
Editor's Note: On December 28, 2024, the year-end meeting of the Youth Expert Committee of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) was successfully held in Shanghai. This event brought together renowned experts and promising young talents from across the country to explore new directions in cancer treatment. Oncology Frontier had the honor of interviewing Dr. Biyun Wang, Chair of the conference and a leading expert at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, who shared key highlights of the conference, insights on the development of young oncologists, the achievements of CSCO YOUNG, and future plans.
1. Oncology Frontier: As the Chair of the conference, could you share the considerations behind the event’s agenda design and highlight some unmissable features?
Dr. Biyun Wang: Organizing the CSCO YOUNG conference often presents challenges, as the participating experts come from various cancer specialties, necessitating a balance of their diverse needs. The year-end meeting of CSCO YOUNG is typically a one-day event, with the morning devoted to lectures by renowned experts and the afternoon focused on year-end summaries for each cancer type.
This year, the conference introduced several noteworthy features. In addition to inviting CSCO leaders to deliver lectures, we incorporated a unique session titled “Dialogues Across Time.” Professor Caicun Zhou from Tongji University Shanghai East Hospital and Professor Tony Mok from the Chinese University of Hong Kong engaged in a dialogue with their 35-year-old selves. This innovative approach received widespread acclaim from attendees. In the future, we plan to incorporate more creative elements into CSCO YOUNG events.
2. Oncology Frontier: Young oncologists often face immense work and life pressures. What advice would you offer them to balance these challenges?
Dr. Biyun Wang: Young oncologists in the cancer field frequently encounter significant work and life pressures, making balance a common struggle.
First, effective time management is crucial. Young doctors should identify urgent and essential tasks, prioritize their workload, and set both long-term and short-term goals to maintain equilibrium at different stages of their careers.
Second, maintaining physical health is vital. A balanced diet, regular sleep, and moderate exercise can help sustain high efficiency at work.
Third, psychological adjustment is equally important. It’s essential to cultivate a positive mindset, avoid excessive anxiety, and plan personal priorities wisely. By finding a balance between work and life, young doctors can stay resilient and better equipped to meet the challenges of their profession.
3. Oncology Frontier: As Chair of the CSCO YOUNG Committee, could you share some of its key achievements over the past year?
Dr. Biyun Wang: Under the leadership of CSCO, CSCO YOUNG has actively carried out numerous initiatives over the past year.
First, we organized multiple continuing education sessions, including a dedicated youth session at the CSCO Annual Meeting and 4–5 standalone sessions throughout the year. These events received widespread praise.
Second, we contributed to the compilation of the annual progress report. While this task is labor-intensive, our team has diligently undertaken it for ten years, bearing witness to the remarkable progress in Chinese oncology.
Third, we conducted reviews of emerging cancer targets. This work is particularly challenging due to the limited literature on new targets and drugs. Our team made considerable efforts to analyze available data, explore mechanisms, and provide evidence-based insights.
Additionally, we organized routine guideline tours for various cancer types, academic exchange meetings across regions, and unique activities that resonated with our members.
4. Oncology Frontier: Looking ahead, what are CSCO YOUNG’s plans to further advance oncology research and clinical practice in China?
Dr. Biyun Wang: In the future, CSCO YOUNG will continue its signature initiatives, including the compilation of annual progress reports, reviews of emerging targets, the evaluation of the Rising Sun Fund, the delivery of CSCO Continuing Education sessions, and the selection of the “Top 35 Young Oncologists Under 35.” Routine activities such as guideline tours and academic exchanges by our specialty groups will also persist.
Furthermore, we aim to design innovative programs to provide broader platforms for the growth of mid-career and young oncologists. Collaboration and collective progress will remain our guiding principles as we strive to advance the field of oncology.
- Chief Physician, Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Director, Breast and Genitourinary Oncology Division
- Master’s Supervisor
- Executive Council Member, CSCO
- Chair, CSCO Youth Expert Committee
- Standing Committee Member and Secretary-General, CSCO Patient Education Expert Committee
- Member, CSCO Breast Cancer Expert Committee
- Chair, CRPC Committee of the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association’s Cancer Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Branch
- Standing Committee Member, Breast Cancer Professional Committee of the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association