In pursuit of academic excellence, like every year, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute (SGCCRI) hosted the “11th East Zonal Oncology CME (EZOCME)” under the aegis of Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO) and Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) – WB Chapter, on 22nd February 2020, at the Institute’s auditorium. The theme of this year’s symposium was “Clinical and Molecular Advances in Breast Cancer”. The conference focused on the promising areas of clinical as well as basic research in the field of breast cancer, and brought together researchers and clinicians in this field to foster exchange of ideas and establishes collaborations. A large number of reputed scientists and clinicians from various organizations in India and abroad shared their knowledge in the field of Breast cancer. Of note, Dr. Kabir Mody from Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA and Prof Partha P Majumder from National Institute for Bio-Medical Genomics (NIBMG), Kalyani, West Bengal, delivered the prestigious “Dr Saroj Gupta Oration” and “Mr. Henry Shaw Oration”, respectively. Dr Sagar Sengupta from National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, also graced the conference as the national invitee. Other invitees from various organizations in and around Kolkata also enlightened the conference with their vast knowledge and experience. Eminent clinicians and scientists of outstanding repute chaired various talks and discussions delivered.

Thirty-seven young researchers were selected for presenting their work in a poster format and displayed their novel findings in the clinical and basic cancer research; an expert panel of judges selected three participants for “best poster presentation award”. The conference also had award video session on ‘surgical updates in breast cancer’ as well as a well-executed quiz on oncology, led by Prof. Ramanuj Mukherjee, RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. ASI (WB) was represented by its President Prof (Dr) Bitan Chatterjee while IASO by its President Prof (Dr) Arnab Gupta (also the Organising Co-chairman). The conference also saw more than hundred participants from various institutes, university departments, and colleges from and around Kolkata. The organizing committee, comprising of Prof. (Dr) Biman Chakraborty, Head, Dept. of Gynaeoncology, SGCCRI, Anjan Gupta (Hony Secy, SGCCRI), Prof Susanta Roychoudhury, Dr Somsubhra Nath and others, put their enthusiasm, effort, and expertise toward this symposium. Together, this symposium came out as a grand success.