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European School of Peritoneal Surface Oncology (ESPSO)

The European School of Peritoneal Surface Oncology is a joint venture between ESSO and the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI).

The objectives

  • Provide high quality, structured, basic and advanced training in Peritoneal Surface Oncology
  • Certify proficient knowledge of applying candidates in the scientific basis and clinical practice of Peritoneal Surface Oncology, specifically multidisciplinary decision-making and surgical management (European Certification in Peritoneal Surface Oncology)
ESPSO Flyer

What we offer

  • ESPSO offers the opportunity to participate in the European School of Peritoneal Surface Oncolgy Training Programme, a high quality, structure, basic and advanced training that will lead you to the European Accreditation of Peritoneal Surface Oncolgy 

Clinical training at one of the recognised PSO Treatment Programmes

  • Observation of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC procedures (at least 4)
  • Direct participation in the execution of CRS and HIPEC procedures (at least 20 procedures) from anaesthesia induction to patient leaving the operating room. Cases of rare tumour type (pseudomyxoma, mesothelioma, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer) are highly recommended.
  • Participation and attendance in multidisciplinary conferences (“tumour board”) for presentation, discussing patient selection and therapeutic decision-making (at least 50 PSM cases discussed)
  • Participation in in-hospital postoperative follow up is mandatory for at least 10 cases. Awareness of postoperative outcomes in all patients whose surgery the candidate has participated in is mandatory.
ESPSO Recognised Centres and Mentors

Attendance at the following ESSO courses

  • ESSO Advanced course on Peritoneal Surface Malignancy (TBA)
    A theoretical course dealing with the scientific basis and current multidisciplinary practice of Peritoneal Surface Oncology, run biennially at rotating sites. Next course edition will take place on 15-17 October 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

Attendance at two Peritoneal Surface Oncology Events

Attendance of the ESPSO webinar series

These webinars aim to give participants access to the basic knowledge they need to have on the following specialities: radiology, medical oncology, pathology and palliative care. Access to the webinars is available only to School participants.

Formulation and elaboration of a research project

Under the supervision of an ESPSO recognised mentor, to be presented at a congress and/or submitted for publication at a peer-reviewed journal.

You can apply for the programme if you:

  • Are an active surgical oncologist with a preferential interest in Peritoneal Surface Oncology, seeking advanced, structured training in the field
  • Are an active gynaecologist with a preferential interest in surgical oncology and PSM, seeking advanced, short-term training in the field
  • Candidates must have completed their residency programme and demonstrate a commitment to continue practicing surgical oncology and peritoneal surface oncology
  • The ideal candidate should be involved or have solid plans to get involved in an established or new Peritoneal Surface Oncology Treatment Program
Download Application Form

To apply, send the following documents as a single PDF

  • Application form duly completed
  • Letter describing your motivation to participate in the programme
  • Short CV (maximum 2 pages) including a list of recent publications
  • A picture

Administration fee

€ 1 770
To be paid before starting the programme.

The ESSO courses' registration fees are paid separately. Special reduction applies to ESPSO participants.

ESSO Educational Grants for ESPSO

ESSO offers two educational grants of 1.000€ each to ESSO members who are attending or planning to attend the ESPSO Training Programme.

The aim of these grants is to help participants to complete the clinical training requirement included in the School programme.

The amount of the grant will be transferred to candidates once the clinical training has started.

Eligibility criteria

  • Candidates whose application to join the ESPSO Training has been approved by the School Board but who have not yet started the programme
  • Current ESPSO participants who have started but not yet completed the clinical training requirement 
  • Candidates who are planning to join the ESPSO Training but have not submitted their application yet
  • Candidates should have already paid the School administration fee
  • Candidates should be members of ESSO at the time they submit their application
  • The trainee should start the clinical training within one year following notification of the grant
  • The clinical training requirement must take place in one of ESPSO Referral Centres.
  • Previous recipients of an ESSO educational grant are not eligible

Documents to be provided (in a single PDF document and only in English) ​

  • For participants already in the ESPSO programme: letter of confirmation from the Head of Department where the training is taking place or where it will take place
  • For participants planning to join the ESPSO Programme: motivation letter, recommendation letter from the Head of Department and CV (maximum 2 pages)

Additional requirements for selected candidates at the end of the programme

  • Acknowledge the grant received from ESSO in the mandatory ESPSO research requirement (congress presentation and/or published manuscript)
  • Produce a complete report on their clinical training including pictures that ESSO will use on its Newsletter, website and social media
Applications Open in June 2026

Interested in becoming a Recognised Centre or Mentor?

Decision about recognition of new centres and mentors will be taken by the ESPSO Board according to the below criteria and to the strategical needs of the School.

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