In this exclusive interview, esteemed EAU Section of Oncological Urology (ESOU) Chairman Prof. Morgan Rouprêt shares his insights on the upcoming meeting and what it will be like to have the onsite-event experience again.
What are your expectations for ESOU22?
Prof. Rouprêt: Back in January 2020, ESOU20 took place in Dublin. It was one of the last physical onco-urological events and EAU meetings before the COVID-19 pandemic. After a long period of isolation in practicing our expertise and connecting with colleagues via virtual meetings and scientific exchanges, ESOU22 symbolises a milestone not only in the field of onco-urology and the way forward, but also healing after a traumatic period for our societies.
To be honest, my expectations for the meeting go beyond a solid, in-person event. I want to connect, discuss, exchange and have fantastic social interactions from a large urological family and have that normal “post-COVID life” feeling.
What are the principal topics that ESOU22 will cover and why do you think so?
Prof. Rouprêt: The hot topics in onco-urology are the new drugs (systemic and intravesical) in the management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer; the revolution of immunotherapy as first- and second-line standard treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma; and the contribution of PET molecular imaging in the therapeutic strategies of advanced prostate cancer.
In the ESOU22 scientific programme, what are some of the topic highlights per genito-urinary cancer?
Prof. Rouprêt: In my personal selection, I would like to emphasise liquid biopsy in prostate cancer; 3D- augmented reality in partial nephrectomy surgical planning; management of indeterminate testicular masses; and how to improve the regimen if surveillance is opted for with regard to non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Urologists took into account the pandemic’s impact on their patients and adapted treatments and strategies accordingly. What have we learned from dealing with the pandemic?
Prof. Rouprêt: The pandemic has two faces. The first period, which I’ll refer to as the “dark side”, was the onset of COVID-19 and back when we were stunned, uncertain, and fearful of this yet-to-be known virus. It is also the period when focus on other medical diseases took a back seat. The second period, which I’ll refer to as the “bright side”, was when we’ve learned to deal with this chronic situation and kept moving forward with the treatment of our patients. We designed cancer paths for our fragile patients COVID-free and shared our tips and tricks to overcome this new situation in our COVID-free units.
ESOU22 will take place from 21 to 23 January 2022. Stay tuned for more meeting updates.
