Picture from the first Nordic multidisciplinary symposium on anal cancer, 2018. The symposium was held with funding from DCCC and the Danish Cancer Society. Photo: Karen-Lise Garm Spindler
29-06-2020
A wish to strengthen Danish national networks within research and treatment of anal cancer has led to a prolific Nordic collaboration. As a result of the successful collaboration, the first international multidisciplinary anal cancer conference is hosted in Denmark in 2021.
Anal cancer is a rare cancer with approximately 150 new cases annually in Denmark, but with increased incidence. Diagnosing anal cancer as well as treatment and follow-up are complex multidisciplinary challenges. In Denmark, diagnosing and treatment of anal cancer is carried out at three centres in Herlev, Vejle and Aarhus, and surgery is centralised at two locations in Herlev and Aarhus.
In 2017, the Danish Anal Cancer Group (DACG) wanted to put a greater emphasis on the multidisciplinary aspects in research and treatment of the rare disease. DACG applied for DCCC funding with the aim to develop the interdisciplinary network of professionals occupied with anal cancer within basic research and in clinical practice. By 2018, the DCCC supported network hosted the first Nordic multidisciplinary symposium with a two-day programme comprehending medical-, surgical- and radiotherapy treatment of anal cancer, shared decision making during course of treatment, as well as follow-up and late effects and complications that may occur post treatment. The first meeting marked the foundation of Nordic Anal Cancer Network (NOAC).
The impact of the funding from DCCC was significant for the increased national and international collaboration within the field, explains Karen-Lise Garm Spindler, head of DACG, consultant and professor, Aarhus University Hospital.
"We were very pleased to receive the support from DCCC, which provided us with the opportunity to gather professionals from the Nordic countries, Great Britain and Germany for a symposium with presentations, networking and opportunities for fruitful discussions. It is highly important to create collaboration across disciplines, especially within the rare conditions like anal cancer with few treatment centres. The display of interest and turnout exceeded our expectations", says Karen-Lise Garm Spindler.
The collaboration in Nordic Anal Cancer Network has since continued. Among other things, the network hosted a delineation workshop in Oslo, Norway, where participants worked on standards of delineation- and dose planning in radiotherapy. The network has also initiated research projects and publications are being drafted.
Increased international collaboration to promote development and research
Clinicians, researchers and multidisciplinary groups from all over the world are invited to Aarhus, Denmark in 2021 for the first International Multidisciplinary Anal Cancer Conference, IMACC 2021. The event will be the first international forum dedicated for discussions of research and treatment across disciplines within this particular field. In addition to poster presentations and workshops on clinical trial designs, the programme covers treatment planning, side effects as well as radiobiological- and translational research.
"Professionals across disciplines have already shown great interest in the conference and we are looking forward to inspirational discussions. The conference offers many highlights, including a workshop, where participants can discuss delineation on specific cases in ESTRO systems and receive supervision. We welcome participation from professionals across disciplines from all over the world for IMACC 2021", says Karen-Lise Garm Spindler.
This year, the NOAC network invites international professionals for a research webinar on anal cancer on November 5, 2020. The NOAC network kick-starts the webinar with a Nordic research meeting on November 4-5. More information to follow in the DCCC calendar.
IMACC takes place on November 11-12, 2021. Information on IMACC 2021 to be announced here.