Seoul National University Hospital announced on the 7th that Professor Woo Hong-kyun of the Department of Radiation Oncology, who serves as the vice director of the Cancer Treatment Center, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Korean Association for Lung Cancer. The term lasts for two years until December 31 of next year.
The Korean Association for Lung Cancer (KALC) is a multidisciplinary society leading research and treatment in lung cancer and thoracic tumors. Professor Woo plans to work on innovations in lung cancer research and the development of new treatments and policies at the society level.
Lung cancer continues to have high incidence and mortality rates. According to the recently released national cancer registration statistics, 11.5% of all cancer patients diagnosed in 2022 had lung cancer. Collaboration among experts from various fields is essential to conquer this challenge.
Professor Woo stated that the Korean Association for Lung Cancer will continually strive for multidisciplinary cooperation encompassing research, education, and clinical practice with the goal of conquering lung cancer. He also emphasized the importance of the association as the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is scheduled to be held in Seoul for the second time in 2026, following the event in 2007.
Currently leading the construction project for a particle accelerator at Seoul National University Hospital, Professor Woo was awarded the Minister's Prize from the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 27th of last month. Particle therapy is a technology that presents innovative possibilities to overcome the limitations of existing cancer treatments. Professor Woo has been recognized for serving as the head of the particle accelerator project preparation team since 2017, laying the groundwork for technology commercialization and application in clinical practice with domestic and international researchers.
Professor Woo has also served as the International Cooperation Director and President of the Korean Society for Radiation Oncology, leading efforts to improve the standard of radiation oncology in Asia and promote international cooperation.
Professor Woo noted, "Winning the Minister's Prize signifies the achievements of the particle accelerator construction project and encourages continuous innovation in cancer treatment going forward," adding, "As the chairperson of the Korean Association for Lung Cancer, I will continue to work for the improvement of treatment and advancement of research for lung cancer patients."