At the Forefront of Oncology: GMKA Supports Ukrainian Physicians' Participation in ASCO Annual Meeting 2026

As Ukraine continues to strengthen and modernize its cancer care system, maintaining strong connections with the international oncology community remains essential. This year, ten Ukrainian physicians attended the ASCO Annual Meeting 2026—the world's largest oncology conference and a leading global forum for presenting the latest advances in cancer research, treatment, and clinical practice.

Their participation was made possible through the support of the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA), the Peace and Development Foundation, and Athena Women Against Cancer. The conference provided valuable opportunities to engage with cutting-edge scientific developments, exchange knowledge with international colleagues, and bring new insights back to Ukraine's evolving oncology community.

Beyond gaining access to cutting-edge scientific knowledge, participation in the ASCO Annual Meeting 2026 enables Ukrainian specialists to engage with international colleagues, build professional relationships, and bring valuable expertise back to healthcare institutions and patients across Ukraine.

“Access to cutting-edge knowledge should not be a privilege—it is the foundation of high-quality medical care. By supporting the education and professional development of Ukrainian physicians, including participation in ASCO, observerships at leading U.S. hospitals, and joint educational initiatives with international professional organizations, GMKA is strengthening the system that saves the lives of cancer patients in Ukraine,” said Nelya Melnitchouk, MD, MPH, FACS, Founder and CEO of GMKA, surgical oncologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. 

“Medicine advances very rapidly today and requires constant learning and collaboration. For Ukraine, international conferences and observerships serve as bridges connecting our physicians to the latest knowledge, standards, and professional networks. Their greatest value lies in ensuring that this knowledge and experience return home to strengthen patient care across Ukraine,” emphasized Rostyslav Semikov, MD, MSc (Oxon), Co-Founder and CEO, Audubon Bioscience Co. and Peace and Development Foundation. 

During the ASCO Annual Meeting 2026, the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance team and participating Ukrainian physicians met with representatives of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the European Cancer Organisation. Doctors discussed the current state of cancer care in Ukraine, highlighted new educational initiatives, and demonstrated how, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war, the country's healthcare system continues to advance in alignment with the priorities outlined in Ukraine's National Cancer Control Strategy.

Discussions focused on expanding grant and mentorship opportunities for Ukrainian oncologists, as well as developing joint educational webinars and online programs. A key topic was GMKA’s initiative to establish Breast Cancer Centers of Excellence in Ukraine. The team presented the program’s vision, participating institutions, implementation roadmap, and opportunities for international collaboration. Conversations centered on how ASCO and ECO could contribute expertise, mentorship, and professional support to advance the initiative.

Dr. Daria Kizub, MD, Director of Oncology at GMKA, also discussed opportunities for observerships, specialized training programs, and the development of clinical registries and data collection systems—essential components of a modern oncology care infrastructure.

The meetings further explored mentorship and grant opportunities for Ukrainian oncologists and laid the groundwork for future educational and professional development initiatives. As a result, GMKA, ASCO, and ECO agreed to collaborate on a series of online educational activities aimed at expanding access to international expertise and fostering professional exchange for healthcare professionals in Ukraine.

The impact of this initiative extends well beyond the conference. Following the ASCO Annual Meeting 2026, participating physicians will complete Clinical Observerships at four of the world's leading cancer centers: Massachusetts General Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. 

Such experience will give participants a firsthand look at advanced clinical workflows, multidisciplinary team-based care models, and cutting-edge treatment approaches employed at institutions that represent the gold standard in global oncology. The knowledge and practical insights gained through these observerships are designed to be directly translatable — equipping Ukrainian physicians with the tools and frameworks needed to elevate cancer care standards and drive meaningful, lasting improvements within Ukraine's healthcare system.

“In wartime, professional collaboration and knowledge exchange become even more essential,” Dr. Martyniuk added. “Through international partnerships, open dialogue, and a commitment to continuous learning, Ukraine’s oncology community continues to evolve. We are implementing modern global practices, building a culture of multidisciplinary and patient-centered care, and ensuring that oncology in Ukraine continues to move forward. Every international scientific exchange, every new partnership, and every piece of knowledge brought back home becomes part of our healthcare resilience.”

For Ukraine's oncology community, participation in global scientific and clinical programs has never been more critical. Cancer care does not stop during war. Ukrainian physicians continue treating patients despite strained resources and the ongoing pressures of conflict. In this context, staying connected to the international oncology community is not simply valuable — it is essential.

By supporting ASCO participation and international clinical observerships, GMKA advances its mission of improving healthcare quality in Ukraine through education, mentorship, and global collaboration. Most importantly, the knowledge gained does not stay abroad — it returns to Ukrainian hospitals, multidisciplinary teams, and professional communities, shaping clinical practice, strengthening treatment standards, and ultimately improving care for patients across Ukraine.