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The 2025 Shanghai International Esophageal Disease Conference, along with the 9th  International Summit of Shanghai Chest Hospital Esophageal Surgery (ISES) and the Joint Meeting between ISDE and CSDE, was successfully held on April 19, 2025. This significant event brought together world-leading experts and scholars in the field of esophageal diseases to explore cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment advancements. 

The conference was co-chaired by Professor Jie He, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Professor Lorenzo Ferri, President of the ISDE. The opening ceremony, hosted by Professor Zhigang Li, Director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Shanghai Chest Hospital and one of the member of our board of directors, featured heartfelt open remarks from Professors Jie He, Lorenzo Ferri, and Jinhua Wu, President of Shanghai Chest Hospital, who welcomed global experts and highlighted the conference's role in promoting academic exchange and advancing clinical research. 

The conference covered four key topics, featuring detailed discussions on essential issues such as Organ sparing approaches to esophageal cancer, T4b Esophageal Cancer & TPLE, Management of Gastro-Esophageal Junctional Carcinoma, and Robotic Esophagectomy. During the conference, prominent ISDE experts from around the world, including Professors Bas Wijnhoven and Suzanne Gisbertz from the Netherlands, Professors Ken Kato, Seichiro Abe, Hiroyuki Daiko, Tomoki Makino, and Hiroya Takeuchi from Japan, Professor Ian Wong from Hong Kong, China, Professor Yin-Kai Chao from Taiwan, China, as well as Professor Lorenzo Ferri and Professor Mark Ferguson, shared their groundbreaking research and invaluable clinical findings. 

Chinese experts such as Professor Qingsong Pang from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Professor Xuefeng Leng from Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Professor Zheng Bin from Fujian Medical University Affiliated Union Hospital, and Professor Lijie Tan from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, presented their clinical research findings, surgical techniques, and case studies. These presentations highlighted the Chinese experience with a special eastern perspective, fostering a dialogue between east and west and providing a unique angle for international collaboration. 

Shanghai Chest Hospital, as one of the leading centers in esophageal disease research and treatment, showcased its innovative clinical practices and advanced surgical techniques. Professor Zhigang Li presented advancements in organ-preserving treatments and robotic-assisted McKeown esophagectomy, while Professor Yifeng Sun shared updates on the ToMIE clinical study for esophageal cancer surgery. Professor Chunguang Li discussed modified mediastinal tracheostomy for cervical esophageal cancer salvage surgery, and Professor Jun Liu highlighted the history and future of immunotherapy for esophageal cancer. These contributions demonstrated the hospital’s commitment to pioneering advancements that will shape the future of esophageal disease treatment. 

A key highlight of the event was the ISDE-CSDE Joint Round-table Meeting, which provided a platform for strengthening collaboration between the two societies. This rare opportunity allowed for strategic discussions aimed at increasing ISDE’s influence and visibility in China and fostering closer ties between international and Chinese esophageal disease specialists. 

Congratulations to Prof. Zhigang Li for organizing another outstanding ISES conference. Thanks to Prof. Jie He for his invaluable support and to ISES and CSDE for inviting ISDE to join in the conference. The outstanding group of international speakers and cutting-edge topics held the interest of an audience of more than 200 attendees. The ISDE leadership was privileged to meet with CSDE leadership after the conference and we made considerable progress in planning future collaborations, particularly focusing on young trainees. We look forward to seeing all of our new friends in Brisbane, Australia, in September 2025 for the ISDE World Congress. 
Mark Ferguson, Executive Director 

The International Summit of Shanghai Chest Hospital Esophageal Surgery (ISES) is a signature academic event organized by the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Shanghai Chest Hospital. It aims to advance cutting-edge technologies and research in the field of esophageal surgery and promote clinical and research collaboration within the industry. The event has been successfully held for ninth editions, with the latest one held on April 19th, showcasing significant advancements in the field. 

This summit provided an invaluable academic exchange platform for esophageal disease specialists around the world. The fruitful discussions and collaborations laid the foundation for ongoing innovation in esophageal disease treatment, ultimately improving patient care globally.