How do international educational partnerships translate into better cancer care at the local level? The OMI Satellite Symposium on Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Melanoma, held in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 9, 2026, offered a strong example by bringing together experts from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Georgian oncology specialists, and residents for a full day dedicated to the latest advances in sarcoma and melanoma care.
In this report, the local organizer, OMI alumna Dr. Mariam Abuladze, reflects on the scientific highlights of the meeting, the importance of international academic partnerships, and how connections established through the OMI continue to grow into meaningful collaborations that strengthen oncology education and patient care worldwide.
The OMI satellite symposium on Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Melanoma was successfully held on May 9, 2026, in Tbilisi, Georgia, bringing together international faculty, local oncology specialists, and fellows for a full-day educational program focused on current advances in sarcoma and melanoma management.
The symposium featured distinguished faculty from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC): Drs. William Tap, Robert Maki, and Michael Postow.
A particularly meaningful aspect of the symposium was the participation of Dr. Michael Postow, who also serves as faculty at the Open Medical Institute. I first met Dr. Postow during an OMI seminar in Salzburg, and having the opportunity to welcome him to Tbilisi for this educational initiative was especially rewarding. His participation reflected one of the greatest strengths of the OMI programs: fostering international professional connections that extend beyond the classroom and evolve into lasting academic collaborations benefiting local medical communities.
The scientific program focused on contemporary approaches to sarcoma and melanoma treatment.
The soft tissue sarcoma sessions covered neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies, systemic therapy for metastatic disease, targeted therapies for rare sarcoma subtypes, and emerging agents shaping future treatment approaches.
The melanoma program addressed current standards in neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, as well as systemic therapy options for advanced cutaneous melanoma.
The educational sessions concluded with an interactive fellows’ case presentation workshop and round-table discussion involving faculty members and Georgian oncology specialists. These discussions created an excellent environment for multidisciplinary exchange and practical clinical learning.
As part of the symposium activities, the international faculty also visited Todua Clinic, where they were introduced to the institution’s oncology services and clinical practice. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss multidisciplinary cancer care, clinical workflows, and future directions for collaboration. It also enabled valuable direct interaction between Georgian physicians and international experts, further strengthening professional partnerships.
Alongside the scientific program, a social and cultural itinerary was organized to give the visiting faculty an opportunity to experience Georgia’s history and culture while strengthening professional relationships in a more informal setting. Participants explored Old Tbilisi and later visited Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The symposium successfully promoted knowledge exchange in modern sarcoma and melanoma management, strengthened multidisciplinary collaboration, expanded international professional networks, and reinforced the importance of global partnerships in advancing cancer care.
Most importantly, the meeting demonstrated how educational connections established through the OMI programs can evolve into long-term collaborations that contribute meaningfully to oncology education and patient care far beyond a single event.
Mariam Abuladze, MD, PhD
Medical Oncologist
Associate Professor
Tbilisi Medical Academy
Todua Clinic
Georgia
