{"product_id":"esmos-2023-annual-report-strengthening-the-global-fight-against-cancer","title":"ESMO's 2023 Annual Report: Strengthening the Global Fight Against Cancer","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 2023, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) grew to represent more than 35,000 oncology professionals across 172 countries, nearly quadrupling its membership since 2013 while achieving gender parity for the first time. The Society published or updated dozens of clinical practice guidelines, launched two new medical journals, and scored 52 new cancer treatments on its clinical benefit scale, bringing the total to 389 scorecards. This annual report details how ESMO supports the doctors, researchers, and healthcare teams who care for people with cancer — and what these efforts mean for patients worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch1\u003eESMO's 2023 Annual Report: Strengthening the Global Fight Against Cancer\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#ddn-key-points\"\u003eKey Points\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#about\"\u003eAbout ESMO: Who They Are and Why It Matters\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#vision\"\u003eESMO Vision 2025: Standing by Those Who Care About Cancer\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#governance\"\u003eGovernance: The Leadership Behind the Society\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#year-in-review\"\u003eA Year in Review: 2023 Highlights\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#community\"\u003eCommunity: A Growing Global Network\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#education\"\u003eScience Dissemination and Education\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#guidelines\"\u003eClinical Decision-Making Tools and Practical Resources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#congresses\"\u003eCongresses at the Forefront of Oncology\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#financial\"\u003eFinancial Overview\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#implications\"\u003eWhat This Means for Patients\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#ddn-faq\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source\"\u003eSource Information\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- ddn:keypoints:start --\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"ddn-key-points\"\u003eKey Points\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eESMO has 94 Clinical Practice Guidelines, which are globally trusted reference standards for cancer management.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree ESMO membership for low- and middle-income countries helps improve access to cancer care worldwide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eESMO-MCBS scores treatments on clinical benefit and now includes a Quality of Life Checklist.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn 2023, 19 translations of ESMO Patient Guides made reliable cancer information available in patients' languages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eESMO's 35,987 members in 172 countries include half women and half under 40, fostering a diverse global network.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- ddn:keypoints:end --\u003e\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"about\"\u003eAbout ESMO: Who They Are and Why It Matters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is one of the world's leading professional organizations dedicated to cancer care. With more than 35,000 members in 172 countries, ESMO serves as a central reference point for oncology education and information — the knowledge hub that helps cancer doctors stay current so they can give their patients the best possible care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO's mission is built on several core commitments:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eImproving the quality of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and palliative care for people with malignant diseases\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAdvancing the art, science, recognition, and practice of oncology\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDisseminating knowledge to cancer patients and the public\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEducating and training people involved in clinical cancer care and research\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEnsuring high qualification standards for medical oncologists within the multidisciplinary care team\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePromoting equal access to optimal cancer care for all patients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor patients, this mission translates into a simple but powerful promise: the doctor sitting across from you in the examination room has access to the latest evidence, the most current treatment guidelines, and a global network of colleagues working on the same problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"vision\"\u003eESMO Vision 2025: Standing by Those Who Care About Cancer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO's Vision 2025 is captured in a single, human phrase: \u003cstrong\u003e\"Standing by those who care about cancer.