History

The history of NTOG

A Nordic collaboration in thoracic oncology, founded in 1993 to strengthen research, education, clinical trials, and patient care across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

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The journey of NTOG

The Nordic Thoracic Oncology Group was established in 1993 as a collaborative network of thoracic oncology specialists from the five Nordic countries.

Recognising the need for a unified approach to lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the Nordic region, NTOG was formed to advance research, improve patient care, and foster professional collaboration across borders.

NTOG’s primary mission is to advance lung cancer research and treatment across the Nordic countries through clinical collaboration, translational research, education, meetings, and shared professional networks.

Early years and formation

The group grew out of informal Nordic collaboration between thoracic oncology professionals in the early 1990s.

In the early 1990s, thoracic oncology professionals from the Nordic countries began informal collaborations to share knowledge and resources. The success of these initial interactions highlighted the potential value of a formal network.

In 1993, NTOG was officially founded, providing a structured platform for joint clinical trials, research projects, professional exchange, and educational initiatives.

Past studies and symposia show NTOG’s continued dedication to advancing lung cancer research and treatment in the Nordic region.

Selected milestones

Selected milestones in NTOG’s development.

  • Early 1990s

    Thoracic oncology professionals from the Nordic countries began informal collaboration, sharing knowledge, research ideas, and professional networks.

  • 1993

    NTOG was established as a formal collaborative network of thoracic oncology specialists from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. 1st Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Sorrento, Italy.

  • 1995

    2nd Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, also in Sorrento, Italy.

  • 1997

    3rd Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Glasgow, Scotland.

  • 1999

    4th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Lofoten, Norway.

  • 2001

    5th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Snekkersten, Denmark.

  • 2003

    6th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Copenhagen, Denmark.

  • 2004

    7th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Visby, Sweden.

  • 2006

    8th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Oulu, Finland.

  • 2008

    9th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Tromsø, Norway.

  • 2011

    10th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Copenhagen, Denmark.

  • 2014

    11th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Copenhagen, Denmark.

  • 2016

    12th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Stockholm, Sweden.

  • 2018

    13th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Vaasa, Finland.

  • 2020

    No symposium held; the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the regular biennial cadence.

  • 2022

    14th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Bergen, Norway.

  • 2025

    15th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Gothenburg, Sweden.

  • 2027

    16th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Copenhagen, Denmark.

  • 2029

    17th Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium, Helsinki, Finland.

Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium

The symposium is an important part of NTOG’s history and future, providing a recurring Nordic forum for thoracic oncology professionals.

The Nordic Lung Cancer Symposium brings together clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss evidence, clinical practice, research collaboration, and future directions in lung cancer care.

15th: Gothenburg 16th: Copenhagen 2027 17th: Helsinki 2029

The rotating host cities reflect NTOG’s Nordic structure and the shared responsibility of national lung cancer communities for continued professional exchange.