Inaugural Multi-Disciplinary Malaysian Lung Cancer Symposium A Resounding Success
The inaugural Malaysian Lung Cancer Symposium, a multi-disciplinary academic meeting for postgraduate trainees and established practising specialist doctors was held from 11-12 March 2023 at The Royale Chulan Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
The symposium, co-organised by Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) together with the Malaysian Thoracic Society and the Malaysian Oncological Society was a resounding success according to organising chairman Dr Tho Lye Mun, the newly minted LCNM president. Over 200 delegates, mostly doctors from different yet relevant specialties including oncology, thoracic surgery, respiratory medicine, pathology and radiology attended the meeting which featured many eminent local and several invited international speakers from Singapore and South Korea.
LCNM’s founding president Dr Anand Sachithanandan elaborated how the meeting evolved from LCNM’s initial ambition to start a masterclass for aspiring doctors training to become lung cancer specialists. The optimal care for most lung cancer patients requires a multi-disciplinary approach with multi modal therapy hence this symposium was an ideal platform for the exchange of contemporary evidence based data and sharing of clinical knowledge. We need to work together, holistically rather than in silos if we hope to improve clinical outcomes for our patients. Even early stage lung cancer requires a multi-disciplinary team approach beyond surgery alone, to achieve good results, added Dr Anand, a thoracic surgeon. Since inception, LCNM has championed the importance of a truly multi-disciplinary approach in tackling all stages and all aspects of the disease, said Dr Anand.
MOS president Dr T. Muthukkumaran and pulmonologists; Professor How Soon Hin (LCNM council member and chair of the MTS lung cancer working group), Dr Tan Jiunn Liang (University Malaya) and MTS president, Associate Professor Dr YK Pang were amongst several others who were highly instrumental in the meeting’s success.
The event was highly supported by other relevant stakeholders including the pharmaceutical industry with multiple exhibition booths showcasing the latest available practice-changing therapies. According to clinical oncologist Dr Tho, plans are afoot to hold the symposium annually henceforth as this will provide a much needed timely update for all, given the rapid advances in the diagnostic and treatment landscape of lung cancer. Revenue from the symposium will be channeled to support a local lung cancer research registry and fund further educational activities for enhanced public awareness.
To learn more about LCNM’s activities, please visit www.lungcancer.net.my
Lung Cancer Symposium 2023
