대한종양내과학회

Distinguished members of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO),

Since its establishment in 2005, the KSMO has sought to enhance the quality of cancer patient care, promoting the growth of knowledge in clinical oncology, and facilitating collaboration and exchange amongst clinical oncologists. Despite its relatively brief history, the Society has quickly solidified its position as a leading specialist academic body in cancer treatment. The rapid qualitative and quantitative development of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology and its achievement of public trust in such a short period of time is, I believe, due to the dedicated efforts of our members and former executive members to whom I would like to express my deepest gratitude.

Particularly, over the past two years, amidst the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have successfully organized international academic conferences, marking the beginning of our leap from a leading society in the field of oncology in Korea to a globally recognized organization.
In sync with this evolution towards becoming a globally recognized and respected Society, we have made our mission “caring for patients and society through cancer treatment and research' and set forth a vision to become a 'world-leading society in cancer treatment and research' by 2032.

As the President, I pledge to invest my full commitment and passion throughout my term, assisting the Chair and current board of directors in realizing this mission and vision. I will ensure the continual and uninterrupted development of the numerous activities pursued by the Society thus far. I am committed to introducing and implementing the latest insights in cancer treatment, stimulating clinical research, and swiftly applying these advancements to the clinical field in order to provide superior treatment for patients through a multidisciplinary integrated approach. To this end, I will foster exchanges and collaboration with relevant societies in Korea to drive the development of a pivotal role in cancer treatment and research.

I am also determined to activate exchanges with societies overseas to solidify our position as an international academic organization and to support active interaction and collaboration with researchers in other countries. Furthermore, I will continuously strive to provide easily comprehensible information about accurate cancer treatment guidelines to the public, radically improving not only our country's achievements in cancer treatment but also the quality of life and cost-effectiveness of treatment. To facilitate this, I will enhance communication and cooperation with government agencies to ensure that superior cancer treatments are prioritized and provided swiftly for patients.

In the past two years, many members have faced restrictions in their research activities due to the pandemic. As a member of the new board of directors starting its term, I will actively seek to reinstate these deferred academic activities, communicate proactively, and do my utmost to allow members to freely engage in Society activities. I sincerely ask for your active participation, abundant advice, and encouragement. Thank you.

Distinguished members of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO),

Since its inception in 2005, the KSMO has strived to improve the quality of care for cancer patients through diverse academic research activities, thereby securing its place as the most reputable and trusted association in the field of clinical oncology. More specifically, the Society held its first international conference in 2019 and successfully hosted another in the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. We have also invested significant effort in public relations, issuing a booklet with recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine in a timely manner, which has proved to be of great assistance in clinical practice. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that these accomplishments are due to the unwavering dedication of all members and former board members, and, in recognition of this, I extend my profound gratitude.

During my one-year term as President, I will support the Chair and the current executive board in ensuring the successful progress and fruitful realization of the following key objectives established and pursued by the previous and current executive boards.

Firstly, focusing on targeted and immunotherapy cancer treatments, I will strive to ensure that our members can quickly acquire and apply the latest insights in cancer treatment and aid in the application of related clinical research, ultimately improving the therapeutic outcomes for our patients. Furthermore, I will enhance cooperation with related societies to promote multidisciplinary treatment, while maintaining and developing relationships with similar societies abroad.
Additionally, I will continue to focus on providing easily comprehensible information about verified cancer treatment guidelines to the public as a central component of our public relations activities. I will also strengthen cooperation with government-related agencies, particularly to facilitate the speedy inclusion of newly approved and highly effective therapeutics into insurance benefits. Lastly, I will cautiously prepare for the management of the Society in the post-COVID era.

Lastly, I will do my utmost to ensure that all members can actively participate in Society activities with a joyous sense of anticipation. I sincerely ask for your active participation and insightful advice. Thank you.

