Industry Supported Symposia
ISS01
AstraZeneca
Optimising outcomes in gastroesophageal cancer care
- Thursday, September 17, 2026
- 12:30 - 13:30
- Room C1
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Join us for our AstraZeneca-sponsored satellite symposium to discuss insights on optimising outcomes in gastroesophageal cancer care, including a review of recent treatment advances and regional differences in treatment approaches. We will discuss how to navigate the complexities of diagnosis and staging of gastroesophageal cancers, and share perspectives on optimising multidisciplinary coordination to improve the patient journey.
Our engaging programme of plenary presentations and panel discussions will be delivered by expert faculty Dr Daniela Molena, Dr Masanori Tokunaga and Professor Ming-Huang Chen.
This non-promotional scientific exchange symposium is organised and funded by AstraZeneca for healthcare professionals only.
Chair/ Moderator
Daniela Molena
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
Presenters
Masanori Tokunaga
National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
Ming-Huang Chen
Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Agenda
| Duration | Title | Speaker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
12:30–12:35 5 min |
Welcome and introductions | Dr Daniela Molena | |
|
12:35–12:55 20 min |
Plenary: Optimising the patient journey in resectable gastroesophageal cancer | Dr Masanori Tokunaga | Audience polling |
|
12:55–13:05 10 min |
Plenary: Navigating the complexities of gastroesophageal cancer diagnosis and staging | Prof Ming-Huang Chen | Audience polling |
|
13:05–13:25 20 min |
Panel discussion: Recent developments and MDT coordination in gastroesophageal cancer care |
Chair: Dr Daniela Molena Panellists: Dr Masanori Tokunaga Dr Ming-Huang Chen |
Audience Q&A and polling |
|
13:25–13:30 5 min |
Close | Dr Daniela Molena |
ISS02
BeOne Medicines Japan
Current Status and Future Perspectives of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Esophageal Cancer
- Thursday, September 17, 2026
- 12:30 - 13:30
- Room B1
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The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has significantly improved the prognosis of unresectable advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Currently, three types of anti-PD-1 antibodies are available for combination with chemotherapy, and the efficacy of dual ICI therapy has also been demonstrated. Although these regimens differ in administration schedules, target histological subtypes, and mechanisms of action, they all represent valid therapeutic options. While the PD-L1 score is commonly used as a predictive biomarker for treatment efficacy, it remains unestablished. Our recent findings demonstrate that inflammation and coagulation markers can serve as reliable predictive factors for anti-PD-1 antibody efficacy, potentially offering valuable guidance for selecting between chemo-ICI combination therapy and dual ICI therapy. Furthermore, with the survival benefits achieved by systemic treatment in both T4 and M1 diseases, expectations for conversion surgery are rapidly increasing. For resectable stages, thoracoscopic and robot-assisted esophagectomy have rapidly generated widespread adoption, markedly improving surgical safety. Regarding neoadjuvant therapy, the efficacy of triplet chemotherapy and the integration of ICIs have been strongly suggested, while advancements in adjuvant therapy also continue to evolve. Conversely, given that esophagectomy carries inherent surgical invasiveness, developing organ-preservation strategies remains a critical priority. In addition to conventional radiological assessment, novel tumor burden monitoring techniques utilizing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and endoscopy are currently under development. These advancements are expected to establish personalized, tailored treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics and tumor distribution.
