The Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO) held its 2026 Spring Symposium and General Assembly on Friday at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, presenting a vision for the future of cancer treatment centered on artificial intelligence (AI) and precision medicine.
The symposium covered a broad range of topics, including AI-based diagnostic and treatment strategies, precision medicine using liquid biopsy through circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and next-generation anticancer drug development. It also addressed practical healthcare policy issues, such as drug accessibility and reimbursement systems.
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The program was designed around key strategies driving change in real-world clinical practice. Participants discussed the current state of data science-integrated oncology care, including AI-powered clinical trial design, patient selection, and imaging-based assessment of treatment response. In addition, experts explored the clinical applicability of personalized precision medicine through ctDNA analysis and integrated multi-omics approaches.
Specialized sessions focusing on major cancer types -- including breast cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers -- provided the latest treatment updates and evidence-based clinical strategies.
Leading domestic and international experts participated in the event. During the “Presidential Symposium,” KSMO President Park Joon-oh presented on “The Present and Future of KSMO,” outlining the evolving role of medical oncologists and the society’s future direction amid a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
The subsequent “Plenary Session” featured globally renowned scholars, including Professor Timothy A. Yap of MD Anderson Cancer Center and Professor Han Nam-sik of the University of Cambridge. They discussed next-generation therapeutic approaches, such as synthetic lethality-based anticancer strategies and AI-driven drug target discovery.
The symposium also served as a platform for policy discussions beyond academic exchange. A dedicated policy session addressed sensitive issues, including reimbursement barriers for high-cost anticancer therapies and the sustainability of the national health insurance system. Participants also discussed developing Korean clinical guidelines for ctDNA testing to strengthen the institutional framework.
In addition, a multidisciplinary symposium on sarcoma highlighted integrated treatment approaches involving medical oncology, surgery, and radiation oncology.
Additionally, Professor Kim Tae-yoo of Seoul National University Hospital, recipient of the “Kim No-kyung Award,” delivered a lecture on the journey and future potential of ctDNA research.
“This symposium provides an opportunity to share both challenges and solutions surrounding the rapidly evolving field of cancer treatment, including AI and precision medicine,” KSMO President Park said. “We hope that academic achievements lead to meaningful policy improvements and ultimately provide better treatment environments for patients.”
Kim Yoon-mi
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