[Present and future of the practice of medical oncology and multidisciplinary cancerology].

The Assembly of French Professors in Cancerology, consisting of medical and surgical oncologists as well as radiotherapists, has introduced a new diploma for specialized studies in medical oncology. This diploma is entitled oncology, medical option; the pre-existing diploma for radiotherapy is entitled oncology, radiotherapeutic option. Both diplomas are awarded after a common training period followed by specific studies for each one. A third diploma requiring a shorter study period (2 years) has been in existence for a few years and is awarded after complementary pluridisciplinary studies in cancerology. It provides medical oncologists and radiotherapists, as well as surgical and medical specialists in organs with the possibility, if they wish, to acquire global knowledge in cancerology over and above that connected with their specific area of expertise. It familiarizes them with a pluridisciplinary cancerological approach to setting up diagnostic and treatment protocols with subsequent applications to clinical and therapeutic trials. The recent reforms in post-graduate studies have now made available teaching models and state diplomas for all areas of clinical cancerology including an optional pluridisciplinary course--and should constitute an invaluable contribution to both public and private practice. They should also facilitate the work of the state bodies and those in charge of health expenditure.