Editor’s Note: From September 25 to 29, 2024, the 27th Annual National Clinical Oncology Conference and 2024 CSCO Academic Conference, organized by the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) and the Beijing CISCO Clinical Oncology Research Foundation, will be held in Xiamen. With the theme "Patient-Centered, Sharing the Future," the conference will showcase important research advancements and trends in the field, both domestically and internationally. For over two decades, CSCO has been at the forefront of clinical oncology development in China, and numerous experts and scholars have played integral roles in its evolution, growing along with CSCO. To honor this journey, Oncology Frontier has established a special column, "Growing Together with CSCO," to reflect on these experiences with Chinese scholars. In this inaugural issue, we are pleased to interview Dr. Zefei Jiang, Vice President and Secretary General of CSCO and a professor at the The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, who shares his personal journey of growth with CSCO and highlights the exciting features of the 2024 CSCO Conference.

Oncology Frontier: CSCO has been around for over 20 years since its founding in 1997, which coincides with your medical career. Can you share your experience of growing together with CSCO?

My Journey with CSCO

Dr. Zefei Jiang: At the 2024 CSCO Annual Meeting, we have a special segment called “My Story with CSCO,” where industry experts and member organizations will share their experiences in the development of clinical oncology in China and their connection to CSCO. Personally, I was still a young doctor when CSCO was founded in 1997, learning from the pioneers of the society. Over the years, as CSCO has grown and flourished, it has provided us with an outstanding academic platform. I, too, grew from being an ordinary member to where I am today, thanks in large part to my time with CSCO. I feel fortunate to have been part of this community and to have met esteemed mentors like Academicians Meng-Chao Wu and Yan Sun, as well as Professors Zhong-Zhen Guan, Mei-Lin Liao, Da-Tong Chu, Jun Ma, Shu-Kui Qin, Yi-Long Wu, Jin Li, Jie He, Jin-Ming Yu, and Rui-Hua Xu. They have guided and encouraged me, helping me progress in my career.

A Memorable Encounter in 2001

Dr. Zefei Jiang: One of my most memorable experiences was in 2001. At the time, I had just returned from studying abroad and flew directly from Los Angeles to attend the CSCO Annual Meeting in Shanghai. I had been invited to the meeting six months in advance while still overseas, and I spent months preparing my presentation. At the meeting, Professors Shu-Kui Qin and Jin Li introduced me to Academicians Meng-Chao Wu and Yan Sun, who gave me tremendous encouragement and support, making me feel like I was immediately part of the CSCO family. That scene at the Shanghai meeting will always stay with me.

A Thriving Conference, Packed with Scholars

Dr. Zefei Jiang: I have vivid memories of many CSCO meetings where the venues were filled to capacity. Sometimes, even when the meeting was scheduled to start at 2:00 PM, there would be no seats left by noon, with attendees even sitting on the floor. I remember one year when Professor Shu-Kui Qin, the conference chair, came to observe the breast cancer session, but he could barely make it through the doors because the room was so crowded. He later told me, “CSCO meetings are really popular; we must keep doing our best to make them even better.”

Passing on Knowledge, Nurturing Young Doctors

Dr. Zefei Jiang: CSCO has cultivated numerous young scholars, from academic presentations at CSCO to presenting at other conferences and even international academic forums. These scholars have participated in both domestic and international clinical research, taken charge of organizing multi-center clinical trials, and represented CSCO and China on the global academic stage. They’ve published high-impact research articles, developed treatment guidelines, and promoted advancements in the field. As a professional society, CSCO places great importance on nurturing doctors at the grassroots level. The Beijing CISCO Clinical Oncology Research Foundation has long funded grassroots doctors to attend the CSCO Annual Meeting for free, where renowned domestic experts share their experiences in disease management, academic writing, and department administration with young doctors. Reflecting on my connection to CSCO, from hearing about its founding in 1997 to being recommended to join in 1999 by Academician Yan Sun and Professor Da-Tong Chu, I went from being an audience member to a presenter and session chair. I have been fortunate to participate in organizing academic meetings and providing a platform for academic exchange.