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e The vision rests on a three-tiered approach that shows how the Society cares for its members, the wider oncology community, and ultimately, patients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first pillar, \u003cstrong\u003eONE Oncology Community\u003c\/strong\u003e, recognizes that cancer professionals grow stronger together in a community that fosters inclusion across disciplines and geographical borders. The second pillar, \u003cstrong\u003eEducation for Life\u003c\/strong\u003e, ensures oncologists everywhere are supported in their development through continuous education that keeps pace with advances in cancer care. The third pillar, \u003cstrong\u003eAccessible Cancer Care\u003c\/strong\u003e, envisions a world where people everywhere benefit equally from reliable cancer care built on sustainable models of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vision matters to patients because it acknowledges a fundamental truth: when the people who care for you are supported, educated, and connected, the quality of your care improves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"governance\"\u003eGovernance: The Leadership Behind the Society\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO's organizational structure is designed to enable broad participation and inclusion. The key governing bodies are the \u003cstrong\u003eExecutive Board\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003eCouncil\u003c\/strong\u003e, and numerous committees, working groups, and task forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023–2024 Executive Board was led by President \u003cstrong\u003eAndrés Cervantes\u003c\/strong\u003e (Spain), Past-President \u003cstrong\u003eSolange Peters\u003c\/strong\u003e (Switzerland), and President-Elect \u003cstrong\u003eFabrice André\u003c\/strong\u003e (France). Other board members included Nadia Harbeck (Germany) as Director of Education, Evandro de Azambuja (Belgium) as Director of Membership, and Jean-Yves Blay (France) as Director of Public Policy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ESMO Council for 2023 brought together leaders from across Europe, including committee chairs responsible for education, guidelines, communications, membership, young oncologists, women in oncology, and national societies. Notable roles included Karin Jordan (Germany) as Educational Committee Chair, Giuseppe Curigliano (Italy) as Guidelines Committee Chair, and Matteo Lambertini (Italy) as Young Oncologists Committee Chair. Amanda Psyrri (Greece) served as Nomination Committee Chair until 31 August 2023, succeeded by Rebecca Dent for the term of 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis governance structure means that decisions about education, guidelines, and policy are made by practicing oncologists and researchers who understand the realities of cancer care — not by administrators far removed from the clinic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"year-in-review\"\u003eA Year in Review: 2023 Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn their introductory letter, ESMO Chief Executive Officer Keith H. McGregor and President Andrés Cervantes highlighted a year of steady growth and renewed purpose. After successfully navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Society emerged with strong financial foundations and an expanded commitment to its mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral milestones defined 2023:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMembership grew to over \u003cstrong\u003e35,000 healthcare professionals\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFree membership was implemented for colleagues in low- and middle-income countries, removing a significant barrier to continuing medical education\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRecord numbers of oncology professionals attended ESMO's scientific and educational events, which were offered in both in-person and hybrid formats\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNew and updated \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines\u003c\/strong\u003e were published\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTwo new ESMO journals and four affiliated titles were launched\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eESMO contributed to multiple EU-level policy initiatives and continued its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Society also took meaningful steps on environmental sustainability. An ESMO task force developed a set of recommendations and a roadmap to build on existing actions, helping the Society reduce its environmental impact while maintaining its mission of improving access to cancer care worldwide. In a symbolic move, this annual report was published in digital format only, in line with ESMO's digital publishing policy. The report is supported by a dedicated team of 150 staff members.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinancially, ESMO reported a positive operating result, with increased operating income and effective cost control. The main congresses made the largest contribution, with membership dues, journals, and online programs also performing strongly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"community\"\u003eCommunity: A Growing Global Network\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO's community nearly quadrupled in size over the course of a decade, growing from \u003cstrong\u003e8,827 members in 2013 to 35,987 members in 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e. Even more striking than the raw numbers is the diversity of the community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the first time, ESMO achieved \u003cstrong\u003egender parity\u003c\/strong\u003e in 2023, with 51% of members being women and 49% being men. The community is also evenly split by age: 51% of members are aged 40 or younger, while 49% are older than 40.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO has become truly global, with members spread across every inhabited continent:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEurope: 51% of members\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAsia-Pacific: 25%\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNorth America: 10%\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSouth America: 9%\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAfrica: 5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith half of members being young professionals and half being women, the \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Young Oncologists\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Women for Oncology\u003c\/strong\u003e initiatives played an important role in 2023, addressing the specific educational, networking, and mentoring needs of these groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Society also recognized excellence in its