Surgical Oncologists and Oncology Health Care Professionals Come Together in Seattle to Discuss Groundbreaking Research and Advancements in the Surgical Treatment of Cancer

ROSEMONT, Ill., Feb. 15, 2017 -- The Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) will host the 70^th SSO Annual Cancer Symposium March 15-18, 2017 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Wash. SSO 2017 will unveil advancements in the surgical treatment of patients with solid tumor cancers and possibilities for improving oncologic outcomes. More than 1,700 surgical oncologists and other oncology health care professionals from around the globe will gather for education, networking and discussion on the latest research in surgical oncology.

SSO 2017 will feature The Great Debates where leaders in surgical oncology present opposing perspectives and challenge their peers on four controversial topics including:

• Randomized control trials evaluating surgical technique are optimal for improving the surgical management of patients.
• Radiation Therapy following resection of DCIS of the breast is essential.
• Routine radiographic surveillance is essential for patients with resected sentinel node positive melanoma.
• Improved outcomes for resected gastric cancer patients treated in the east are a result of better management.

SSO 2017 will also present four highly-anticipated lectures from the following leaders in surgical oncology:

• Daniel G. Coit, MD, president of SSO; attending surgeon, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Professor of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, will deliver the SSO Presidential Address, “Charting the Course Ahead for the Society of Surgical Oncology: The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be.”
• Andrew J. Dannenberg, MD, Henry R. Erie, MC-Roberts Family Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, will deliver the American Cancer Society/SSO Basic Science Lecture, “Obesity, White Adipose Inflammation and Breast Cancer.”
• Lorenzo Ferri, MD, PhD, David S. Mulder Chair in Surgery, Professor of Surgery and Oncology, McGill University, will deliver the John Wayne Clinical Research Lecture, “Postoperative Complications and Cancer Recurrence: Dissecting the Role of Neutrophils in the Metastatic Process.”
• Jedd D. Wolchok, MD, PhD, Lloyd J. Old/Virginia and Daniel K. Ludwig Chair in Clinical Investigation; Chief, Melanoma & Immunotherapeutics Service Director, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; Associate Director, Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Member, Ludwig Cancer Research; Professor of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center will deliver the James Ewing Lecture, “Immunologic Checkpoint Blockade: Exploring Combinations and Mechanisms.”

“SSO 2017 provides the opportunity for academic and community-based surgical oncologists and general surgeons from around the globe to see over 500 oral and video abstracts and scientific poster presentations,” said Daniel G. Coit, MD, president of SSO; attending surgeon, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Professor of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College. “Seattle’s reputation for innovation and scientific discovery are a complimentary backdrop to the research and insight that will be unveiled at this year’s meeting.”

Additionally, SSO 2017 will include plenary sessions, parallel sessions, workshops, more than 400 compelling poster sessions, surgical video abstracts and an array of networking opportunities. There will also be an exhibition featuring some of the latest and most advanced medical equipment, services and solutions for surgical oncologists.

For more information about SSO 2017, including access to the full Symposium schedule and registration, visit SSO2017.org. For complimentary media registration, contact Jenny Jaacks at [email protected].

About the Society of Surgical Oncology
The Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) is the premier organization for surgeons and health care providers dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and treatment of cancer. The Society’s focus on all solid-tumor disease sites is reflected in its Annual Cancer Symposium, monthly scientific journal (Annals of Surgical Oncology), educational initiatives, and committee structure. The Society’s mission is to improve multidisciplinary patient care by advancing the science, education, and practice of cancer surgery worldwide.

Media Contact: Jenny Jaacks, [email protected], (630) 305-0003 x303