-based center will serve as the regional hub for palliative care research, training, and education. Stakeholders from Central Asia and Eastern Europe, alongside international experts in palliative care, aim to provide improved quality of life to millions of patients throughout the Eurasian region. The Center will also serve as a research and training partner for the global palliative care community.

May 2019

May 3-6, 2019
American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting, Chicago, USA. Optimizing on the largest global meeting in urology, AECA will strengthen international partnerships and discuss best practices in education amongst experts in urological cancer treatment.

May 23-25, 2019
World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC), Berlin, Germany. Leading up to the June 2019 unveiling of the International Palliative Care Center in Moscow, Russia, AECA will synchronize stakeholder efforts to enable the Center’s success as a global partner and Eurasian regional hub for the palliative care community.

May 31-June 2, 2019
American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Chicago, USA. AECA will connect with oncology professionals, patient advocates, and industry representatives to ensure the success of current research and training efforts, as well as foster growth of international partnerships and programs.