community through its prestigious awards program. In 2023, ESMO bestowed \u003cstrong\u003e4 Society Awards\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e4 Meeting Awards\u003c\/strong\u003e. The \u003cstrong\u003eFellow of ESMO Award\u003c\/strong\u003e, introduced in 2022, was presented to 23 members at the annual ESMO Congress in honor of their exceptional commitment to the Society and its mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking to the future, ESMO invested in attracting talented young people to the field of oncology. Two editions of the \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Course in Medical Oncology for Medical Students\u003c\/strong\u003e brought together \u003cstrong\u003e121 undergraduate students from 35 different countries\u003c\/strong\u003e with 24 high-caliber faculty members. Over five days, participants gained insight into medical oncology — knowledge that will help them make informed decisions about their specialization and, ultimately, help meet the rising demand for oncology professionals worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"education\"\u003eScience Dissemination and Education\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of ESMO's mission is education — helping practicing oncologists turn the latest research into real-world patient care. In a field where new discoveries are made at an unprecedented pace, continuous learning isn't optional; it's essential for every doctor who treats cancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2023, ESMO delivered a comprehensive portfolio of educational opportunities in both live and virtual formats:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIn-Person Educational Opportunities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eESMO Academy\u003c\/strong\u003e: Helped 357 medical oncologists prepare for the ESMO Examination\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eESMO Examination\u003c\/strong\u003e: Assessed the oncology knowledge of 748 doctors, held in 13 parallel sessions across the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e17 ESMO Preceptorship Courses\u003c\/strong\u003e: Gave 1,101 oncologists comprehensive insights into the management of specific cancer types and disease settings, held across Europe, Asia, and Africa\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e11 Advanced Courses\u003c\/strong\u003e: Addressed specific challenges in patient management for 680 experienced oncologists and specialists, held in various locations worldwide\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2 ESMO Summits\u003c\/strong\u003e: Offered 745 participants a comprehensive review of practice-changing studies and standards of care for key tumor types, held in Africa and South America\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1 EORTC-ESMO-AACR Workshop\u003c\/strong\u003e: Provided 80 future leading clinical investigators with a comprehensive overview of how to conduct clinical trials in cancer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVirtual Educational Opportunities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e5 ESMO Virtual Plenaries\u003c\/strong\u003e: Online presentations of the latest original scientific data\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e14 eLearning modules\u003c\/strong\u003e: Covering a broad range of topics relevant for practicing oncologists\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e7 ESMO Deep Dive webinars\u003c\/strong\u003e: Advanced knowledge in specific tumor types\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e9 ESMO Guidelines: Real World Cases webinars\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bringing together guideline developers and those implementing them\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1 Precision Oncology webinar series\u003c\/strong\u003e: Focusing on clinical implementation of precision medicine\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1 other webinar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hybrid approach to education has made ESMO's programs more accessible to the international community and allows participants to learn at their own pace — a benefit that ultimately translates into better-informed doctors and better care for patients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"journals\"\u003eA Growing Publishing Portfolio\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO's portfolio of publications is a cornerstone of its educational mission. In 2023, two brand-new journals were launched: \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Real World Data and Digital Oncology\u003c\/strong\u003e. Four affiliated journals were also introduced: \u003cstrong\u003eCancer Treatment Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eClinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eLung Cancer\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eThe Breast\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe impact factor — a measure of how often articles in a journal are cited by other researchers — remained strong for ESMO's established journals:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnnals of Oncology\u003c\/strong\u003e: Impact Factor 50.5, CiteScore 63\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eESMO Open\u003c\/strong\u003e: Impact Factor 7.3, CiteScore 8.7\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImmuno-Oncology and Technology (IOTECH)\u003c\/strong\u003e: Impact Factor not yet available, CiteScore 5.