UPMC International Oncology Forum in Zagreb to Bring Together Leading Experts from the U.S., Italy, Ireland, and Croatia
15 October 2026
Zabok, Croatia – The latest advances in precision medicine, radiation oncology, medical oncology and clinical research will take center stage at the UPMC International Oncology Forum: Innovations in Clinical and Research Practice, taking place in Zagreb on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. The full-day professional forum will bring together leading experts from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in the United States and Europe, Croatian physicians and representatives of health care institutions, creating a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience on innovations that are already transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The program will bridge cutting-edge scientific research with its practical application in everyday clinical care, with a particular focus on personalized treatment, emerging technologies and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer care.
From Precision Diagnostics to Personalized Treatment
The program will be structured around four thematic sessions covering key areas of modern cancer care.
The first session will focus on advances in diagnostics and predicting patient response to treatment. Experts will discuss precision oncology, genomics, biomarkers and other advanced tools that are enabling a deeper understanding of tumor biology and helping physicians select treatments tailored to individual patients. Confirmed speakers include John Byrd and Adrian Lee, alongside Croatian experts.
The second session will explore how scientific and technological innovations are being translated into radiation oncology practice. Topics will include new approaches to stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery, the treatment of oligometastatic disease, reirradiation, as well as advances in theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapies. Confirmed speakers include Heath Skinner and Ravi Patel. Particular attention will be given to how new technologies and research can enhance treatment precision and further advance care for patients with cancer.
Advances in Medical Oncology and Clinical Research
The third session will provide an overview of the latest developments in medical oncology, ranging from immunotherapy and biomarkers to personalized treatment and multimodal therapeutic approaches. The program will also address the management of side effects associated with modern cancer therapies, including immunotherapy-related cardiotoxicity.
The final session will focus on optimizing treatment outcomes and access to high-quality cancer care. Diwakar Davar will explore one of the emerging areas in immuno-oncology — the role of the gut microbiome in patients’ response to immunotherapy. Paul Kelly will discuss the importance of clinical trials in advancing patient care and share insights from developing a successful community-based clinical research program.
A Multidisciplinary Approach Through Real-World Patient Cases
A distinctive feature of the UPMC International Oncology Forum will be a series of Mock Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) sessions. Using real-world clinical cases, specialists from different disciplines will jointly evaluate diagnostic and treatment options and discuss the most appropriate approaches to patient care.
This format will add an interactive dimension to the conference. In addition to expert presentations, participants will have an opportunity to see how multidisciplinary teams assess different treatment options and make decisions in complex oncology cases. The Forum will connect the expertise of U.S., European and Croatian physicians, enabling direct exchange of knowledge and clinical experience across different fields of oncology.
The UPMC International Oncology Forum: Clinical and Research Innovations will take place in Zagreb on November 3, 2026, beginning at 8:30 a.m., with the scientific program scheduled to conclude at approximately 5:40 p.m.
The opening session will include representatives of Croatia’s health care system, the U.S. Embassy, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
View the detailed conference program and register online today.