August 31 – September 2
The iMig meeting in Kyoto featured a full day educational session followed by a 2 day scientific session.
Day 1 – Educational Sessions
The educational session covered the background integrated with novel findings concerning mesothelial cells and mesothelioma. Highlights included coverage of new screening tests such as serum mesothelin and its role and limitations, molecular biomarkers in asbestos-related tumors, apoptosis, cytopathology and pathology of mesothelioma and clinical advances in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery and multimodality therapy. There were also Ask the Expert panels in which difficult cases were presented. (See the program for Aug. 31)
An elegant Welcome Reception was held in the Kyoto International Conference Center.
Day 2 – Scientific Session
Scientific sessions were introduced by an address from the IMIG 2010 Conference Chair Dr. Takashi Nakano and the outgoing IMIG President Dr. Hedy Kindler. The new IMIG website (www.imig.org) was described by Dr. Courtney Broaddus/Dario Barbone. The scientific program was organized in general sessions covering a variety of topics from Epidemiology/First-line and Second-line Treatment, to Biomarkers, Novel Targets and PET scans, Thoracoscopy and Radiation Biology. (see the program for Sept. 1)
The day was capped with a lovely banquet at the Kyoto Hotel Okura. Before arriving for the banquet, guests were transported to the Heian Jingu Shrine for a sunset walk to see its large torii and lovely grounds. Entertainment at the banquet included dancing by young geishas and traditional drumming. One highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Wagner Medal to Dr. Steven Albelda.
Day 3- Scientific Session
The second day of the scientific sessions included round-table discussions, workshops and panel discussions covering topics such as novel therapies, TNM staging, nanotubes, and legal aspects. (see the program for Sept. 2).
During this day, the posters were evaluated and Poster Awards presented.
The final evening was held after a stroll through the Kodaiji Temple and Garden. At dinner, the Young Investigator Awards were presented.