Reaching Global Heights, Creating an International Stage

Dr. Zefei Jiang: Over the years, CSCO has invited top international oncology experts to China for academic exchange. This year, we will also welcome many internationally renowned experts to deliver academic presentations. In response to national initiatives, we’ve invited experts from BRICS countries and regions along the Belt and Road, including Brazil, India, Egypt, South Africa, and Indonesia, to attend the CSCO conference. They will learn about China’s industry advancements, share academic progress, and further strengthen collaboration with global peers.

Twenty Years of Hope for the Future

Dr. Zefei Jiang: With the guidance of our predecessors and the support of various sectors, CSCO has thrived for more than 20 years, entering a vibrant and dynamic phase. We hope that, with continued guidance, help, and care from everyone, CSCO will continue to grow and contribute to China’s clinical oncology field, as well as to the “Healthy China” initiative. Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the predecessors, colleagues, media, and friends for their support of the CSCO Annual Meeting.

2024 CSCO: A Star-Studded Event – A Sneak Peek

Oncology Frontier: The 2024 CSCO Annual Meeting is just around the corner. As the Vice President and Secretary General of CSCO, could you share some of the key highlights of this year’s conference?

Dr. Zefei Jiang: We are very grateful to the media for their attention to the CSCO Annual Meeting. The CSCO Annual Meeting is an important academic event in China’s clinical oncology community, and this year marks our first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate everyone’s support and participation. This year’s plenary session will feature well-known domestic and international experts sharing academic progress. We’ve invited Academicians Jin-Ming Yu, Jun Ma, Bing-He Xu, Rui-Hua Xu, and Vice President Ying Cheng to review global advancements in radiotherapy, nasopharyngeal cancer, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and lung cancer, as well as China’s contributions to these fields.

We’ve also organized a special session on “Pharmaceutical Innovation and Value-Based Healthcare,” where Professors Yi-Long Wu, Jin Li, and President Rui-Lin Song will discuss the development of innovative Chinese drugs, their international impact, and the road to global expansion. Professor Guo-En Liu will also share insights on the value of new drugs and market access from a pharmacoeconomic perspective.

The breast cancer session will feature sub-forums on HER2-positive breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and endocrine therapy, with domestic experts such as Academicians Er-Wei Song and Bing-He Xu, and Professors Zhi-Min Shao, Jiong Wu, and Ying-Hua Liu, along with international experts, sharing the latest advances in breast cancer translational research and treatment at different stages.

Additionally, we’ve organized three “Innovative Drug Clinical Research Data” sessions, where experts from various fields will share results from new drug development targeting novel mechanisms and pathways. There will also be a variety of exciting specialized sessions and presentations in each cancer specialty. As a member of the conference organizing committee, I’d like to thank everyone for their support of the CSCO Annual Meeting. We look forward to seeing you in Xiamen in 2024!

Dr.  Zefei Jiang

Director of Oncology, Cancer Center of the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army Deputy Chairman of the Youth Expert Committee, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Member and Secretary-General, Oncology Expert Committee, Capacity Building and Continuing Education Center, National Health Commission Standing Member, Patient Education Expert Committee and Member, Breast Cancer Expert Committee, CSCO Member, Breast Cancer Professional Committee, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (CBCS) Standing Member, Breast Disease Branch, Chinese Medical Health International Exchange Promotion Association Deputy Leader, Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Promotion Group, China National Health Association Member, Breast Professional Committee, Chinese Research Hospital Association Deputy Chairman, Breast Health Science Popularization Expert Committee, Shanghai Science Popularization Volunteers Association Standing Member, Breast Cancer Expert Committee and Cancer Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Expert Committee, Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association Member, Breast Cancer Group, Surgery Branch, Shanghai Medical Association Class Leader, First Session of the Medical Star Plan, Shanghai Health Development Foundation Editorial Board Member of CA Chinese Edition and Chinese Medical Forum Oncology Edition Review Expert for Frontiers in Oncology, JNCC Youth Editorial Board Member, Chinese Journal of Oncology