Asia ―― The NCCN 2nd Annual Asia Scientific Congress held from 28 to 29 March 2009, attracted doctors and specialists from 11 Asian countries.

Best ―― Best treatment and best practices are promoted.

Collaboration ―― An amalgamation of the best of East and West oncology practice has resulted from successful collaboration: Recommendations in the China Edition Panels have not only gained NCCN’s approval but have also been adopted into the “parent” Guidelines.

Diversity ―― This year’s program has moved away from the conventional “NCCN Updates” lectures, to knowledge sharing through panel discussions on case presentations, remote lectures and live surgery demonstrations and webcast.

Evidence ―― Evidence and expert consensus are the backbone of the NCCN Guidelines. Asian doctors look forward to the prospect of more high level clinical trials, as the need for more and better quality Asian data is recognized in the wake of NCCN-Asia collaboration.

First ―― The Congress officially opened the first chapter of collaboration between NCCN and countries in Asia, other than China, Japan and Korea, paving the way for development of local editions of the Guidelines in many Asian countries.

Guidelines ―― The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in OncologyTM is the cornerstone of all other NCCN-related activities.

Head & Neck Cancers ――The China Edition for Head & Neck Cancers was launched this year. China, one of the top-ranking countries in the world and the region in terms of number and prevalence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), also leads in NPC-related research.

Industry ―― Industry partners play an important role, and were given an insight into the NCCN Guidelines development process as well, by none other than NCCN’s CEO and Senior Vice President of Clinical Information and Publications.

Journey ――Once again, a solemn reminder that the road to attaining goals and success is a lifelong journey for all.

Kidney Cancer ―― The China Edition for Kidney Cancer was also launched this year. Remote live surgery demonstrations during the Kidney Cancer Session were a crowd puller.

Local ――Localization of the NCCN Guidelines, both for China and Asia, is key to its relevance in the region.

Official ――EMD Scientific Communication Limited is NCCN’s official representative in Asia.

Practical ――Recommendations, algorithms, and necessary information in the NCCN Guidelines are presented in a clear, concise, and easy to use format. The constant and latest updates make the Guidelines even more valuable to the practicing physician.

Quality ――Clinicians can be rest assured of the high quality of the recommendations in the Guidelines, which are evidence- and expert consensus-based and endorsed by highly qualified specialists in their own fields. This has also called for nothing less than high quality and accurate translations for local editions.

Responsibility ――Each and every Panel member has a personal responsibility to promote the use of the Guidelines, stressed Dr. Yan Sun, Chairman of the NCCN 2nd Annual Asia Scientific Congress.

Success ――The Congress was a success in every way – satisfying scientific program, overwhelming attendance, relationships taken to newer heights, perfect start to the beginning of new collaborations.

Targeted Therapy ――Targeted therapy was the center of discussion at this year’s Congress. We are in the targeted therapy era: not only has targeted therapy changed the landscape of some diseases (such as CML), but is gradually changing clinical oncology practice.

Update ――NCCN delegates to the Congress highlighted the updates to the Guidelines. Chinese and Asian counterparts likewise updated their local editions / Statements.

Voice ――NCCN will remain the voice of optimal evidence-based practice as it continues to listen to the voices of oncology experts all over the world.

Webcast ――Thanks to modern technology, the Congress was not confined to the walls of Congress venue, and could benefit almost an unlimited audience.

X ――We hope that eXciting new discoveries in cancer treatment this year will make for more eXciting happenings at our congress next year.

Young ――The participation and performance by young, next-generation oncology specialists at the Congress was encouraging – great simultaneous translations and case presentations.

Zenith ―― May the conclusion of each year’s Congress mark the beginning of the next year’s as we learn and strive towards the zenith!