OUR HISTORY

Founded in 1969, the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) is a professional non-profit organization of board-certified Medical Oncologists that aims to advance the science and ethical, holistic practice of cancer care in the Philippines. It continually strives to be an internationally recognized organization of competent and compassionate medical oncologists inspired and committed to integrate a multidisciplinary approach to the optimal care of the Filipino cancer patient.

The Society undertakes research that will foster the development and advancement of Oncology. It provides opportunities for continuing medical education and further professional development of its members. PSMO educates the public at large and allied medical specialties on the holistic approach to the care of cancer patients and their families. It also nurtures fellowship and encourages openness and cooperation among its members as it actively pursues the standards of excellence in the science and practice of Oncology.

WHAT WE DO

The PSMO has (3) core objectives; to advocate, connect and educate. These (3) core objectives help the PSMO to complete their mission in helping more people understand and treat cancer.

ADVOCATE

The PSMO advocates the best and most stringently tested methods of medicine. We advocate for a science based approach, which is coupled with compassion and the utmost level of care.

CONNECT

The PSMO connects patients with medical oncologists who are the best in their field.

EDUCATE

The PSMO educates and disseminates information to ensure the general public has access to the latest information concerning cancer and all associated risk factors.

VISION

The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, Inc. is a scientific, professional organization of competent and caring oncologists committed to the advancement of the science and the ethical and holistic practice of Medical Oncology and to active participation in the national, regional, and global cancer programs.

MISSION

Towards our Vision, the Society shall:

  • Actively pursue the standards of excellence of the science and practice of Oncology,
  • Undertake research that will foster the development and advancement of Oncology,
  • Provide opportunities for continuing medical education and the further professional development of its members,
  • Educate the public at large and allied medical specialties on the holistic approach to the care of cancer patients and their families,
  • Nurture fellowship and encourage openness and cooperation among its members,
  • Promote the interests and welfare of its members.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Gearing towards the 3Cs: Commitment , Collaboration and Continuity is our theme for 2023.

 

Commitment to excellence , logical  planning and focused effort of PSMO members for a more dynamic  society.

Collaboration with both  international and national organizations whose goal is to reduce the burden of cancer .

Continuity of improvement to high quality of cancer care .

 

As we have healed from the pandemic , we are moving forward to continue our mission and vision as caring oncologists whose commitment is to the advancement of science and the ethical and holistic practice of Medical Oncology. We continue to improve our active participation in the different health sectors  involved in cancer research, education and information dissemination to the general public and access to quality cancer care. 

 

Our society is growing bigger and we are proud to say we are expanding  our presence to the different parts of this country. Having said that , PSMO helps connect patients with medical oncologists who are the best in their field. PSMO seeks to clear boundaries in cancer care and pursue its commitment to offer the best cancer care among Filipinos. 

 

We are confident that we are on our road in  reducing  cancer burden  and nothing is more important than having a group you can trust. Let us help you.  

 

Rosario V. Pitargue M.D.

President

Philippine Society of Medical Oncology

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Membership, Ethics, Rules and Awards Committee Section

Philippine Society of Medical Oncology

Governing Council 2022
PresidentRosario V. Pitargue MD
Vice PresidentHoney Sarita J. Abarquez, MD
SecretaryDennis G. Santos, MD
TreasurerJosephine P. Contreras-Tolentino, MD
Internal AuditorChita I. Nazal-Matunog, MD
Council MembersHiyasmin P. Acero-Alejandro, MD
Katrina P. Ferrera-Calma, MD
Cherry M. Marquez, MD
Ma. Estrella S. Puddoc-Santos, MD
Immediate Past PresidentArnold John B. Uson, MD
Advisory CouncilDr. Ma. Noemi A. Uy
Dr. Felycette Gay P. Martinez-Lapus
Dr. Ma. Belen E. Tamayo
Dr. Antonio H. Villalon
SecretariatErlyn Banal
Renz Mharie Pereyra

