The 30th Annual Meeting of Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology |
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It is my great honor to hold the 30th annual meeting of Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology (JASTRO) from November 17th to 19th, 2017 at Grand Front Osaka North Building (Knowledge Capital Congrès Convention Center, Knowledge Theater, etc.).
The main theme of this meeting is “Challenge to Expand the Role of Radiation Oncology in the Era of Big Data”. Founded in 1988, JASTRO celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and has become a large society with more than 3,900 members. JASTRO started regular structure survey since it founded and the rapid growing of the number of cancer patients treated with radiation has been observed. On the other hand, the utilization rate of radiotherapy is still lower in Japan (25%), than in Europe or United States (60-70%). We hope to provide an opportunity to consider how to overcome this gap and deliver high-quality radiotherapy to more patients.
In this meeting, we will show our analyzed data on structure and patient and compare them with other domestic cancer registries, site specific, regional and national DB and NCDB in the United States. We think there are characteristic areas for RT, where RT already plays a major role, but further refinement should be needed: A, where RT is rarely applied, but should be used more frequently: B, and where RT is not fairly evaluated and needs to be applied more properly: C. We hope to plan the strategy and practical tactics for these three areas with you all. To keep objective view point on our current position, national or international experts of surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology will participate in the discussion. Expecting active involvement not a few interactive sessions are prepared, where audience could join the discussion using their own smart phones.
This year, 647 papers were registered in requested category and general. Especially, the number of papers by medical physicists, radiotherapy technologists and nurses has increased. We hope JASTRO will become stronger organization under the cooperation of various specialists with talent.
Subsequently to JASTRO’s national promotion campaign of RT last year, we conduct the public programs during this meeting, consisting with panel discussion on the importance of RT, sessions for the patients to relieve some side effects and so on.
Osaka has flourished as a commercial city with history from across time and culture. Convention Center is located in redevelopment area only in 5 minutes’ walk from JR Osaka Station but you could also enjoy historical places like Osaka Castle only in 10 minutes by train. We hope you enjoy not only this meeting but also this attractive city.
We are looking forward to seeing you all in Osaka.