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn impact factor of 50.5 places \u003cem\u003eAnnals of Oncology\u003c\/em\u003e among the most influential cancer journals in the world. When a study is published there, doctors and researchers pay attention — and that translates into faster adoption of new treatments and ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Society also expanded its thematic handbooks and \"Essentials for Clinicians\" series, adding a new handbook on \u003cstrong\u003enutrition and cancer\u003c\/strong\u003e in 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"consensus\"\u003eExpert Consensus and Collaborative Research\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond traditional education, ESMO worked to push the boundaries of oncology knowledge through expert consensus statements and collaborations:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTwo \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Expert Consensus Statements\u003c\/strong\u003e were published on: the definition, diagnosis, and management of \u003cstrong\u003eHER2-low breast cancer\u003c\/strong\u003e; and the management of \u003cstrong\u003ebreast cancer during pregnancy\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eESMO\/SIOPE Adolescents and Young Adults Working Group\u003c\/strong\u003e mapped the burden of cancer in this often-overlooked population in Europe\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Translational Research and Precision Medicine Working Group\u003c\/strong\u003e issued new recommendations on molecular diagnostic approaches for cancer patients\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eESMO participated in the \u003cstrong\u003e\"Cancer Prevention Across Europe\" (PrEvCan)\u003c\/strong\u003e campaign with the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS), inviting frontline oncology professionals to improve their knowledge of prevention and act as role models in science-based prevention\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNew resources were added to the \u003cstrong\u003eWorld Cancer Report Updates Learning Platform\u003c\/strong\u003e, developed with the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), including a webinar on liquid biopsy-based biomarkers and an e-learning module on pollution and cancer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eESMO and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) published \u003cstrong\u003eupdated joint recommendations for the Curriculum for Training in Medical Oncology\u003c\/strong\u003e, reflecting advances in cellular therapy, molecular pathology, precision oncology, and imaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"guidelines\"\u003eClinical Decision-Making Tools and Practical Resources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor oncologists, having reliable, evidence-based guidance at their fingertips can make the difference between uncertainty and confident decision-making. ESMO's clinical tools are designed to do exactly that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)\u003c\/strong\u003e are a globally trusted reference for best practices in managing different cancer types and disease settings. By the end of 2023, \u003cstrong\u003e94 CPGs were available\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2023, \u003cstrong\u003e5 new CPGs\u003c\/strong\u003e were published on these topics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNon-oncogene-addicted metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOncogene-addicted metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAnxiety and depression in adult cancer patients\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePrognostic evaluation in patients with advanced cancer in the last months of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInsomnia in cancer patients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5 existing CPGs were updated\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eManagement of venous thromboembolism (blood clots)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNewly diagnosed and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePancreatic cancer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLeptomeningeal metastasis (cancer spread to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEarly breast cancer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional updates included \u003cstrong\u003e2 eUpdates\u003c\/strong\u003e (prostate cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia), \u003cstrong\u003e7 updated Pocket Guidelines\u003c\/strong\u003e (abridged versions covering breast cancer, endocrine and neuroendocrine cancers, genitourinary cancer, gynecological malignancies, lower gastrointestinal cancers, lung and chest cancers, and upper gastrointestinal cancers), and \u003cstrong\u003e3 Pan-Asian Guidelines\u003c\/strong\u003e adapted for the Asian context (endometrial cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and metastatic breast cancer).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Society also maintained its \u003cstrong\u003eLiving Guidelines\u003c\/strong\u003e — online, interactive tools centered on visual decision-making algorithms — for metastatic colorectal cancer and gastric cancer, with both receiving updates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere applicable, scores from the \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets (ESCAT)\u003c\/strong\u003e were incorporated into new or updated guidelines. This helps clinicians make evidence-based decisions about genomic alterations and targeted therapies in an increasingly complex treatment landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePatient Guides: Empowering People with Cancer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCritically for patients, the CPGs also serve as the basis for the \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Patient Guides\u003c\/strong\u003e — plain-language versions of the guidelines designed to help people with cancer, their relatives, and caregivers understand the nature of the disease and take an active part in shaping their treatment journey. In 2023, \u003cstrong\u003e19 translations\u003c\/strong\u003e of the Patient Guides were made available with the support of national societies worldwide, bringing vital information to patients in their mother tongue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO also released the \u003cstrong\u003eESMO Patient Guides WebApp\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing users to find all Patient Guides in one convenient place. For a patient newly diagnosed with cancer, this resource can be a lifeline of understandable, reliable