Dr. Grunberg Describes the MASCC International Symposium

Steven M. Grunberg, MD, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vermont Cancer Center, Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Vermont, describes the 2012 Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Symposium, held in New York City, from June 28-30.

MASCC is an international organization that represents over 50 countries, Grunberg explains. The latest installment of its annual symposium hosted over 1,500 supportive care specialists from 60 countries all with an interest in symptom management, supportive care in cancer, and treating the side effects of both the cancer and its treatment.

Grunberg notes that the ultimate goal of the supportive care specialist is to help make treatments tolerable for patients. The annual MASCC symposium seeks to meet this need by offering 16 study groups, workshops, and multiple international experts specializing in cancer related nausea, vomiting, bone health, mucositis, nutrition, palliative care, and survivorship.

While a majority of the attendees are primarily doctors, approximately one third consists of nurses, psychologists and chaplains. This unique audience provides an opportunity to gain the perspective of a multidisciplinary group. Additionally, the international nature of the symposium provides an opportunity to communicate with colleagues from around the world.

To fully engage its international audience, the MASCC conference is designed to move from continent to continent each year. As a result, the 2013 meeting will be held in Europe.

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