The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has impacted events and gatherings worldwide. In an effort to slow or stop the spread of the virus, various events have been postponed or canceled. Many mesothelioma and cancer research conferences scheduled for early spring are now postponed.
As more events face cancellation or postponement, cancer patients and researchers wonder how this may impact the cancer community. Here are some of the mesothelioma events that have been postponed or canceled and what those changes mean for the mesothelioma community.
International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma Postponed
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation hosts its international symposium each year. The conference brings together mesothelioma experts, patients, survivors, caregivers and others. Each year, experts provide insights into the latest mesothelioma treatments and research. Attendees also have the opportunity to attend one-on-one sessions with top doctors.
This year’s agenda also included an optional clinical trial for a mesothelioma breath test. The clinical trial would analyze potential biomarkers in mesothelioma patients’ breath that would be gathered via masks participants would wear. The study would include mesothelioma patients and individuals with pleural plaques, who are at higher risk for developing mesothelioma.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation had planned the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma for April 6 and 7, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. Because mesothelioma patients are considered high risk for coronavirus, the symposium has been postponed.
Currently, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has not provided details on when the conference will be rescheduled. The foundation’s website is updated with the latest information.
International Mesothelioma Interest Group Postpones iMig 2020
The International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig) has hosted conferences every other year since its founding in 1991. iMig 2020 expected to host more than 500 international experts in mesothelioma.
The meeting agenda included various educational sessions presenting the most up-to-date research and global perspectives on mesothelioma trends. Past iMig meetings offered sessions on a range of research topics, including biomarkers, live-cell imaging for pleural mesothelioma diagnosis, novel therapy targets and more.
The conference was scheduled from March 25 – 28, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. The iMig conference has been postponed until March 17 – 20, 2021. The meeting will still be held in Brisbane.
16th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference Postponed
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) hosts an annual conference that brings together renowned experts and asbestos victims. The conference features presentations on the latest advancements in the prevention and treatment of asbestos-related diseases and global advocacy efforts.
The conference typically coincides with Global Asbestos Awareness Week, which is the first full week of April each year. The 16th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference was scheduled for April 3 – 5, 2020 in Washington, D.C.
The ADAO postponed the conference until a later date. With many attendees being at high risk for complications from coronavirus, the ADAO put the health and safety of all attendees first. Currently, there are no new details for when the conference may take place.
More Events Delayed Due to Coronavirus
In line with health guidelines, many other mesothelioma and cancer-related conferences have been postponed. Some have moved to virtual events.
- American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) postponed its AACR Annual Meeting 2020. The conference was scheduled for April 24 – 29 in San Diego, California. Instead, the AACR will host two virtual events on April 27 – 28 and June 22 – 24, 2020.
- The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has canceled the European Lung Cancer Conference 2020. The conference would have taken place on April 15 – 18 in Geneva, Switzerland. At this time, there are no plans to reschedule this event.
- The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has shifted its annual meeting to a virtual event: ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program. The virtual conference will take place from May 29 to May 31, 2020. Attendees will be able to access the full digital program on April 29.
- The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) postponed the 2020 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in Singapore to January 26 – 29, 2021. The event was previously scheduled for August 9 – 12, 2020.
Anyone expecting to attend a future conference or event should monitor any postings on event pages, social platforms or emails for direction.