Distinguished members of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO),

The KSMO, founded in 2005, has been enthusiastically conducting scholarly activities with the aim of enhancing the quality of cancer patient care by promoting knowledge about clinical oncology and supporting exchanges and collaboration among clinical oncologists. Owing to the dedicated participation and efforts of our members and executive boards over the years, we have achieved significant growth and have rightly earned our position as the most trustworthy specialist society for cancer diseases in Korea. More particularly, we have taken the lead in developing guidelines related to cancer treatment and proposing implementation plans for multidisciplinary integrated treatment.

Since the year 2000, cancer treatment has undergone astonishing advancements. Alongside traditional anticancer chemotherapy drugs, various targeted therapies and immunotherapies have been developed and are being used in clinical practice, thereby improving many patients' treatment outcomes. We have now entered the era of personalized medicine through precision medicine, which has only recently become a reality. Naturally, it is imperative that we study these new medical developments and actively apply them in clinical settings. As patients' survival time improves, we also need to consider their quality of life and economic issues alongside treatment. We must take the lead in providing accurate information about cancer to patients and their caregivers, and in spreading this information among the general public.

Recent activities of our society have been constrained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we enter the “untact” era, this will be a crucial year in transforming our pandemic-deferred society activities into the new “ontact” era. We will do our utmost to ensure all of our members can participate in both safe and enjoyable on-line and off-line society activities. We continue to ask for your wise counsel and cooperation. Thank you.

The KSMO, as a leading society in the field of clinical oncology in Korea, has been actively conducting academic research activities to enhance the quality of cancer patient care. Since our founding, all members and past executive board members have rededicated their efforts to our common cause, and we have achieved remarkable growth in a short period of time, truly becoming the most trusted specialty society for cancer diseases in Korea. Recently, we have also begun to play a central role in the internal medicine sphere as a regular member society of the Korean Medical Association.

As the leading society in the field of oncology in Korea, our society has now begun to leap forward as a global society. We have undertaken a diverse range of international collaborative projects in the past, and starting from this year, we plan to host an international conference annually at our fall meeting. We look forward to this serving as a foundation to KSMO becoming a world-renowned society.

In addition to expanding our existing academic research activities, we believe it is also time for our society to play a leading role in promoting expert opinions to government authorities, communicating, and cooperating to formulate health policies so that tangible and effective benefits can be extended to cancer patients. Specifically, we aim to do our utmost as an academic research society to reasonably improve insurance benefits in order to reduce the rapidly increasing burden on national health insurance finances and to increase patients' opportunities to receive the latest treatments. Additionally, KSMO must actively engage in promotional activities targeted at the general public, to raise public awareness about our society's activities and about cancer-related diseases.

Internally, we believe that the KSMO, which has evolved into the most trusted cancer specialist society in Korea thanks to the tireless efforts of all members and previous executive boards since its establishment in 2005, needs to build a model for joint development in which all members participate to complete the aforementioned tasks, building upon our past achievements. We believe that the role our society plays as a space for nurturing talent and lifelong education is also crucial. We look forward to the passionate participation of all members. Thank you.

Over a decade has passed since the KSMO was established to enhance the quality of patient treatment through exchange and cooperation among a diverse range of cancer field specialists. Thanks to the active participation of a multitude of members and the dedication of past executive boards, we have achieved significant growth within a narrow timeframe.

There have also been many advancements in cancer treatment over the past decade. Along with existing anticancer therapeutics, a wide range of targeted therapies and immunotherapies have been developed and are being utilized in clinical settings. Our members' devotion to cancer research is bearing fruit in the advancements in cancer treatment that we are witnessing, and we believe that KSMO should play a leading role in developing further improved treatment methods and establishing patient-centered cancer treatment in the future.

The current areas of interest in cancer-related fields both domestically and abroad are precision medicine and immuno-oncology. Recently, the US government has initiated clinical research for personalized medicine and set forth the 'National Cancer Moonshot Initiative' to defeat cancer. Closer to home in Korea, there is a pressing need for diverse clinical studies and innovative research projects to be conducted through government-led support, and our society will actively support cooperation between KSMO’s cancer specialists and key government departments. In order for more patients to benefit from immunotherapy for cancer, we need to strive to establish solid evidence, and socio-economic discussions will be necessary to find ways for extend government support for high-cost treatments. In this process, our society will not neglect its social responsibility to assist with the establishment of a reasonable system.

