American Society of Clinical Oncology

American Society of Clinical Oncology
Name	American Society of Clinical Oncology
Founded	0 1964
Headquarters	Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Key people	Eric P. Winer (President, 2023-2024)
Focus	Oncology, Cancer research, Medical education
Website	https://www.asco.org/

American Society of Clinical Oncology. The American Society of Clinical Oncology is a professional organization representing physicians and oncology professionals who care for people with cancer. Founded in 1964 by a small group of physicians, it has grown into a preeminent global force dedicated to conquering cancer through research, education, and the promotion of high-quality, equitable patient care. Its work influences clinical practice worldwide and shapes the future of oncology.

History

The organization was established in 1964 by seven founding members, including early leaders like Jane C. Wright and Arnoldus Goudsmit. Its formation occurred during a pivotal era in medicine, as specialties like medical oncology began to emerge distinct from fields like surgery and radiation oncology. Early meetings were modest, often held in conjunction with the annual gathering of the American Association for Cancer Research. A significant early milestone was the launch of its flagship journal, the Journal of Clinical Oncology, in 1983. Throughout the late 20th century, it expanded its role from a purely educational forum to an active advocate for cancer research funding and evidence-based health policy, influencing institutions like the National Cancer Institute and the United States Congress.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to conquer cancer through fostering scientific research, providing premier education and resources, and advocating for equitable, high-quality care for all patients. Key activities include developing and maintaining clinical practice guidelines, such as those for breast cancer and lung cancer, which are used globally. It operates the CancerLinQ initiative, a big-data platform that aggregates real-world electronic health record data to improve care quality and support research. The organization is also a leading voice in advocacy, working with entities like the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on issues of drug approval, coverage, and addressing disparities in cancer care.

Publications

The primary and most influential publication is the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a peer-reviewed periodical featuring original research, reviews, and commentaries. Other key publications include JCO Oncology Practice, which focuses on the operational, administrative, and policy issues in oncology care, and JCO Global Oncology, dedicated to cancer care and research in resource-limited settings. The society also produces the ASCO Educational Book, an annual compilation of articles derived from the educational sessions at its annual meeting, and maintains extensive online resources through its website for continuing medical education.

Annual meeting

The ASCO Annual Meeting is one of the largest and most significant scientific conferences in the world, typically attracting over 40,000 oncology professionals from across the globe. Held each spring in major cities like Chicago and San Diego, it serves as a premier platform for presenting practice-changing clinical trial results, such as pivotal studies from groups like the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and the European Society for Medical Oncology. The meeting features thousands of abstracts, educational sessions, and keynote addresses from leaders in the field, and its presentations often receive immediate coverage by major media outlets like The New York Times and Reuters.

Leadership and governance

Governance is vested in a Board of Directors elected by its membership, which includes oncologists specializing in areas like gynecologic oncology and pediatric hematology-oncology. The board is led by a President who serves a one-year term; recent presidents have included notable figures like Monica M. Bertagnolli and Everett E. Vokes. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Chief Executive Officer and executive staff headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Committees and subcommittees, such as the Cancer Communications Committee and the Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee, are central to its work, drawing on volunteer expertise from members at institutions like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Awards and recognition

The society bestows several prestigious awards to honor excellence in the field. The highest honor is the ASCO Special Award, which includes the Science of Oncology Award and the Humanitarian Award. The Young Investigator Award and the Career Development Award provide crucial funding to support early-career researchers at a critical stage. Furthermore, its long-standing Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology designation recognizes members for their extraordinary volunteer service, dedication, and contributions to both the organization and the broader oncology community.

Category:Medical and health organizations based in Virginia Category:Oncology organizations Category:Professional associations based in the United States