European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society (EMSOS)

15–17 April 2026, the European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society (EMSOS) held its annual congress in Portugal, once again confirming its status as a leading international platform for specialists in orthopaedic oncology (https://www.emsos2026.pt/#). The meeting took place in Estoril, a coastal town in close proximity to Lisbon.

The traditional EMSOS forum brought together orthopaedic surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and researchers to exchange contemporary knowledge and practical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors, while also fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. A central tenet of the Society’s mission remains the development of expert consensus within one of the most challenging domains of clinical oncology.

The central theme of the 2026 congress—multidisciplinarity—shaped the entire scientific program, emphasizing the necessity of close coordination among specialists at every stage of managing musculoskeletal sarcomas, from initial diagnosis to reconstructive surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.

The congress traditionally opened with the Training Day, an educational module tailored to early-career clinicians and researchers. This segment addressed advanced imaging modalities (XR, CT, MRI), the role of interventional radiology and nuclear medicine, and key principles of biopsy and histopathological verification. Particular emphasis was placed on diagnostic accuracy as a decisive factor guiding subsequent therapeutic strategies.

The ensuing scientific program was structured around a stepwise analysis of the patient’s clinical pathway. Sessions covered the management of both benign and malignant tumors, the discussion of complex surgical cases—including limb-sparing procedures—and considerations regarding the adequacy of resection margins. A dedicated segment focused on metastatic bone disease, highlighting decision-making strategies in the context of limited resources and clinical uncertainty.

Technological innovation occupied a prominent place within the program, particularly the application of 3D-printed implants in orthopaedic oncology. This direction reflects a broader shift from standardized solutions toward personalized surgery, wherein implants are designed according to the individual anatomical and clinical characteristics of each patient.

Equally integral to the program were discussions on psychological support, nutritional management, and quality of life following treatment. These topics underscored that modern musculoskeletal oncology extends beyond the operating room, encompassing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

The significance of EMSOS 2026 lies in its ability to integrate fundamental scientific advances, clinical expertise, and cutting-edge technological solutions. Given the rarity and complexity of bone and soft tissue tumors, such congresses play a pivotal role in shaping treatment standards, accelerating the adoption of innovations, and ultimately improving patient survival and quality of life.

For several days in April, Estoril was transformed from a resort town on the Atlantic coast into a center of global professional dialogue—one that continues to define the present and future of musculoskeletal oncology.