KSMO requires unity and open communication among its members to succeeed in overcoming various challenges and undertaking the professional duties of our society. We ask for your continued wisdom and cooperation. Thank you.

Over a decade has passed since the founding of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO), an organization established to enhance the quality of patient care through interaction and collaboration among experts in various cancer fields. We are proud to have achieved significant growth over this short period, thanks to the active participation of our members and the dedication of past executive boards.

Cancer treatment, too, has witnessed considerable progress over the past decade, with the development and clinical application of various targeted and immunotherapeutic drugs alongside traditional anticancer treatments. We view these advancements in cancer treatment as the fruits of our members' relentless devotion to cancer research. We believe it is now our duty to lead the way in developing continually improved treatments and establishing patient-centric cancer care.

Presently, the key areas of interest in the field of oncology both domestically and internationally are precision medicine and immuno-oncology. The US government has recently initiated personalized clinical research trials and launched the 'National Cancer Moonshot Initiative' to conquer cancer. We foresee the need for government-led support for various clinical studies and innovative research projects in Korea. KSMO will actively support collaboration between members, who are experts in cancer, and the key government agencies. To ensure immunotherapeutic drugs can help more patients, efforts should be made to establish clinical track records backed by solid evidence, and socio-economic discussions are needed for governmental support in paying high treatment costs. Our society will not neglect its social responsibility to help establish a reasonable system through this process.

Overcoming a wide range of obstacles and fulfilling our society's professional mission is possible only through the unity and communication of all our members. We look forward to your advice and cooperation. Thank you.

Over a decade has passed since the founding of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO), an organization established to enhance the quality of patient care through interaction and collaboration among experts in various cancer fields. We are proud to have achieved significant growth over this short period, thanks to the active participation of our members and the dedication of past executive boards.

Cancer treatment, too, has witnessed considerable progress over the past decade, with the development and clinical application of various targeted and immunotherapeutic drugs alongside traditional anticancer treatments. We view these advancements in cancer treatment as the fruits of our members' relentless devotion to cancer research. We believe it is now our duty to lead the way in developing continually improved treatments and establishing patient-centric cancer care.

Presently, the key areas of interest in the field of oncology both domestically and internationally are precision medicine and immuno-oncology. The US government has recently initiated personalized clinical research trials and launched the 'National Cancer Moonshot Initiative' to conquer cancer. We foresee the need for government-led support for various clinical studies and innovative research projects in Korea. KSMO will actively support collaboration between members, who are experts in cancer, and the key government agencies. To ensure immunotherapeutic drugs can help more patients, efforts should be made to establish clinical track records backed by solid evidence, and socio-economic discussions are needed for governmental support in paying high treatment costs. Our society will not neglect its social responsibility to help establish a reasonable system through this process.

Overcoming a wide range of obstacles and fulfilling our society's professional mission is possible only through the unity and communication of all our members. We look forward to your advice and cooperation. Thank you.

Distinguished members of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO),

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our society, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and profound responsibility in assuming the role of president.

Our society has achieved remarkable growth over a relatively short timeline, thanks to the outstanding research outcomes of our members. Through the activation of multidisciplinary integrated care, we have improved the quality of cancer patient care and facilitated systematic, multi-institutional clinical research for our members through close cooperation with the Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG). At this point, I believe that for KSMO to leap forward as a world-leading society, it must play a central role in performing innovative practical research that can transform the paradigm of cancer treatment in Korea. For this, I will strive to do the following.

First, I will work to improve the operations of the society to enhance interaction and cooperation among members. Through this improved operational system, we will ensure that members' research outcomes are well communicated, leading to improvements in clinical outcomes at the individual member level.

Second, we must pay increased attention to patient-centered precision medicine, which tailors prevention and treatment strategies based on each patient's individual differences, as it emerges as the newest clinical trend. The US government recently allocated $200 million to the NIH Precision Medicine Initiative program, focusing on precision oncology research undertaken at the NCI. The FDA is even attempting to change the framework of existing clinical trial regulations to fit precision medicine. In Korea, KSMO will provide support for our members to lead in precision medicine by seeking out innovative areas for research.