Standing Commitees

Accreditation Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Rosario V. Pitargue
Accreditation ChairDr. Adonis A. Guancia
Co-ChairDr. Francisca Rosario B. Espino-Tan
MembersDr. Juan F. Ludovice Jr.
Dr. Reyna Christy A. Abas
Dr. Easter Grace D. Tiro
Dr. Rex Melchor D. Muyco
Dr. Dr. Leo Y. Marbella
Dr. Maria Karen Luisa A. Villanueva-Timbol
Dr. Marigold D.R. Majarucon-Ferrolino
Dr. Tommy U. Reyes
Awards Committee
GC Coordinator & ChairDr. Cherry M. Marquez
ChairDr. Ma. Noemi A. Uy
MembersDr. Christina G. Galvez
Dr. Anita L. Jesena
Dr. Grace S. Nilo
Dr. Buenaventura C. Ramos, Jr.
Dr. Ellie May B. Villegas
Ethics Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Honey Sarita J. Abarquez
ChairDr. Jasmin V. Reyes-Igama
Co-ChairDr. Prsicilla B. Caguioa
MembersDr. Nestor L. Atienza
Dr. Juanita L. Lim
Dr. Anita L. Jesena
External Affairs Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Rosario V. Pitargue
External Affairs for International Organizations (ASCO, ESMO, AOS)
RepresentativesDr. Rosario V. Pitargue
Dr. Honey Sarita J. Abarquez
External Affairs for National Organization (DOH, PHIC, PCP, Congress/Senate)
ChairDr. Mary Claire V. Soliman
Co-ChairDr. Necy S. Juat
MembersDr. Angeli C. Aresta-Del Valle
Dr. Mary Gay B. Buliyat
Dr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna
Dr. Nicasio G. Radovan III
Dr. Irisyl O. Real
Dr. Jasmin V. Reyes-Igama
Dr. Fernando Antonio B. Roque
AD-HOC Committee (CPG)
ChairDr. Amabelle Trina B. Gerona
Co-chairDr. John Paulo B. Vergara
MembersDr. Heddah J. Alfonso-Urbis
Dr. Bernadette Dy-Olaer
Dr. Katherine V. Hernandez
Dr. Rich Ericson C. King
Dr. Ma. Pamela D. Patdu
Dr. Kenneth G. Samala
Membership Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Cherry M. Marquez
Membership ChairDr. Yasmin M. Lee-Catalan
MembersDr. Denky Shoji W. de la Rosa
Dr. Enrique N. de leon II
Dr. Allen S. Evaristo
Dr. Elaine Marisse H. Ilagan-Cargullo
Dr. Abigail Aylette F. Garcia-Barrientos
Dr. Emmanuel D. Glorioso
Dr. Fernando Antonio B. Roque
Dr. Andrew A. Yacat
Multimedia Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Hiyasmin P. Acero-Alejandro
ChairDr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna
Co-chairDr. Edgar Christian S. Cuaresma
MembersDr. Jestoni V. Aranilla
Dr. Cyrielle Marie Atutubo
Dr. Carlo Miguel P. Berba
Dr. Joanmarie Balolong-Garcia
Dr. Norman Cabaya
Dr. Kristle May R. Cortez
Dr. Cristina G. Domingo
Dr. Ann Meredith U. Garcia-Trinidad
Dr. Amabelle Trina B. Gerona
Dr. Adeline C. Gonzales
Dr. Katherine V. Hernandez
Dr. Rich Ericson King
Dr. Danielle Francesca A. Leonardo
Dr. Noel M. Medina
Dr. Mary Antonette B. Ong-Chua
Dr. Mel Valorie C. Ordinario
Dr. Jessa Gilda P. Pandy
Dr. Ana Bianca Eloise A. Peralta
Dr. Dean Marvin P. Pizarro
Dr. Madonna Vida R. Realuyo
Outreach Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Katrina P. Ferrera-Calma
ChairDr. Arthur Jason S. Go
Co-ChairDr. Rogelio N. Velasco, Jr.
MembersDr. Dioly Ann P. Arnaiz
Dr. Mia J. Balaga
Dr. Joanmarie C. Balolong-Garcia
Dr. Maria Diana Aileen C. Bautista
Dr. Katrina Gaelic M. Bebero
Dr. Mary Anne B. Cruz-Ignacio
Dr. Ana Karina D.J. De Lara
Dr. Genecar H. Erfe
Dr. Mercy Grace C. Garcia-Kindipan
Dr. Amabelle Trina B. Gerona
Dr. Elaine Marisse H. Ilagan-Cargullo
Dr. Ana Lea V. Lava
Dr. Jose Enrique Y. Montoya
Dr. Micahel Ray C. Sebastian
Dr. Wilson C. Ty
Research Committee
GC CooridnatorDr. Chita I. Nazal-matunog
ChairDr. Jaime Enrique E. Hilado
MembersDr. Jestoni V. Aranilla
Dr. Margaret Therese B. Bendebel
Dr. Roselle B. De Guzman
Dr. Marlowe S. Imperial
Dr. Rich Ericson C. King
Dr. Conrado J. Lola
Dr. Jessa Gilda P. Pandy
Dr. Paul Dexter C. Santos
Rules Committee
GC CooridnatorDr. Arnold John B. Uson
ChairDr. Jhade Lotus P. Peneyra
MembersDr. Felycette Gay P. Martinez-Lapus
Dr. Buenaventura C. Ramos Jr
Dr. Mary Claire V. Soliman
Scientific Committee
GC CooridnatorDr. Josephine C. Tolentino
Chair, HCP DevelopmentDr. Aileen D. Gurrea-Hidalgo
MembersDr. Myra L. Flores
Dr. Cherry Pink A. Villa
Chair, Interhospital RTDDr. Julie Ann R. Tapispisan
MembersDr. Cyrielle Marie N. Atutubo
Dr. Katrina Gaelic M. Bebero
Dr. Jamila Marie J. De Veyra
Dr. Irisyl O. Real
Chair, Webinar/CMEDr. Pauline Anne R. Peronilla-Cauton
MembersDr. Joanmarie C. Balolong-Garcia
Dr. Mary Antonette G. Ong-Chua
Dr. Janelle S. Saldaña
Training Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Hiyasmin P. Acero-Alejandro
ChairDr. Agnes S. Evangelista-Gorospe
MembersDr. Stella Marie T. Carvajal-Yap
Dr. Jay T. Datukan
Dr. Kenny Jun N. Demegillo
Dr. Cherelina S. Ferreras
Dr. Joseph D. Parra
Dr. Raji R. Shamaileh
Dr. Michael Ray C. Sebastian
Dr. Heinrik Martin Jude S. Strebel
Dr. Andrea Monica L. Talag-Espinosa
Dr. Julie Ann R. Tapispisan
Ways and Means Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Josephine P. Contreras-Tolentino
ChairDr. Angeline T. Yeo
MembersDr. Carlos Dy
Dr. Dawn Lynn P. Guardiario
Dr. Rubi K. Li
Dr. Mel Valerie C. Ordinario
AD-HOC Clinical Consensus Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Arnold John B. Uson
ChairDr. Frederic Ivan L. Ting
MembersDr. Crizel Denise V. Uy
Dr. Katrina Gaelic M. Bebero
Dr. Danielle Benedict L. Sacdalan
Technical AdvisoryDr. Honey Sarita J. Abarquez
Dr. Dennis L. Sacdalan
Philippine Specialty Board in Medical Oncology (PSBMO)
ChairDr. Dennis L. Sacdalan
SecretaryDr. Dennis G. Santos
MembersDr. Jerry Y. Tan Chun Bing
Dr. Paul Francis B. Pua
Dr. Jennifer S. Balatian
Dr. Grace S. Nilo
Dr. Angela Marie Monique R de L Barandino
Dr. Roberto G. Amparo
Dr. Paul Dexter C. Santos
Dr. Marcelo Severino B. Imasa
Dr. Ma. Pamela D. Patdu
Dr. Ma. Belen E. Tamayo (Advisory)
AD-HOC Advocacy Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Katrina P. Ferrera-Calma
ChairDr. Ellie May B. Villegas
MembersDr. Edgar Christian S. Cuaresma
Dr. Stephen E. Lopez
Dr. Andrew I. Mallen
Dr. Marvin Jonne L. Mendoza
Dr. Amherstia B. Morelos
Dr. Buenaventura C. Ramos, Jr.
Dr. Arnold John B. Uson
AD-HOC Wellness Committee
GC CoordinatorDr. Honey Sarita J. Abarquez
ChairDr. Elsie L. Lim
Co-chairDr. Katrina Gaelic M. Bebero
MembersDr. Jamila Marie J. De Veyra
Dr. Angelica C. Gallespen
Dr. Mary Antonette G. Ong-Chua
Dr. Buenaventura C. Ramos, Jr.

