Serono Symposia International Foundation (SSIF) : Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Liver Metastases From Colorectal Cancer: Focus on Resectability and Combined Chemotherapy and Surgery-the 'OncoSurge' Approach

ROME, October 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Serono Symposia International Foundation (SSIF) is organizing a meeting with worldwide recognized oncology experts on October 20-21 at Palazzo Farnese in Rome, to discuss on multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Aim of this meeting is to develop a position paper based on the presentations and the discussions of the participants, which SSIF will publish in an international scientific journal.

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In the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer a real chance of cure consists in liver metastasis resection, even if not always possible, that could improve the quality of life and prolong survival of patients. Such a treatment requires specific expertise (radiological, surgical, oncological and pathological) and proves how important it is for specialists in different fields to work together in order to achieve the best results.

"During the past 15 years, a dramatic progress has been accomplished in the treatment of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver - said Professor René Adam, Chairman of the Rome Meeting and President of the Medical Board of the Paul Brousse Hospital, Villejuif, France -Along with the increased efficacy of chemotherapy, liver surgery has evolved to a higher expertise offering to a higher number of patients a lower risk of mortality and a hope of long term survival if not of cure."

The international experts meeting will involve, besides medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists to make the up-to-date point on all these advances in the multidisciplinary management of liver metastatic colorectal cancer (LMCRC).

The aim of this meeting is to find a consensus on:

1. The best treatment strategy to adopt for patients with LMCRC, involving chemotherapy, surgery and interventional radiology;
2. Patient selection for adapting this strategy in particular for defining the surgical resectability of the patient at the time of diagnosis;
3. Means to dedicate for obtaining such multidisciplinary management: existence and periodicity of multidisciplinary meetings, level of expertise of specialists, close collaboration between oncologists and surgeons, drug availability, motivation of the patient and of the medical team.

"In 2011, Serono Symposia International Foundation has taken a strong commitment to provide medical education in oncology - said Michèle Piraux, Secretary of the Board of Directors of SSIF - developing live events such as workshops, expert meetings and preceptorships and e-learning activities that will focus on key issues in oncology and on the multidisciplinary approach to patient management."

Serono Symposia International Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Geneva (Switzerland). It was founded to disseminate the most innovative achievements and potential developments of medical and scientific research through conferences, training courses, online courses and publications.

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Chiara Ippoliti
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