Third, to achieve these goals, our society will actively participate in government policy-making processes and aim to build a mutually cooperative relationship where the government actively supports the research projects undertaken by KSMO. As the head of the 10th National Cancer Control Planning Board (NCC) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, I aim to play a bridging role between experts in the field of cancer research, including our society, and the government. I also ask for your interest in upcoming research into comprehensive cancer management plans and the National Cancer Control Board’s Research and Development program.

With the support of Chairman Jeong Hyeon-cheol, I will do my utmost to ensure that KSMO leaps forward once again. I ask for your abundant wisdom and cooperation in these endeavors. Thank you.

The Korean Association for Clinical Oncology (KACO) was founded in 2005 with the goal of fostering a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to cancer treatment centered around patients. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of many of our members, KSMO has grown remarkably and continues to contribute to the advancement of cancer research both domestically and internationally.

We contribute to the continued education and research of our members through enthusiastic academic activities, participate in the development of national cancer policies, and develop cancer treatment guidelines to ensure cancer patients receive treatment based on evidence-based medicine.

However, we have not yet fully realized the goal of multidisciplinary integrated care that we set at our inception. Moreover, KSMO’s status is not yet well-established externally, and our exchanges with international cancer-related societies are not as active as they should be.

During my one-year term as president, I will assist the board in activating and institutionalizing multidisciplinary integrated care, cooperate with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and other cancer specialist societies, promote membership in the Korean Medical Association to fulfill our role as an official Korean medical society, and promote exchanges with international cancer-related societies to enable KACO to emerge as a respected international academic society. In closing, I ask for your ongoing cooperation so that KSMO can become widely recognized internationally.

Over the past decade, KSMO has been a leader in encouraging cancer specialists in diverse fields to work steadily towards multidisciplinary integrated care. While our efforts have achieved some degree of success, we need to further solidify a system that can pursue true multidisciplinary integrated care, ensuring that all cancer patients in Korea receive the best tailored treatments.

Despite improvements in cancer treatment outcomes, cancer remains the leading cause of death in Korea. With the continuing increase in the aging population, the incidence of cancer is also expected to continue rising. As such, KSMO must focus on research for cancer prevention, including international clinical trials for the development of the optimal tailored treatments for cancer patients, and systematically develop and implement educational programs to enhance the expertise of each and every member.

We also must play a role in establishing health policies for palliative care for terminal cancer patients, develop and provide programs for cancer survivors to the best of our abilities as an academic society, and serve as a source of accurate information about cancer for the general public.

Since its establishment in 2005, our society has evolved into the most trusted cancer specialist society in Korea, thanks to the tireless efforts of all members and past executive boards. I look forward to our society being recognized as a leading society worldwide in the near future, and I ask for your passionate participation in completing the aforementioned tasks to build upon our past successes. Thank you.

In recent years, there have been improvements in cancer treatment outcomes, but cancer remains feared as the number one cause of death. In Korea, live in an era where more than 200,000 patients are newly diagnosed with cancer each year, and the total number of people living with cancer exceeds one million.

Research on cancer can be approached from both the basic science and clinical perspectives. Although there was no academic organization in Korea that systematically conducted research on cancer diseases from a clinical perspective, the Korean Association for Clinical Oncology was established on November 24, 2005, centered on medical professionals who treat cancer patients in tertiary hospitals.

In order to provide appropriate cancer treatment such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, not only is participation from doctors in various specialties required, but also compassionate care from medical workers in various professions such as nurses and social workers, as we must work together to prioritize the best interests of patients to offer the best medical services possible.

Therefore, KSMO aims to fulfill its social responsibilities so that the most appropriate multidisciplinary approach can be taken from the patient's perspective, and also strives to become a leading academic organization globally by publishing new research results and sharing academic research outcomes internationally.

We ask for your active participation via KSMO’s website, as we foster the website as a crucial platform for communication and cooperative efforts.