The EUPROMS results revealed that active surveillance had the best average Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) score in incontinence (100) and sexual function (57). Respondents, 2943 prostate cancer patients from 24 European countries who received treatment, also experienced less tiredness, insomnia, and pain or discomfort while under active surveillance in comparison with other treatments. This led to Mr. Deschamps’ logical conclusion: “When it can be applied safely, active surveillance should be considered the first treatment for prostate cancer.”

During the discussion, via the interactive feature of the congress platform, Mr. Deschamps received two questions about the difference between the EUPROMS study and a clinical study. “It is a different kind of survey that we did. We wanted to have a picture of what the real quality of life of men is after treatment,” he clarified. “I think that clinical studies should be taking the quality of life into account as well: as a primary endpoint, in fact. Of course it is also important to consider life extension when deciding to spend a lot of money on a new drug, but quality of life should always be an endpoint, too.”

In the same session, Prof. Jonathan Epstein (US) addressed the controversies and uncertainty that persist in prostate cancer grading and the first prostate cancer grading recommendations from the Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS) that focuses on these areas. Prof. Anders Bjartell (SE), chairman of the EAU Research Foundation (EAU RF), gave an update on the EAU RF trials in progress such as the PEGASUS study. He also touched on the PRECISION study, which became a game-changing trial showing the value of MRI before a prostate biopsy. The Nimbus study, which was stopped early due to safety reasons, was further discussed in the later session “New trials update.”

This session on GU cancer highlights was only one of the highlights of EMUC20 Virtual‘s first day. Covering a broad spectrum of topics in genitourinary malignancies, EMUC20 Virtual features speakers from all over the world. Unique about this first day was, characteristic of the year 2020, the roundtable about the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on the management of GU cancers.

(Re)watch a session? All sessions are available on demand in the Resource Centre.

The post EMUC20: Highlights in GU cancers appeared first on EMUC25.

EMUC20, or the 12^th edition of the European Multidisciplinary Congress on Urological Cancers, is a collaboration between ESMO, ESTRO and the EAU. It is a major event, in the past regularly drawing over 1000 participants. Registration is now free for members of the organising societies, so high participation figures are expected.

We spoke to Prof. Arnulf Stenzl, member of the EMUC Organising Steering Committee on behalf of the EAU, to find out what considerations were taken into account when developing the new, compact EMUC20 scientific programme as unveiled last week.

Adapting an existing programme

Because the organisers had long hoped that EMUC20 would be taking place in Athens this November, the scientific programme was initially drawn up for three-and-a-half days on location. When the decision was made in August to switch to an online-only format, the scientific programme had to be re-evaluated. Some difficult choices followed.

Prof. Stenzl: “Prof. Alberto Briganti, with the help of the EMUC Scientific Committee, did a marvellous job trying to preserve as much as possible from the original programme as developed by the Scientific Committee. An online meeting in these times brings certain considerations. We ‘focused’ the programme somewhat, and we took the opportunity to introduce topics that relate specifically to uro-oncology in 2020: the impact of COVID-19 and virtual communication with our oncology patients.”

Lessons were also learned from other major virtual congresses, like EAU20 earlier this year. For instance, EMUC20 will have afternoon and evening sessions, and none in the morning.

“Virtual meetings need to be a little shorter,” says Stenzl, “and participants want to have the advantage -since they are not traveling and are staying at home- of being able to do some clinical (or private) errands before diving into advanced, high-quality online education like EMUC20. A shorter meeting also helps keep it more palatable to sit behind our computers.”

“By shortening each of the blocks, we also leave a bit more room for online discussion. This is particularly important now that we can’t meet face to face.” EMUC20 will feature a Q&A feature that lets participants submit questions to the moderators, who can then ask the speakers or discussants.

On the nature of Virtual Congresses

The presentations themselves will be pre-recorded, but with live moderation and with the speakers joining discussion afterwards, if they are available. Asked why pre-recording is preferred, Stenzl said:

“We have seen at the EAU20 Virtual Congress, as well as in other recent large virtual meetings, that it is easier and technically safer to make pre-recorded presentations. This helps maintain time discipline, and makes sure that speakers get the technical help they need. With a subsequent live discussion there is practically no difference from regular meetings, only advantages.”

Notably, EMUC20 will include abstract presentations. New research is something that has been snowed under in recent months and a much-requested aspect at virtual meetings. “Of course EMUC20 will feature (case) discussions, roundtable discussions, state-of-the-art lectures from the biggest names. But sometimes research that might change things in the distant future or represent everyday experience comes through contributions from abstract presenters, including from genuine ‘mavericks’.”

Reflecting on the unfortunate but necessary cancellation of physical meetings, Prof. Stenzl also sees some advantages: “Despite the fact that several polls show that face-to-face meetings are the preferred type of meeting among specialists, this interdisciplinary meeting will allow participants to watch discussions and round tables between key opinion leaders of the key players in various disciplines specialised in uro-oncology, participate in these discussions, and get practical information in a very condensed time frame.”

“Recent meetings have also shown that the number of delegates at virtual meetings can be higher than in the respective physical meeting, so we are able to reach more specialists with our latest scientific insights.”

Prof. Stenzl also points out that the current pandemic causes many problems, dangers and inconveniences, which include a timely and up-to-date treatment of cancer patients. An interdisciplinary virtual EMUC20 meeting is offering oncologists, radio-oncologists and urologists a platform to get the latest news on cancer treatment while it also allows participants to exchange views on how to best provide cancer treatment to their patients despite current restrictions due to COVID-19.

The post Getting EMUC20 ready for a virtual audience appeared first on EMUC25.