The Medical Oncology Association of Southern California (MOASC) 2024 Summit has once again set a benchmark in oncology, providing a platform for groundbreaking research, discussions, and recognition of young talent in the field. Dr. Sumanta Kumar Pal, MD known as Monty, took a moment to reflect on the successes of this year’s summit, marking significant milestones and achievements that pave the way for future advancements in cancer research and treatment.
Launch of the Young Investigator Award
A highlight of MOASC 2024 was the inauguration of the Young Investigator Award, a commendable initiative sponsored by Aveo, aimed at acknowledging and supporting the endeavors of emerging researchers in oncology. Named the Carrie Persant Award, this accolade was bestowed upon Alexis Levy, a fellow at City of Hope, for her commendable work in breast cancer research. This award not only honors the memory of Carrie Persant but also signifies MOASC’s commitment to fostering talent and innovation in oncology research.
Vigorous Poster Competition and Young Investigators’ Achievements
The summit witnessed an unprecedented level of participation from young investigators, nearly doubling in number compared to the previous year. A robust poster competition, highlighted by OncologyTube, showcased an array of intriguing studies, including retrospective analyses and database research. This surge in young talent underscores a bright future for oncology, with fresh perspectives and novel research approaches.
Exceptional Presentations and Cutting-Edge Research
Dr. Pal underscored the quality of presentations at this year’s summit, lauding them as unparalleled in recent memory. Among the noteworthy discussions was an overview of prostate cancer by Dr. Alex Chirazzi Raffel, focusing on the ARISTEP study—a significant undertaking at City of Hope aimed at addressing biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer.
In addition to prostate cancer, the summit covered a broad spectrum of oncological research, with outstanding talks on breast cancer by Dr. Rebecca Shatsky, colorectal cancer by Dr. Heinz Lenz, and lung cancer by Dr. Karen Reckamp. These presentations not only provided insights into the latest advancements but also highlighted ongoing studies and their potential impact on cancer care.
A Call to Action for MOASC 2025
As the MOASC 2024 Summit concludes, Dr. Pal extends an invitation to the oncology community to support and participate in MOASC 2025. With the success of this year’s event, there is much anticipation for what the next summit will bring, promising more innovative research, collaborative opportunities, and continued support for young investigators shaping the future of oncology.
In summary, the MOASC 2024 Summit has been a milestone event, marking significant progress in oncology research and celebrating the achievements of young investigators. Through initiatives like the Young Investigator Award and the emphasis on cutting-edge research, MOASC continues to play a pivotal role in advancing cancer care and research, fostering a dynamic and innovative oncology community.