2013 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress Education Book.

It is my pleasure to present, on behalf of the European Cancer Organisation, the education book for the 2013 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference. The comprehensive educational programme for the conference has been developed as a result of the collaborative work of both the scientific and educational committees of ECCO. Readers will note that the book covers a number of important topics relating to common solid malignancies with the overall theme of achieving an optimal approach and therefore optimal results for our patients. The topics covered are localised rectal cancer, early breast cancer, resectable non-small-cell lung cancer, renal cancer and melanoma. We have also included an extremely important section on the mood disorders in cancer patients. In each chapter relating to specific solid tumours, an approach to achieving optimal outcomes is discussed by a consideration of the basic biological characteristics of the tumour and its clinical management, as well as the integration of the two. It is remarkable how similar the basic principles of management for each of the tumours are. For example, the importance of careful preoperative staging with modern imaging and good, careful and fastidious surgical resection is crucial and strongly emphasised. For this to be achieved, specialised understanding of the biology of the tumour and its anatomical confines is essential. Accordingly surgical specialisation is now a mandatory requisite since outcome correlates with volume of patients treated. The importance of a careful pathological examination is emphasised, not only to determine prognosis but also to determine the most effective adjuvant and in some cases, neoadjuvant treatment that is required. There is increasing emphasis on personalised treatment determined by biological variables, and this is also emphasised in each chapter. In addition, the morbidity and indeed mortality associated with the specific modalities of treatment are documented so that risk–benefit analyses can be assessed. As clinicians, we must not ignore the importance of economic consequences and resource implications of treatments, and this societal concern is also discussed. Finally, the importance of an integrated multidisciplinary approach to the management of these tumours is emphasised by all authors. The authors of each chapter are to be congratulated for providing excellent up-to-date reviews backed by detailed and comprehensive lists of key references which include all the major randomised clinical trials and meta-analyses for the particular malignancy. Readers will find this particularly useful in determining their decision-making. I would like to thank all our authors and Chairs for their hard work in providing chapters for this educational book, and I hope our readers find their efforts worthwhile. I am particularly grateful to Samira Essiaf for her invaluable expertise in preparing the book and dealing with all the administration. I do hope you find the chapters helpful and of educational benefit and enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed editing them.