information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eESMO-MCBS: Maximizing Clinical Benefit for Patients\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eESMO-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a tool that helps prioritize cancer medicines based on their proven clinical benefit. In 2023, \u003cstrong\u003e52 new treatments were scored\u003c\/strong\u003e, bringing the total to \u003cstrong\u003e389 scorecards across 17 solid tumor categories\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA new visualization feature was added to the scorecards to illustrate not just the score of an anticancer treatment, but also the factors driving that score. The addition of a \u003cstrong\u003eQuality of Life Checklist\u003c\/strong\u003e reflects the growing recognition that how a treatment affects a patient's daily life matters just as much as how well it shrinks a tumor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecognizing the need for a similar tool tailored to blood cancers, ESMO collaborated with the European Hematology Association (EHA) to develop \u003cstrong\u003eESMO-MCBS:H\u003c\/strong\u003e, a version specifically validated for hematological malignancies, which was published in 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor patients, the MCBS matters because it helps doctors and health systems choose treatments that offer the greatest proven benefit — not just the newest or most expensive option. It's a tool designed to put patients' interests first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eChecklists, Videos, and Real-World Evidence\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO also developed practical resources to support clinicians at every step of patient care:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eESMO Checklists\u003c\/strong\u003e: Quick questionnaires that help clinicians self-assess their practice against the essential steps recommended in the CPGs. In 2023, treatment workflows were updated for esophageal, gastric, gynecologic, and advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, among others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eESMO \"How To\" Video Series\u003c\/strong\u003e: Four new videos were added in 2023, addressing questions such as how to select candidates for treatment de-intensification in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer and how to assess and manage cancer pain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eESMO Guidance for Reporting Oncology Real-World Evidence (ESMO-GROW)\u003c\/strong\u003e: The first expert-based guidance tailored for reporting real-world evidence studies in oncology. This guidance, available in \u003cem\u003eESMO Real World Data and Digital Oncology\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAnnals of Oncology\u003c\/em\u003e, includes an online scoring checklist to help researchers write, review, and publish high-quality studies. It aims to improve decision-making by healthcare authorities and ultimately improve patient care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"congresses\"\u003eCongresses at the Forefront of Oncology\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO's congresses are among the most anticipated events in the oncology calendar. In 2023, \u003cstrong\u003e11 congresses\u003c\/strong\u003e offered platforms for oncology professionals to gather with international peers and explore emerging knowledge and scientific breakthroughs that will shape the future of cancer care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese meetings are where cutting-edge research is first presented, where new standards of care are debated, and where the global oncology community connects. For patients, the advances unveiled at these congresses often become the treatments of tomorrow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"financial\"\u003eFinancial Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO reported robust financial performance in 2023, with an \u003cstrong\u003eincrease in operating income\u003c\/strong\u003e and effective cost control resulting in a positive operating result. The main ESMO congresses made the greatest contribution to this positive performance, with membership dues, journals, and online programs also contributing significantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvestment income gave a positive return, though the strength of the Swiss Franc (ESMO's reporting currency) resulted in a relatively small exchange rate loss. The Society's strong financial position allows it to continue investing in education, guidelines, and advocacy — all of which ultimately benefit patients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"implications\"\u003eWhat This Means for Patients\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis annual report is more than a summary of organizational activities — it represents a global infrastructure dedicated to improving cancer care. Here's what it means for you, as a patient or caregiver:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour doctor has access to world-class guidance.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 94 Clinical Practice Guidelines help ensure that whether you're treated in Paris, Lagos, or São Paulo, your care follows internationally recognized standards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInformation is available in your language.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 19 translations of Patient Guides and the new WebApp mean you can understand your disease and treatment options in your mother tongue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuality of life is being prioritized.\u003c\/strong\u003e The new Quality of Life Checklist in the ESMO-MCBS reflects a growing recognition that how you feel during treatment matters as much as survival statistics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccess to care is improving globally.\u003c\/strong\u003e Free membership for colleagues in low- and middle-income countries and Pan-Asian Guideline adaptations are helping narrow the gap in cancer care worldwide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResearch is being translated into practice faster.