Charleston Conference 2026
December 11-13, 2026, Oncology and Oncologic Surgery
Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina
About
Oncology and Oncologic Surgery
15 hours of RACE approved continuing education (CE) credits
Speakers
Oncology – Dr. Erin Malone, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Oncologic Surgery – Dr. Shawn Kennedy, DVM, DACVS
Conference Schedule & Topics
Friday, December 11, 2026
12:30-1 pm: Registration (printed notes provided)
1-6 pm: Lectures with snacks & beverages provided for registered conference attendees
Stronger Together: A team-driven path from diagnosis to treatment
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- Understanding key steps in veterinary cancer patient’s journey
- What to do in your clinic before referring
- The value of communication in cancer diagnosis and therapies
You Found a Mass, Now What?
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- Name it, stage it, treat it
- When not to aspirate
- Case examples
Smart Surgery: Key Oncology Techniques for the General Practitioner
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- Define curative, marginal, and debulking excisionDiscuss how to plan incisions, handle tissues, and mark margins
- Review proper biopsy techniques (incisional vs. excisional, punch vs. tru-cut)
Histopathology Hacks: How to Get the Most From Your Biopsy Report
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- What information is helpful in the history
- Understanding margin assessment
- Understanding additional testing that the pathologist may recommend
What’s New in Cancer Diagnostics: Tools to Help You Help your Patients
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- What new tests are available
- When to implement new tests
- Understanding the value of genetic & genomic testing
6-8 pm: Complimentary Welcome Reception with food & beverages for registered attendees & their guests (details coming soon)
Saturday, December 12, 2026
7-9 am: Breakfast for registered conference attendees
8 am–1 pm: Lectures with snacks & beverages provided for registered conference attendees
Exploring the Latest Advances in Veterinary Oncology
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- Immunotherapy for canine oral melanoma, mast cell tumors and osteosarcomas
- New local therapy for canine mast cell tumors, indications and uses
- Small molecule inhibitors – what’s new
The Sneaky Slowpoke: Diagnosing and Managing Indolent Lymphomas
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- When to be suspicious you are dealing with an indolent lymphoma
- Treatment options for indolent lymphoma
- How to monitor patients with a diagnosis of indolent lymphoma
The Rear View: Diagnosis and Management of Canine Anal Sac Tumors
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- Identifying anal sac tumors
- Understand importance of staging for anal sac tumors
- Understand treatment and monitoring approaches for canine anal sac tumors
Open Wide: Cracking the Case on Oral Tumors
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- Differentiating oral tumors in dogs and cats
- Staging of oral tumors
- Management of oral tumors
Mast Cell Mayhem: A Practical Guide to Canine Mast Cell Tumors
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- Review staging, grading, and prognostic markers
- Surgical margin guidelines
- Role of systemic therapies
Sunday, December 13, 2026
7-9 am: Breakfast for registered conference attendees
8 am–1 pm: Lectures with snacks & beverages provided for registered conference attendees
The Sarcoma Spectrum: Making Sense of Soft Tissue Tumors
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- How wide is “wide enough”?
- When to add radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy
- Recurrent sarcoma management
Oncology for Everyday Practice: Integrating Cancer Care in Your General Practice
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- Working up the cancer patient
- Treatments and side effects
- When to refer and when to treat locally
Surgical Oncology Simplified: Practical Management Tips for Peri-operative Care
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- Wound healing in irradiated tissue, tumor seeding, seroma management
- When not to perform surgery
- Post-operative complications, how to avoid them and how to manage them
Silent but Deadly: Cracking the Hemangiosarcoma Code
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- Understand the different types of hemangiosarcoma
- Treatment options and prognosis
- Alternative therapies
Palliative Care in Practice: Making Every Moment Count
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- Defining “palliation” and managing client expectations
- Pain control, anti-inflammatories, appetite stimulants, radiation or surgery for palliation
- Communication strategies for discussing prognosis and euthanasia
hotel registration
Book your accommodations now!
Date
December 11-13, 2026
Registration includes 15 hours of RACE approved continuing education (CE) topics in Oncology and Oncologic surgery. Our half-day seminars allow you to explore and bring your family along to experience the historic beauty of Charleston, South Carolina, during the holiday season.
Pricing Options
$995
DVM/VMD Cost
$895
Tech Cost with code TECH2026
More Information
What the Location Offers
Named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion (the “Swamp Fox”), the Francis Marion Hotel became an instant Charleston landmark when it opened in 1924. Rising 12 stories above the Historic District, the hotel offers spectacular views of Charleston’s church steeples, historic mansions, and famous harbor, providing easy access to the wealth of Charleston’s attractions: https://www.francismarionhotel.com
Fly into the Charleston International Airport (CHS) located in North Charleston and make your way to the hotel. Here is a link to help you find your way: https://www.francismarionhotel.com/directions-and-map/
Steeped in history, Charleston rings in the holidays with a charm of its own. Decorated with sparkling white lights and shiny bows, Charleston dons all its finery for the holidays. Storefronts, homes, churches, boats and parks are adorned with lights, garland, and holly showing their yuletide spirit.
Book your accommodations with our exclusive discounted room rates with wrap around discounted rates available (limited availability – book early!)
– To book online, please visit: https://reservations.travelclick.com/76320?groupID=5004251
Online code VETQUEST
– In addition to the booking link, guests can call the hotel Reservations team directly to book their room. Just call 843-722-0600, and reference the group name VETQUEST, to take advantage of the special group rate. For those that would like to arrive a few days early or extend their stay, you will need to call Reservations to book.
– Please contact us at vetquestce@gmail.com with any questions.
hotel registration
Book your accommodations now!
