What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess Latin American oncologists' representation as speakers and co-authors in the ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.

March 4, 2026

Representation of Latin American oncologists in oral sessions at the ASCO Genitourinary Cancers symposium: A five-year review (2021–2025).

Key Points

The aim is to assess Latin American oncologists' representation as speakers and co-authors in the ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.
Conducted a retrospective descriptive review of ASCO GU meeting programs from 2021 to 2025.
Analyzed oral abstract, rapid-oral, and case-based discussion sessions.
Recorded total speakers, LATAM-affiliated speakers, and LATAM co-authors of abstracts.
Identified LATAM countries contributing to speaker and author representation.
Only four LATAM speakers participated in 94 sessions over five years.
48 LATAM authors contributed to abstracts presented in oral or rapid-oral sessions.
LATAM representation accounted for less than 0.5% of total ASCO GU speakers despite frequent authorship.
Most LATAM contributions were linked to multinational clinical trials rather than direct invitations.

Abstract

44 Background: Latin American (LATAM) investigators contribute substantially to global genitourinary (GU) cancer research through participation in multinational studies. However, their representation as speakers in leading international forums remains uncertain. This study evaluated LATAM participation as oral presenters and as co-authors of abstracts presented in oral and rapid-oral sessions at the ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium over a five-year period. Methods: A retrospective descriptive review was performed using the official programs of ASCO GU meetings held between 2021 and 2025. Session types analyzed included oral abstract, rapid-oral, and case-based discussions. Author affiliations were examined to identify LATAM representation. For each session, the total number of speakers, the number of LATAM-affiliated speakers, and LATAM co-authors of abstracts presented in oral or rapid-oral sessions were recorded. Results: Across 94 sessions (65 oral/rapid-oral and 29 case-based or educational), more than 500 invited speakers were identified. Only four LATAM speakers appeared during the study period (2025 n = 1; 2024 n = 2; 2023 n = 1; 2021–2022 n = 0). In contrast, 48 LATAM authors were listed among abstracts presented in oral or rapid-oral sessions, originating primarily from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Colombia. Notably, only one of these appearances resulted from a direct invitation by conference scientific organization, whereas the remaining participations were linked to investigator roles within multinational clinical trials. Despite recurrent authorship in pivotal studies, such as those evaluating novel hormonal agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapies, LATAM investigators seldom served as the designated presenters of their collaborative work. Conclusions: From 2021 to 2025, Latin American oncologists accounted for <0.5% of all ASCO GU speakers despite frequent authorship in major oral abstracts. The findings reveal a persistent gap between scientific contribution and visibility, emphasizing the importance of intentional strategies by international societies to promote equitable regional representation and recognition in global oncology.

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