It has been duly decided that the 11th Annual Meeting of JSMO will be held over a three-day period from August 29 to 31 (Thu to Sat) in the city of Sendai.

　Based on our belief that in order to control cancer it is necessary to both define molecular networks and create social networks, the main theme for JSMO2013 has been designated as “Targeting Cancer with Molecular and Social Networks.” Thanks to the rapid advancement of research to define the molecular biology of cancer, attention has fallen on the progress in molecular-targeted therapies and the development of bio-markers.

I hope that JSMO2013 will be a meeting at which we can join together, transcending our respective areas of specialty and taking into account the patient perspective, as we review and assess the latest research trends and consider the social networks that are required to improve the quality of cancer treatment. Delegates to JSMO2013 will not only be from Japan, as we are inviting esteemed colleagues who are active in a broad range of activities in the field of clinical oncology from various countries around the world. In total, we are expecting in excess of 5,000 attendees. We are currently considering various plans, to ensure that the standard Annual Meeting program is further enhanced and expanded to become a forum of true significance for attending delegates.

　We are preparing various plans for the Annual Meeting that seek to draw on one of the JSMO’s policies, namely to be an academic organization that contributes to cancer care around the world. To this end we will aim to promote dialogue among researchers from Japan and overseas.

In specific terms, we are planning a number of joint symposiums with various international societies, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), and Korean Association for Clinical Oncology (KACO) and with other cancer-related organizations in Japan. Furthermore, following on from the success of the 10th Annual Meeting and with the aim of making it easier for international delegates to participate, we will be holding an international session to which we will be inviting many overseas speakers.

This international session will not only provide an opportunity for JSMO members to acquire information about the situation overseas, but will also promote direct interaction between members and the many invited overseas speakers. In order to further promote ever better cancer treatment, we will also provide forums for discussion on the development of cancer specialists and inter-professional cooperation, and opportunities for interaction with patient advocacy groups.

　We will update the details of the program regularly and continue to make diligent preparations. The members of the secretariat look forward to welcoming you to Sendai in summer 2013, to an Annual Meeting that will provide a forum for sending a message about research outcomes to Asia and the wider world, and a venue for acquiring the latest information and engaging in exchange and interaction with international researchers.

Chikashi Ishioka 
Congress President, 11th Annual Meeting of JSMO
Professor, Dept. of Clinical Oncology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University