ASCO 1998: A Commentary

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) occupies a central place in the professional and social life of cancer specialists. In this once-a-year happening we have the opportunity to see close colleagues from the past and reflect on the state of our profession, including clinical research and the more practical aspects of our existence and survival as practitioners. Robert Mayer, the outgoing ASCO President, and the Program Chair, Margaret Shipp, did a masterful job of creating a well-organized, informative, and exciting four days in Los Angeles. ASCO is an organization in evolution. While clinical research is still its main mission, the financial and organizational aspects of cancer care occupy an increasingly important place in this meeting, as reflected in the program itself and in the dominating presence of the drug companies on the exhibit runways. Nonetheless, the quality of the scientific sessions was outstanding.