Scientific Highlights and Clinical Perspectives from the 20th International Congress of Clinical Oncology, Tehran, Iran, 2026

Abstract

Background: Advances in systemic therapy, radiation techniques, molecular classification, and multidisciplinary cancer care require continuous scientific exchange. The 20th International Congress of Clinical Oncology was held to update clinicians on emerging evidence and support multidisciplinary decision-making in Iran.

Materials and Methods: The official congress program, aggregated attendance records, and documented scientific content were reviewed. Sessions were categorized by disease site and educational format, and recurring clinical themes were synthesized, focusing on patient selection, treatment sequencing, biomarker use, and multidisciplinary decision-making. No patient-level data were collected or analyzed.

Results: The congress was held on 2–3 July 2026 at Ghalb Hotel in Tehran, Iran. According to the organizers, total attendance was 559 participants. The scientific program comprised six standalone lectures, seven multidisciplinary panels, three scientific debates, and two dedicated question-and answer sessions. Topics covered breast cancer, gynecologic oncology, gastrointestinal cancers, dermato-oncology and melanoma, prostate cancer, central nervous system tumors, including pediatric malignancies, and head and neck cancers. Cross-cutting themes included antibody–drug conjugates, immunotherapy, biomarker directed treatment, stereotactic body radiotherapy, molecularly personalized care, and individualized radiotherapy.

Conclusion: The congress provided a national forum for connecting disease-specific advances with multidisciplinary cancer care. Its central clinical message was that emerging drugs and technologies should be integrated into practice through appropriate patient selection, biomarker-informed decision-making, careful treatment sequencing, and multidisciplinary collaboration.