European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) Award

Every two years, during the ECCO conference, the European Society of Surgical Oncology confers the ESSO Award in recognition of significant achievements in basic or translational research in oncology, clinical and educational contributions to oncology in general and surgical oncology in particular.

On the occasion of ECCO 15 - ESMO 34, the ESSO Award was presented to Professor Theo Wiggers (NL) during a special ESSO award session on 23rd September.

The session, chaired by the ESSO President, C. van de Velde, discussed the management of patients who present with stage IV Colorectal Cancer.

The award lecture, by Professor Theo Wiggers, addressed the role of the colorectal surgeon. The role of the medical oncologist was presented by C. Punt whereas V. Valentini gave the point of view of radiation oncologist. R. Adam focused on the role of the liver surgeon. A panel discussion on the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach and moderated by I. Taylor concluded the session.

Previous recipients of the ESSO award were J. Oldhoff (1991), F.J. Lejeune (1993), J.A. van Dongen (1995), W. Mattheiem 1997), C.J.H. van de Velde (1999), A.E.M.R. Lerut (2001), L. Cataliotti (2003), L. Pahlman (2005) and Irving Taylor (2007).

Prof. Theo Wiggers