Editor's Note:On November 15, 2024, the 4th Asian Oncology Society opened grandly in Xi'an, China. Held alongside the 2024 Chinese Congress of Holistic Integrative Oncology (CCHIO), this event, co-hosted by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and the Asian Oncology Society (AOS), was themed "Integration and Modernity." It brought together oncology experts from across Asia to explore new cancer control strategies and clinical practice advancements. During the conference, Oncology Frontier had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Han Kwang Yang, Secretary-General of AOS and a renowned expert from Seoul National University Hospital, to discuss AOS’s mission and vision for the future.Oncology Frontier:At the opening ceremony, you introduced the history of the Jin-Pok Kim Memorial Award. Could you elaborate on your understanding of this award and its significance?
Prof. Han Kwang Yang:Professor Jin-Pok Kim was a pioneering figure in gastric cancer surgery and oncology across Asia and my personal mentor. His immense contributions to this field are deeply inspiring.
Professor Kim was not only an expert in gastric cancer surgery but also a visionary leader. He strongly believed in fostering diversity by bringing together outstanding talents from various universities and institutions. He emphasized the importance of young clinicians being scientifically active and proficient in communication skills, including English, to enable global collaboration.
Under his guidance, institutions such as the Korean Cancer Association, the Asian Pacific Federation of Organizations for Cancer Control (APFOCC), and the Asian Clinical Oncology Society (ACOS) were established, paving the way for collaborative efforts in oncology. AOS, which we celebrate today, was born in 2018 through the merging of these organizations, embodying his vision of “unity and collaboration” to advance cancer research and care.
Oncology Frontier:Your keynote speech at the opening ceremony, titled “How We Can Join Forces Against Gastric Cancer,” was very impactful. Could you summarize your main points and recommendations?
Prof. Han Kwang Yang:Gastric cancer remains a significant global health issue, with approximately one million new cases annually, nearly half of which occur in Asia. At Seoul National University Hospital, our approach to gastric cancer treatment relies on a multidisciplinary model.
For localized gastric cancer, surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment. However, for advanced cases, additional therapies such as chemotherapy are crucial. Managing this disease requires seamless collaboration among radiologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, surgeons, and support teams, including nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists.
Beyond institutional efforts, international cooperation is vital. Collaborative clinical trials and research networks have yielded world-class evidence, such as guidelines for laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery. Through these endeavors, we continue to push the boundaries of gastric cancer management.
Oncology Frontier:The future of the AOS Congress is highly anticipated. What are AOS’s specific plans and goals for promoting global collaboration and exchange in oncology?
Prof. Han Kwang Yang:While prestigious oncology societies like ASCO in the United States and ESMO in Europe have long been global leaders, it’s crucial for Asia to strengthen its own platforms for collaboration. Many Asian clinicians and researchers face challenges such as travel and jet lag when attending international conferences.
This need led to the establishment of the Asian Oncology Society (AOS) in 2018, integrating APFOCC and ACOS. Since then, AOS has successfully hosted meetings in Manila, Seoul, Yokohama, and now Xi’an. Under the outstanding leadership of our current president, Dr. Daiming Fan, we are working to make AOS a key platform for Asian oncologists and scientists to connect and collaborate.
AOS fosters cooperation in regions where diseases like gastric cancer are prevalent, particularly among Japan, China, and Korea. Asia’s geographic proximity facilitates frequent and meaningful interactions through both in-person and virtual meetings. This ever-growing platform will continue to drive advancements in oncology, not only across Asia but globally.
About Prof. Han Kwang Yang
- Current Roles: Secretary-General, Asian Oncology Society (AOS) Professor and Oncologist, Seoul National University Hospital
- Research Focus: Gastric cancer treatment and multidisciplinary oncology
- Accomplishments: Published extensively in global oncology journals Key contributor to the development of international surgical and treatment guidelines for gastric cancer
Prof. Han Kwang Yang’s leadership and vision exemplify the collaborative spirit of AOS, as the organization continues to advance cancer research and care across Asia and beyond.