Chair/ Moderator
Ken Kato
National Cancer Center Hospital, Department of Head and Neck, Esophageal Medical Oncology
Presenters
Satoru Matsuda
Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine
Agenda
| Time | Agenda | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 – 12:32 | Opening remarks | Ken Kato |
| 12:32 – 13:20 | Current Status and Future Perspectives of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Esophageal Cancer | Satoru Matsuda |
| 13:20 – 13:28 | Q&A |
Ken Kato Satoru Matsuda |
| 13:28 – 13:30 | Closing remarks | Ken Kato |
ISS03
Daiichi Sankyo
Cutting-edge Treatment Strategies for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer
- Thursday, September 17, 2026
- 12:30 - 13:30
- Room B2
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Recent years have witnessed remarkable advances in the diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal cancers. Innovations in endoscopic techniques, imaging modalities, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches have steadily contributed to improved patient outcomes. In particular, the rapid evolution of pharmacotherapy — including molecular targeted agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) — has fundamentally transformed the treatment landscape for both esophageal and gastric cancers, offering new hope to patients with advanced or refractory disease. Despite these encouraging developments, significant challenges remain. Issues such as treatment resistance, patient selection for optimal therapy, and the management of treatment-related adverse events continue to demand attention from clinicians and researchers alike. Furthermore, the identification of reliable predictive biomarkers and the integration of novel therapeutic combinations into standard clinical practice remain areas of active investigation worldwide. In this seminar, we are honored to welcome Dr. Kei Muro from Aichi Cancer Center, a nationally and internationally acclaimed expert in the pharmacotherapy for gastrointestinal malignancies, including esophageal and gastric cancers. Drawing on his extensive clinical and research experience — including his leadership in numerous pivotal clinical trials — Dr. Muro will deliver a comprehensive lecture covering both esophageal and gastric cancers. His presentation will range from practical approaches in daily clinical practice to the latest evidence-based treatment strategies, providing attendees with valuable insights that can be directly applied to patient care. This session is intended for medical oncologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, endoscopists, and all healthcare professionals involved in the management of upper gastrointestinal malignancies. We anticipate that this seminar will foster meaningful discussion and inspire further advances in the field.
Chair/ Moderator
Ken Kato
National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
Presenters
Kei Muro
Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan
Agenda
Lecture time: 50 minutes, Q&A: 10 minutes
ISS04
MSD K.K
Optimizing Treatment Strategies for Esophageal Cancer: ~Multidisciplinary Perspectives Across Disease Stages~
- Wednesday, September 16, 2026
- 12:30 - 13:30
- Room B1
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Over recent years, long-term follow-up data for systemic therapies in esophageal cancer, including outcomes extending beyond five years, have become available, and clinical experience in routine practice has steadily accumulated. In parallel, the growing incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors has expanded treatment options and increased the complexity of clinical decision-making across different disease stages. This symposium aims to review current evidence and evolving treatment strategies for esophageal cancer across the continuum of care, from perioperative management to advanced and recurrent disease. Perspectives from both surgical and medical oncology will be presented to provide a comprehensive understanding of multidisciplinary treatment approaches. The surgical session will address recent developments in surgical management, including the integration of systemic therapy and the role of conversion surgery within multimodal treatment strategies. Emphasis will be placed on approaches that may contribute to long-term disease control. The medical oncology session will focus on contemporary systemic treatment strategies, including the interpretation of long-term clinical trial data and considerations for treatment selection. Topics will include the use of immune-based therapies in combination with chemotherapy, factors influencing treatment choice, and considerations in patients with varying disease characteristics such as tumor burden and metastatic spread. Relevant clinical evidence and illustrative cases will be discussed to support practical application in clinical settings. Through these discussions, the symposium aims to facilitate a balanced understanding of current treatment paradigms and to support informed clinical decision-making in the management of esophageal cancer.
Chair/ Moderator
Koji Kono
Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
Presenters
Satoru Matsuda
Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
Shuichi Hironaka
Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
Agenda
| Time | Agenda | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30–12:32 | Opening |
Chair: Dr. Koji Kono |
| 12:32–13:00 |
Lecture 1 (including Q&A Session) Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Treatment for Esophageal Cancer: Surgical Strategy, Perioperative Treatment, and Conversion Therapy |
Speaker: Satoru Matsuda |
| 13:00–13:28 |
Lecture 2 (including Q&A Session) Advances in First-Line Treatment Strategies for Esophageal Cancer: Integration of Clinical Evidence and Real-World Practice |
Speaker: Shuichi Hironaka |
| 13:28–13:30 | Closing |
Chair: Dr. Koji Kono |
ISS05
ONO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD
Drug Therapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Wednesday, September 16, 2026
- 12:30 - 13:30
- Room B2
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This symposium will discuss drug treatment strategies for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, from the perioperative stage to the advanced and recurrent stages. Two experts from Japan will present their current clinical findings, highlighting the differences in treatment approaches between Japan and other countries. The symposium will also focus on existing challenges in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, aiming to provide a platform for considering future treatment directions.
Chair/ Moderator
Hiroya Takeuchi
Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
Presenters
Shun Yamamoto
National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
Agenda
Lecture time: 55 minutes, Q&A: 5 minutes