Broad Range of Topics Covered, from AI Driven Innovations in Cancer Treatment to Patient Centered Cancer Care

650 Domestic and International Oncology Experts Gather on August 28

▲ President Si Yeol Song of AMC Cancer Institute delivers welcoming remarks at the Asan Cancer Institute Symposium.

Asan Medical Center, which treats one in eight cancer patients in Korea, has organized a forum to discuss ways to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and drive patient centered innovation in cancer care.

AMC Cancer Institute held the Asan Cancer Institute Symposium (ACIS 2026) on August 28 at the East Building of Asan Medical Center. The symposium brought together approximately 650 medical professionals and cancer care experts from Korea and abroad.

Under the theme “Advancing Cancer Care: From Innovation to Bedside,” the symposium covered a wide range of topics across cancer care, including the development of anticancer therapies and precision oncology, AI based digital healthcare, and the latest treatment strategies for different types of cancer.

The morning keynote session featured Professor Richard Finn of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, who drew attention with his presentation, “From Basic Research to Clinical Application of Palbociclib: Industry Academic Collaboration Driving Drug Development.”

The symposium also featured presentations by leading experts from Korea and abroad. Professor Jian He of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in China shared the latest research findings on the role of the gut microbiome in the development, metastasis, and treatment of colorectal cancer.

The afternoon symposium was divided into six sessions covering liver cancer, pancreatic and biliary tract cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric and esophageal cancer, the Cancer Patient Life Care Center, and advances in cancer nursing and cancer hospital management strategies. Experts delivered in depth presentations on diagnosis and the latest treatment strategies for specific cancer types, as well as patient centered cancer care.

In the colorectal cancer session, experts highlighted the limitations of conventional drug therapy for colorectal cancer with liver metastases and discussed emerging treatment strategies, including image guided local therapies and liver transplantation. Presentations and discussions focused on the future direction of colorectal cancer care, drawing on the clinical experience of leading colorectal cancer specialists from Korea and abroad.

The Life Care Center for Cancer Patients session introduced a patient centered care model that extends beyond cancer treatment to encompass life after treatment. Experts shared AMC Cancer Institute’s experience operating specialized clinics, including the Bone Metastasis Clinic, Senior Integrated Medicine Clinic, and Cancer Wound Care Clinic, which provide specialized management of the various symptoms and problems cancer patients may experience throughout their treatment journey. The session also explored integrated approaches to improving the quality of life of cancer patients.

Professor In Ja Park, Chair of the ACIS 2026 Organizing Committee (Professor of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Asan Medical Center) said, “This symposium provided an opportunity not only to share the latest treatment approaches and research findings, but also to pass on the experience accumulated by senior clinicians to the next generation and discuss the role of future medical professionals.” She added, “It was a valuable forum where experts from various fields explored practical solutions to advance cancer care, with the aim of translating developments in research and technology into meaningful changes that patients can experience in clinical practice.”

President Si Yeol Song of AMC Cancer Institute (Professor of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Asan Medical Center) said, “Cancer care is evolving with advances in cutting edge technologies and precision medicine, but the patient must always remain at the center of care.”

He added, “I hope the research findings and clinical experience shared at this symposium will translate into improvements in clinical practice and contribute to improving both the survival and quality of life of cancer patients.”

Meanwhile, AMC Cancer Institute is the largest cancer treatment center in Korea, treating more than 37,000 cancer patients each year. It is leading the advancement of cancer care by providing patient centered services, including multidisciplinary integrated care, a fast track system for cancer patients, the Cancer Patient Life Care Center, and programs for young cancer patients.