My experience submitting an educational abstract

Peter Kolyvas | Robrecht R.M.M. Knapen

Presenting author, “Retinoblastoma and interventional radiology: a review on intra-arterial chemotherapy“

Why did you choose ECIO to submit your educational abstract?

I chose to submit my abstract to ECIO because it is renowned as a leading conference for sharing and learning about the latest developments in interventional oncology, providing an excellent platform to engage with experts in the field.

Tell us a little bit about the topic you submitted and why you chose this topic for your submission.

My submission focused on intra-arterial chemotherapy as an emerging treatment option for retinoblastoma, the most common eye malignancy in children. I selected this topic for several reasons.

First, retinoblastoma is a significant medical condition, and understanding its epidemiology and pathophysiology is crucial for healthcare professionals. Second, I wanted to explore the role of IR in the treatment paradigm of retinoblastoma, as it represents an innovative approach that can have a significant impact on patient outcomes. Intra-arterial chemotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative to systemic chemotherapy and other locoregional options, offering the advantage of direct drug administration through the ophthalmic artery, thereby reducing systemic side effects. Current literature has demonstrated very high technical success rates and efficacy. Raising awareness of this procedure could increase the utilization of this procedure and ultimately improve the care for those suffering from the disease.

Are there any special considerations to take into account when submitting an educational abstract?

Try to focus on a unique case or technique that would be beneficial for a wide range of practicing interventional radiologists, residents, and students as those in attendance will come from a wide variety of practice settings. Also ensure that your content is evidence-based and relevant to current healthcare challenges.

Do you have any tips for physicians submitting an abstract for the first time?

Start early, carefully follow the guidelines for submission, and try to keep the abstract as brief as possible while highlighting the key points. When creating your poster, utilize images, tables, and figures as much as possible!

Will you submit another abstract for ECIO 2024?

I learned so much from last year’s conference and I hope to submit another abstract and attend ECIO 2024!

Presenting author, “Pictorial review of technical variations during a portal vein embolization/hepatic vein embolization: a DRAGON trial editorial review“

Why did you choose ECIO to submit your educational abstract?

For me, it was an obvious choice to submit my abstract to ECIO. ECIO offers a prestigious platform that attracts leading experts, clinicians, and (young) researchers from around the world. This makes it an ideal platform for presenting my research to a highly specialized and influential audience. The programme encompasses a wide spectrum of topics relevant to interventional oncology, divided into scientific lectures and workshops. Presenting an abstract at ECIO provides an opportunity to discuss your topic with experts, fostering the exchange of new ideas and valuable collaborations.

Tell us a little bit about the topic you submitted and why you chose this topic for your submission.

As minimally invasive techniques for inducing liver hypertrophy are upcoming and being investigated by different research groups, I have chosen to submit an educational abstract on a relatively new technique. This technique is combining portal vein embolization with hepatic vein embolization (PVE/HVE) and is currently investigated by the DRAGON Trials collaborative. It is a promising technique that may lead to more eligible patients for major liver surgery when patients suffer from extensive colorectal liver metastases. We submitted this educational abstract because it aligns perfectly with the educational objectives of ECIO and provides us with the proper audience for discussing this topic.

Are there any special considerations to take into account when submitting an educational abstract?

While ECIO is a platform for IO specialists, be aware that you are the expert on your topic. Therefore, it is important to clearly outline the educational objectives, content, and methodology. When these aspects are completely clear and offer novel or unique insights, you should consider submitting an educational abstract.

Do you have any tips for physicians submitting an abstract for the first time?

Start early, since you can ensure that the abstract receives proper consideration. Moreover, be precise, make the abstract easy to read, and remember “less is more.”

Will you submit another abstract for ECIO 2024?

Absolutely, I will not miss the opportunity to present another abstract at ECIO 2024 and discuss this with colleagues and friends from around the world!