The 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is rapidly approaching, with thousands of specialists gathering in Barcelona to reflect on the latest advances and cutting-edge research in thoracic oncology.
In early 2024, the IASLC announced the conference chairs for WCLC 2025 in Barcelona. Noemí Reguart, MD, PhD, was among those selected to plan the 51st meeting, along with Umberto Malapelle, PhD, Jarushka Naidoo, MB, BCH, MHS, and Isabelle Opitz, MD.
As a Conference Chair, Dr. Reguart worked as part of a multidisciplinary team to select the program tracks and meeting content for WCLC 2025. She shares why she’s personally excited to have Barcelona as the hosting city for WCLC 2025, as well as a preview of program highlights and new initiatives to look forward to.
ILCN: How will this year’s programming at WCLC reflect the most pressing challenges and advances in thoracic oncology?
Dr. Reguart: This year’s program emphasizes interactive multidisciplinary sessions where complex clinical scenarios will be discussed with the audience. These sessions are designed to reflect real-life challenges clinical practices face, encouraging dialogue across different specialties.
The programs highlight the most pressing advances in thoracic oncology—from early to advanced stages—including novel therapies, targeted agents, and next-generation immunotherapies. We will feature groundbreaking abstracts in both non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
We will present data on combination strategies, which will further underscore the breadth of innovation presented at WCLC this year. And, of course, we can’t forget subjects such as access to innovation and global disparities. These are relevant not only scientifically, but also in terms of real-world Impact.
ILCN: Are there any new initiatives, session formats, or special events debuting at WCLC 2025?
Dr. Reguart: We have introduced several new initiatives this year. This was a collaborative effort, and we were very intentional from the start. We know that lung cancer is no longer led by a single discipline. We have thoracic surgeons, radiologists, pulmonologists, and, of course, medical oncologists.
We worked together as a multidisciplinary team to ensure every specialty had a place. This was achieved by actively involving everyone in shaping the sessions with interactive formats to promote dialogue between specialties.
Another new feature at this year’s World Conference is hands-on workshops. I think these give attendees a chance to actively engage and learn in a more practical way. I believe all of these sessions will spark great discussions among attendees.
ILCN: What are you looking forward to the most at this year’s meeting?
Dr. Reguart: I’m truly excited to welcome everyone here in my city, my beloved Barcelona. The last time we hosted this meeting in Barcelona was in 2019, just before the pandemic. I think we welcomed almost 9,000 attendees from more than 100 countries at that meeting.
Hosting WCLC in Barcelona is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our city and the strength of our medical and scientific community. It’s a source of pride to welcome colleagues from all over the world, and it will be wonderful to have everyone join us in Barcelona again.
I’m looking forward to a fantastic meeting with dynamic exchanges of ideas, reconnecting with colleagues from around the world, and experiencing the vibrant energy that in-person meetings provide.
We will have presidential symposia, award presentations, and plenary sessions. I think the Opening Plenary on Saturday will be especially worth attending, as it will be very emotional.
There will be many exciting presentations, as well as educational sessions. I think there will be something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s meeting.
