Advances and Controversies in Colorectal Surgical Oncology: International Perspectives

Rapid advancements in colorectal surgical oncology necessitate that clinicians keep informed of new innovations in the care of patients with malignant diseases. Staying updated on best practices, new techniques, and research is critical for improving patient-centered outcomes. This CME course will focus on the latest advances in colorectal surgical oncology, presenting insights from international thought leaders on managing malignant conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus. There are new opportunities for personalized care in this evolving field with ongoing innovations in surgical techniques and non-operative management. Designed for busy clinicians—surgeons, gastroenterologists, medical and radiation oncologists, advanced practice providers (APPs) and nurses—the course will deliver clinically relevant, cutting-edge knowledge on best practices through lectures, clinical case presentations, videos, and a hands-on porcine lab. A multidisciplinary approach will be employed to provide didactic teaching on colorectal oncology from the perspectives of general and specialty surgeons, oncologists, gastroenterologists, and advanced practice practitioners. A flipped classroom model will encourage learners to share their experiences and expertise, fostering engagement and collaborative learning. 

Target audience

This activity is intended for general surgeons, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, urogynecologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and students.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Describe advances in the management of anal cancers.
2. Summarize the indications and techniques for resection inpatients with colorectal malignancies.
3. Recognize evolving treatment pathways and surgical options for patients with rectal cancer, including non-operative management.
4. Discuss the importance of multidisciplinary team input for cancer care and survivorship management.

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT FOR A POSTER PRESENTATION

The deadline for poster submission is March 1, 2026

All accepted posters will receive 50% discount on registration on a rolling basis as their submission is reviewed.

All accepted posters will be scored and judged on Thursday, April 9, 2026 or Friday April 10, 2026 by a panel and will be exhibited electronically throughout the meeting.

Submission Rules:

• Abstract  must be in English, their length must not exceed 3000 characters not including spaces and the headers.
• Abstracts should include : Title, Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. The authors and affiliations do not count towards this limit.
• Submission of an abstract requires a paid registration of the first author.  Following registration, please email your abstract to lbordeianou@mgh.harvard.edu
• Only one abstract may be submitted per first author. Once received, a confirmation will be sent to the submitting author
• The submitting author is responsible for the content of the abstract and the consent to submit on behalf of all co-authors

Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

American Board of Surgery (ABS) MOC Recognition Statement
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

Registration instructions

ISUCRS members and Low-Income Country registrants will receive discounted tuition rates. Please use the appropriate code (listed below) at checkout:

• ISUCRS Members will receive 15% off when the following code is used: ISUCRS15

• Low-Income Country registrants will receive 30% off when the following code is used: LIC30

Thursday Hands On Workshops ONLY (In-Person):

Friday & Saturday Main Course ONLY (In-Person or Virtual):

Thursday Workshop AND Friday/Saturday Main Course:

Cancellation Policy:
Registrations cancelled on or before March 26, 2026 will be refunded, less a $60 administrative fee. Registrations cancelled after March 26, 2026 will not be refunded.

Contact mgbcpd@mgb.org if you require assistance in cancelling your online registration.

Additional information

Faculty credentials

Course Directors

Liliana Bordeianou, MD
Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School;
Co-Director, MGH Pelvic Floor Disorders Center,
Co-Chair, Mass General Brigham Colorectal Surgery Collaborative,
Massachusetts General Hospital 

Christy Cauley, MD
Assistant Professor Harvard Medical School;
Colorectal Surgeon, Gastrointestinal Surgeon
Massachusetts General Hospital 

Joel Goldberg, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School;
Gastrointestinal and General Surgery,
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Faculty 

Karim Alavi

Karen Bagetta, RN

Ron Bleday 

Holly Bonnette

David Chang, MD

George Chang

Julie Cornish, MD

Jennifer Davids

Quentin Denost, MD

Todd Francone

Rob Goldstone

Stephen Goldstone, MD

Jon Greer

Jason Hall

Jennifer Irani

Angela Khunen

Hiroko Kunitake

Mehmet Kuzu

Grace Lee

Liz Lilley

Lillias Maquire

Peter Marcello

Justin Maykel

Nelya Melnitchuk

Melissa Murphy

Joseph Nunoo Mensah

Aparna Parikh

Miguel Pera

Motaz Qadan

Rocco Ricciardi

Narimantas Samalavičius

Julia Saraidaridis

Shimul Shaw

Paige Walsh

Jiping Wang

Jen Wo

James Yoo
 

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Mass General Brigham is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Designation Statements

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM
Mass General Brigham designates this live activity for a maximum of 20.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Program

Pre-Course Hands-on Workshops (Thursday, April 9)

Main Course: Friday, April 10, 2026 | 7:00am – 5:00pm

Main Course: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 7:00am – 5:00pm