Glasgow oncology conference to spearhead patient care advancements

Improving the outcome for cancer patients will be top of the agenda when international oncologists meet in Glasgow in May. 

Glasgow was able to temp the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) congress back to the UK for the first time in over 10 years; testament to the strong conference ambassador programme and the expertise of those working at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, the second largest oncology centre in Europe. 

Professor Anthony Chalmers Photo Credit: Supplied

Aileen Crawford, head of Glasgow Convention Bureau explained that more than 60 per cent of conferences taking place in Glasgow are in the field of medical, or Life Sciences. “This is due to the world leading research led by our local Conference Ambassadors, those such as Professor Chalmers, who take the initiative to work with the team here at the Convention Bureau and the Scottish Event Campus, to invite their peers to meet in our city.”

Over the last decade, Glasgow has established itself as a leading centre for multidisciplinary radiotherapy research, combining laboratory science and new technologies to develop more personalised radiotherapy treatment approaches. 

"Our newly launched programme investigates the topic of health inequalities in radiotherapy, which aligns perfectly with the theme of the ESTRO 2024 Congress: 'Bridging the Care Gap' and provides a unique opportunity to improve outcomes for cancer patients in the west of Scotland,” said professor Anthony Chalmers, chair of Clinical Oncology at the University of Glasgow.  

ESTRO president and ESTRO Congress 2024 chair, dr Anna Kirby added: “ESTRO’s vision for 2030 ‘Radiation Oncology. Optimal Health for All, Together’ emphasises the ambition of the Society to reinforce radiation oncology as a core partner in multidisciplinary cancer care and to guarantee accessible and high-value radiation therapy for all cancer patients who need it.

“We are meeting in Glasgow to help deliver the ESTRO mission; to develop and promote standards of education in radiotherapy and clinical oncology, to promote standards of practice in radiotherapy, clinical oncology and related subjects and stimulate the exchange of scientific knowledge in all these related fields.”