\u003c\/strong\u003e The combination of journals, virtual plenaries, webinars, and congresses means new discoveries reach clinicians — and patients — more quickly than ever before.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLimitations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an organizational annual report, this document presents ESMO's activities in a positive light and is not a peer-reviewed scientific study. Some data points, such as membership numbers and participant counts, are self-reported. The report also acknowledges an exchange rate loss and the Society's ongoing work on environmental sustainability, indicating that not all challenges have been fully resolved. Additionally, the report was published in digital format only, which means readers without internet access cannot access it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommendations for Patients\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on this report, patients and caregivers can take these practical steps:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAsk your oncologist about ESMO guidelines.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Clinical Practice Guidelines represent the gold standard of cancer care. Asking whether your treatment plan aligns with them can open a productive conversation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExplore the ESMO Patient Guides.\u003c\/strong\u003e Visit the ESMO website or download the WebApp to access reliable, understandable information about your cancer type in your own language.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAsk about quality of life.\u003c\/strong\u003e With the new emphasis on quality-of-life assessments in treatment scoring, don't hesitate to discuss how a treatment may affect your daily life, not just your tumor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStay informed about clinical trials.\u003c\/strong\u003e The research presented at ESMO congresses often leads to new trial opportunities. Ask your doctor about trials that might be relevant for your situation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- ddn:faq:start --\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"ddn-faq\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is ESMO and why should I care about it as a cancer patient?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO is a professional organization with over 35,000 oncology professionals in 172 countries. It provides education, guidelines, and tools to cancer doctors worldwide. This means your oncologist can access the latest evidence and internationally recognized standards to help guide your care, wherever you are treated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow can I use ESMO guidelines or patient guides to better understand my cancer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can ask your oncologist whether your treatment plan aligns with ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. You can also explore ESMO Patient Guides, which are plain-language versions of those guidelines. In 2023, 19 translations were available and a WebApp was released, so you can access reliable information in your own language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does the ESMO-MCBS score mean for my treatment options?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ESMO-MCBS is a scale that scores cancer treatments based on proven clinical benefit. In 2023, 52 new treatments were scored, totaling 389 scorecards. A new Quality of Life Checklist was added, so doctors can consider how a treatment affects daily life, not just tumor shrinkage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I trust that my doctor in another country uses the same cancer standards?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESMO has 94 Clinical Practice Guidelines that are globally trusted references for cancer management. These guidelines help ensure that whether you are treated in Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas, your care follows internationally recognized standards. Pan-Asian Guideline adaptations also help tailor recommendations to regional contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs there support for patients who speak a language other than English?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. In 2023, 19 translations of ESMO Patient Guides were made available with support from national societies. The ESMO Patient Guides WebApp also allows users to find all guides in one place. This helps patients understand their disease and treatment options in their mother tongue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ddn:faq:end --\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"source\"\u003eSource Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Article Title:\u003c\/strong\u003e Science dissemination and education\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganization:\u003c\/strong\u003e European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 January – 31 December 2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Contributors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keith H. McGregor (ESMO Chief Executive Officer) and Andrés Cervantes (ESMO President), on behalf of the ESMO Executive Board and Council\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e This patient-friendly article is based on the ESMO Annual Report 2023, an organizational publication that summarizes the Society's activities, education programs, publications, clinical tools, congresses, and financial performance. It reflects the Society's own reporting and has not been independently peer-reviewed as a scientific study.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DiagnosticDetectives.Com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47458298003612,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/diagnosticdetectives.fi\/products\/esmos-2023-annual-report-strengthening-the-global-fight-against-cancer","provider":"DiagnosticDetectives.Com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}