SYSTEMS ONCOLOGY 2017 International Conference

Butterfly Cancer Care Foundation, in collaboration with Carcinogenesis Foundation, USA, Cochin Oncology Group, Amrita University, Indian Society of Cancer Nanomedicine, Canserve, and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, has organized a unique conference, “Systems Oncology: Integrated Approaches to Understand and Cure Cancer,” from March 10 to 12, 2017 at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Kochi, Kerala. An important focus of the conference was to identify the challenges faced in combating cancer and deliberate on the approaches to overcome them. There were different sessions on themes like gastrointestinal cancers, thoracic cancers, immuno oncology, cancer nanomedicine, paediatric oncology, nursing oncology, lung cancer etc. The molecular mechanisms of all organ site cancers, carcinogenesis, biomarkers for developing therapeutic and prevention strategies, and emerging technologies and methodologies in tumorigenesis, carcinogenesis, and carcino prevention research were discussed during the session. The sessions in the conference were designed to provide opportunities for practicing physicians and scientists to share their unique expertise with their peers and students. The conference offered oral presentations, panel discussions, and poster presentations to share the research findings from experts as well as budding scientists and clinicians. The session on pediatric oncology received special appreciation for bringing together top pediatric oncologists from India and abroad (through online meetings), various social work groups, and students. Panel discussions on pediatric sessions concluded on the importance of social work groups and charity organizations being positioned between the doctors and patients for better connectivity, monetary support, and continued care post-treatment. The session also witnessed the launch of the Pediatric Oncology Awareness booklet.