Thoracic surgery and transplantation: ERS Congress 2024

Marcello Migliore – Head

Q: As Secretary of Assembly 8, what are you most looking forward to about this year’s ERS Congress?

I am particularly looking forward to seeing more ECMs involved in our society bringing new research and ideas. I am also looking forward to the networking assembly meeting with the main goal of exchanging ideas and experiences between members from around the world in a relaxing atmosphere. This year for the first time we have organised the event on “working groups” and therefore we look forward to see participation by junior and senior members of the ECM.

Q: What in your opinion will be the hot topics for thoracic surgery and transplantation?

This year there were many abstracts in thoracic surgery and transplantation making it difficult to decide the hot topics. Nevertheless, for me the most exciting are recent changes in the profile of lung transplant candidates and evolution of post-transplant treatment strategies, and gender discrepancies in non-small cell lung cancer: the challenging landscape of lung cancer in women. Overall the oral thoracic sessions will have many outstanding contributions.

Q: Tell us your top three picks from the Congress programme?

1. Studio session – Getting the balance right: the ethics of artificial intelligence in clinical decision-making

Saturday, 7 September, 10:30 – 11:15 CEST

This interesting studio session linking to the Congress theme will explore ethical challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical decision-making.

2. Hot topic – Malignant pleural effusion diagnosis and management: practical solutions for optimal outcomes

Sunday, 8 September, 08:00–10:00 CEST

This “hot topic” session will discuss the suspected malignant pleural effusion. It gives indications for

• best practice and also for pleurodesis, including agents, techniques, timing and detection of the “trapped” lung
• the optimal use of surgery and indwelling pleural catheters
• the pathophysiology of symptoms and fluid production and how these might be manipulated to improve outcomes

3. Symposium – Gender discrepancies in non-small cell lung cancer: the challenging landscape of lung cancer in women

Tuesday, 10 September, 15:30–17:00 CEST

Lung cancer in women seems to have some differences in risk factors, histology, pathophysiology, treatment outcomes and prognosis compared with men. During this symposium the attendee will be able to discuss what research has achieved and future objectives.