COLUMN. The recent gathering of the Scandinavian Society of Neuro-oncology (SNOG) in Gothenburg has concluded. Professor Asgeir Jakola hosted and chaired the meeting, which was planned in collaboration with Monica Sandström from the Cancer Academy. Here, neurosurgeon Alba Corell provides an account of the execution of a meeting that was – both scientifically and literally – top-notch.
Preparations for the Scandinavian Society of Neuro-oncology (SNOG) 2024 meeting began in the spring of 2023. The conference floor at the Draken Hotel was booked – despite the hotel not even being completed at that time! A year later, the meeting was held with great success, and when it was time for SNOG’s 2024 gathering here in Gothenburg, the conference floor at the Draken Hotel was ready for the conference participants and sponsors.
The goal to improve care for patients affected by brain tumors
Brain tumors are often difficult to treat and require multidisciplinary care where various specialties and professions work together for the well-being of the patients; neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuro-oncologists, contact nurses, neuropsychologists, and more. Through meetings like these, experiences and knowledge can be exchanged, and connections can be made for potential collaborations. That is why these meetings are so important, with the common goal of improving care for patients affected by brain tumors and their relatives.
The winter and spring passed quickly, and much work was put into planning the meeting. After much effort, we ended up with a packed and highly interesting program! Both clinical themes and the latest in basic research were accommodated. The program included lectures, poster sessions, and sponsor presentations. Various themes in the treatment and research of brain tumors were covered by prominent speakers from Sweden, Europe, and the USA.
Fantastic view of beautiful gothenburg
Suddenly, it was April 25th, and time for the meeting. With great anticipation and nervousness, we welcomed the 150 registered conference participants and sponsors to a fantastic view of beautiful Gothenburg, which showed its best side.
The first day focused on cognition and quality of life in patients with brain tumors, diagnostics beyond clinical routine, and the tumors’ microenvironment. The day was opened by Karin Gehring from Tilburg, Netherlands, who talked about the importance of cognitive rehabilitation in patients with brain tumors. Leading local and international researchers in these fields presented their results and ongoing studies.
High-quality posters
The second day began with the section on meningiomas, the tumors of the meninges. Here, prominent speakers presented the latest in their field. Felix Sahm from Heidelberg, Germany, spoke about reclassification based on markers for these tumors. Thomas Graillon from Marseille, France, presented via a link on new advances in meningiomas. Just before lunch, it was time for a guided poster tour with snacks in the foyer of the old Draken cinema. The tour was led by Professor Anja Smits and was well attended. The posters were of high quality, with a mix of preclinical and clinical research findings. The tour was much appreciated by the participants! The day ended with lectures by Magnus Essand from Uppsala on the theme of immunotherapy in neuro-oncology, followed by the role of neurosurgery in oncological treatment by Michael Vogelbaum from Tampa, USA.
The conference dinner was held on the conference floor with a spectacular view of the entire city and offered an incredible sunset. During the conference dinner, the baton was warmly passed from Professor Asgeir Jakola to Bjarne W. Kristensen, who now takes over the role of chair for SNOG 2026 in Copenhagen. We look forward to it!
BY: ALBA CORELL
Leave a Comment