The European School of Oncology came into existence to respond to a need for information, education and training in the field of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. There are two main reasons why such an initiative was considered necessary. Firstly, the teaching of oncology requires a rigorously multidisciplinary approach which is difficult for the Universities to put into practice since their system is mainly disciplinary orientated. Secondly, the rate of technological development that impinges on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been so rapid that it is not an easy task for medical faculties to adapt their curricula flexibly. With its residential courses for organ pathologies and the seminars on new techniques (laser, monoclonal antibodies, imaging techniques etc.) or on the principal therapeutic controversies (conservative or mutilating surgery, primary or adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy alone or integrated), it is the ambition of the European School of Oncology to fill a cultural and scientific gap and, thereby, create a bridge between the University and Industry and between these two and daily medical practice. One of the more recent initiatives of ESO has been the institution of permanent study groups, also called task forces, where a limited number of leading experts are invited to meet once a year with the aim of defining the state of the art and possibly reaching a consensus on future developments in specific fields of oncology.

Antimetabolites: Historical Perspectives

Preclinical Characteristics of Cytarabine, Gemcitabine, Fludarabine and Cladribine: Relevance for Clinical Studies
Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitors, Modulation of 5-Fluorouracil and Folate Analogues
A Review of Fludarabine and Cladribine in Solid Tumours
Advanced Breast Cancer: Experience with Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine in Ovarian Cancer
Gemcitabine Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Review
Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Changes in Performance Status and Tumour-Related Symptoms
Safety Profile of Gemcitabine, Fludarabine and Cladribine.