DEFINITION OF A MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

A medical oncologist is a physician taking care of cancer patients. He/she has training in internal medicine, with subsequent specialization in the comprehensive management of patients with malignant diseases.

His/her training comprises the scientific basis of oncology, prevention, screening, diagnosis, the use and evaluation of specific medical anticancer treatments, and clinical investigation of malignant diseases.

He/she is able to use medical therapies and symptomatic, psychological, supportive, palliative, and after care in daily clinical practice to improve the quality-of-life of cancer patients.

He/she will be trained and continue to update his/her knowledge in the application of such interventions for optimal benefit, taking into account the psychological and social needs of cancer patients and their families.

The standard requirements for training in Medical Oncology are a total training period from five to six (5-6) years, beginning with a training in internal medicine for at least two (2) years, followed by a training program in medical oncology for three (3) to four (4) years. The 3 to 4 year training program in medical oncology must include a minimum of two (2) years full-time clinical training in the diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of neoplastic diseases.

Hansen H, Bajorin D, Muss H, et al: ESMO/ASCO Task Force on Global Curriculum in Medical Oncology, Recommendations for a Global Core Curriculum in Medical Oncology. Ann. Onc., Nov 2004; 15: 1603-1612

TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CANCER: MANDATE OF THE PHILIPPINE SOCIETY OF MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) is one with other medical societies in the care of cancer patients and their families in recognizing that cancer is a devastating illness and one that is difficult to treat, much less cure, even with the most advanced medicines, the best trained doctors and the state of the art facilities.

