Last Saturday, 29th March, the second edition of the Dermato-Oncology Meetings of the Algarve took place at the 3HB Hotel in Faro. The success of this event was driven by researchers and leading specialists in dermatology and oncology, fostering the exchange of knowledge and essential updates on the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Under the coordination of Dr Maria José Passos, the meeting stood out for its interdisciplinary approach to topics such as prevention, early diagnosis, and advances in melanoma treatment.
The first session, dedicated to Dermatology, covered topics such as the epidemiological aspects of Skin Cancer, health literacy and early detection initiatives in Portugal, advances in Artificial Intelligence applied to melanoma identification, as well as the relationship between inflammatory bowel and skin diseases, reinforcing the connection between the gut and the skin.
The second session, focused on Surgery and Radiotherapy, discussed current transformations in the surgical approach to Melanoma, particularly the reduction in the number of Lymphadenectomies performed and the revolution brought about by genetic expression profiling of tumours in current clinical practice. The discussion on Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases highlighted technical and technological advancements in equipment and recommendations for treatment using stereotactic radiosurgery.
In the third session, dedicated to Medical Oncology, topics such as Immune Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Aggressiveness in Cutaneous Melanoma, as well as the present and future of Systemic Treatment, were explored. During the afternoon, the Special Session on Rare Tumours introduced, for the first time, a discussion on Ocular, Orbital, and Periocular Melanoma.
The event concluded with the public presentation of the "Ligar os Pontos" Association, the first melanoma patient association in Portugal, which made an appeal to healthcare professionals to share information to facilitate the referral of new patients. This group aims to focus its activities on health literacy, prevention, and support for melanoma patients throughout the diagnosis and treatment phases.
HPA Saúde Group is recognised for its ongoing commitment to innovation in the fields of Dermatology and Oncology. Once again, the organisation reaffirmed its key role in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer in the region, adopting an integrated and multidisciplinary approach that benefits both healthcare professionals and their patients.
2, April 2025
