The 8th St Petersburg International Oncology Forum White Nights 2022: Summing Up

The 8th St. Petersburg International Oncology Forum White Nights 2022 was held from June 27 to July 3. This year the event coincided with the 95th anniversary of N.N. Petrov NMRC of Oncology. More than 11,000 experts from 23 countries, 249 cities and over 1200 institutions worldwide joined the broadcast.

The broadcast lasted for a total of 234 hours, and was divided into 121 sections and 6 “Live Surgery” sessions. In 7 days of the event the participants presented 608 reports. White Nights 2022 hosted 574 Russian and 25 international speakers who shared their professional experience, took part in discussions and round tables. A special session addressed to a general audience, including patients, their family and friends, and others interested in oncology, garnered 4,771 views on our social networks. It featured 18 reports and 1 interactive session.

Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, Mr. Mikhail Murashko, Governor of Saint Petersburg, Mr. Alexander Beglov and Director of N.N. Petrov NMRC of Oncology, Chief freelance oncologist of the North-West Federal District, President of the Association of Oncologists of the North-West, Mr. Alexey Belyaev welcomed the participants.

The forum opened with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between N.N. Petrov NMRC of Oncology and Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital (TMUCIH). This agreement aims to provide a platform for sharing experience, conducting joint research and educational activities.

This year, along with traditional topics on cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies, accompanying therapy, rehabilitation, speakers highlighted acute organizational and legal issues regarding specialized cancer care.

The “Live Surgery” sessions drew close attention of the medical professionals – live operating rooms broadcast was transmitted for the six days of the event. Also, the forum gave place to extensive sessions on cryogenic and interventional technologies in oncology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy, clinical oncology, oncohematology, and pediatric oncology.

Within the framework of the Fundamental oncology section, sessions on immunology, molecular genetics, and nanovesicle technology were held.

The forum also featured sessions for young doctors and scientists, such as ‘breast surgeon battle’, the School “Lost in Communication: Discrepancies Between Physician and Patient”. Participants could enjoy the works shared by the winners of the All-Russian competition of young scientists.

The last day was marked by a special session for patients. This 7-hour broadcast participants and viewers could enjoy on the social networking sites of the Media Center. Another outstanding event of the day, the interactive session “Right to Happiness in a surgical hospital: Fast Track patient management”, was held for the first time. Patients and leaders of public organizations took part in the event. They shared valuable information that would help patients successfully go through all stages of treatment.

The forum attracts more and more attention every year. It once again confirms that we do not only follow trends, we set them.

We look forward to seeing you next year at the 9th St Petersburg International Oncology Forum White Nights 2023. It's more than just oncology!