For the utmost benefit of the patient. This is the basic tenet used in any medical intervention. The intricacies of cancer treatment are such that two things are absolutely necessary for the patient to receive the best possible care and for no unnecessary harm to come to the patient:

  1. Multidisciplinary team approach
  2. Patient education and participation in weighing the risks versus benefits and choosing among the treatment options

For a doctor to treat a cancer patient without the patient being fully informed is to do more harm than good. And yet because of the nature of cancer as a disease, as well as the nature of it's treatment (with surgery, radiotherapy, drug therapy) patients undergoing any or all of these treatment modalities can get worse before they can get better. Taking all these into consideration, who decides what are the best treatment options to offer a patient? A multidisciplinary team of experts. At the minimum, surgical advise must come from the surgeon; radiotherapy advise from the radio-oncologist; and drug/chemotherapy advise from the medical oncologist. Who then decides which of the best treatment options to choose? An
empowered patient.

THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM APPROACH

There are three modalities used singly, concomitantly or serially in the treatment of cancer.

  1. Surgery - is performed by a surgical oncologist trained in general surgery and in surgical oncology, a master in the unique and special surgical techniques used in the biopsy, debulking or excising of malignant tumors.
  2. Radiation - applied by a radiation oncologist trained in general radiology and radiation oncology, expert in the planning and use of radiation machines, like the Cobalt machines, linear accelerators and brachytherapy needles.
  3. Chemotherapy - given by a medical oncologist trained in internal medicine with additional years of training in medical oncology so that he/she is knowledgeable in the prevention, recognition and treatment of complications of chemotherapeutic medications that inevitably follow the use of these potentially lethal drugs. A medical oncologist is expected to be able to educate the patient on the range of options of chemotherapeutic, immunotherapeutic or hormonal regimens appropriate for the patient's specific type and stage of cancer, taking into consideration the patient's functional status, concomitant illnesses, personal values and financial status.

PHILIPPINE SOCIETY OF MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (PSMO) POSITION PAPER ON THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TREATMENT OF CANCER

The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, Inc. (est 1969) is a scientific, professional organization of competent and caring oncologists committed to the advancement of the science and the ethical and holistic practice of Medical Oncology and to active participation in the national, regional, and global cancer programs.

The PSMO Mandate on the Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer articulates the need for both a multidisciplinary team approach and patient education and empowerment in order for the individual to have the greatest benefit from treatment.

As a member of this Multidisciplinary Team, the Medical Oncologist brings to the table the result of three years' specialty training in Internal Medicine and at least two years sub-specialty training in the field of Medical Oncology, together with the wealth of experience he has gathered over years of clinical practice. Such training includes, but is not limited to, chemotherapy and newer biologic treatment administration; specific anti-cancer drug administration; handling and disposal of anti-cancer agents; management of specific acute and chronic adverse drug events; various venous access procedures; various regional anti-cancer drug administration; guidelines on disclosure; and management of oncologic emergencies.

The administration of chemotherapy and other anti-cancer medication is more than just following guidelines and dosing schedules easily accessible via publications and the world wide web.

It is also more than just the insertion of an IV line and/or writing down a prescription and
instructions for its administration. It is also:

  • being ready for the common and uncommon acute allergic, anaphylactic, idiosyncratic
    adverse events that may occur every time such medicine is given,
  • giving the appropriate medication a day before, 30 minutes before and/or a day or several days after the actual administration,
  • knowing, anticipating and educating the patient on side effects that could happen when the patient has been sent home after the procedure,
  • judiciously applying the potentially life-saving adjunctive medicines (i.e. colony stimulating factors when complications such as febrile neutropenia occur).

Chemotherapy and other anti-cancer drugs should be given properly by trained individuals
and in tertiary hospitals with the capability to do the necessary work-up and to deal with the adverse events of therapy. Substandard administration may lead to a heavier financial burden on the part of the patient, who subsequently has to purchase additional medication; undergo more tests and hospitalization. Furthermore, this may lead to unnecessary suffering on his part and, more significantly, to a decrease in survival which could have been extended, despite the cancer diagnosis, with the correct treatment medication and administration.

PSMO strongly believes that chemotherapy and other anti-cancer drug administration are life-
saving procedures when done properly, but also could lead to morbidity and mortality when done improperly. We recommend that for the safety, and in the best interest of patients undergoing such treatment, chemotherapy and anti-cancer procedures should be performed by physicians who have been adequately trained and hold credentials (board certified) in recognizing the indication for the procedure; in the medical handling of its immediate and long term side effects; and in the handling, preparation and administration of these drugs.

……NO ONE DOCTOR KNOWS ALL THE ANSWERS…..

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay up to date with the PSMO and get news pertaining to the advancements and findings relating to the field of medical oncology (cancer research).