Radiol Oncol 2000; 34(3): 219.
Preface
Tremendous advances have been made in the oncology during the last few decades. The organ sparing treatment approach, which allows for organ preservation leading towards better quality of life without compromising the survival of patients is one of them. New developments in systemic treatment together with improved radiation and surgical techniques resulted in even better survival without the need for extensive and mutilating surgical procedures.
Considering the great importance of organ sparing approach we decided to organize an international symposium on this topic back in 1997. The symposium was greatly appreciated by almost a hundred participants from all over Europe and it was decided to make it a repeating event. Therefore the 2nd International Symposium on Organ Sparing Treatment in Oncology, organized by the Institute of Oncology in Ljubljana, will take place on September 2000 in Slovenia.
The symposium is dedicated to continuos exchange of knowledge and personal experiences in the organ sparing treatment approach among oncologists and other health professionals involved in the care of cancer patients. We have a nice scientific program including six invited speakers and 26 presenters from different European countries who will present their work and expertise on the organ sparing approach in different cancers as well as on the quality of life of patients. Having in mind the scientific program and the high international reputation of the invited speakers I feel honored to have assumed the responsibility to be the Scientific Chairman of such an important meeting once again.
I thank all the members of the Scientific as well as the Organizing Committee who have worked hard to ensure that the 2nd International Symposium on Organ Sparing Treatment in Oncology will take place. Major merit goes to Professor Gregor Sersa, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee and the Editor of Radiology and Oncology, who did a great job in organizing this event and who on behalf of the Editorial Board of Radiology and Oncology kindly offered us to publish the material of the symposium in one of their regular issues.
You are looking at the issue of Radiology and Oncology in which the manuscripts of five invited speakers at the symposium as well as the abstracts of all 26 presenters are published. Due to time pressure we took the liberty of making some editorial changes on the manuscripts in order to adjust them to the requirements of the journal without all the authors having been consulted. Hopefully the authors will not be offended by this.
I hope that the participants will enjoy the symposium and that the readers will find this issue of Radiology and Oncology useful, possibly joining us during the next symposium.
Tanja Cufer (Guest Editor)