Foreword: Why This Archive Exists

A short note on the purpose of this archive — and the principles that guide it.

Editorial note: This foreword is written on behalf of the archive's editors. It is not a message from any society officer, and this site is independent of and unaffiliated with any organization.

An idea worth preserving

The history of neuro-oncology in Asia is, at its heart, a story about people choosing to work together. Beginning in the early 2000s, clinicians and scientists across very different countries — different languages, health systems, and traditions — built a shared forum to improve how brain tumours are diagnosed and treated. That kind of voluntary, cross-border collaboration is easy to take for granted and easy to lose. We built this archive to make sure the story is not forgotten.

What we hope it offers

We hope this site improves understanding between individuals, communities, and the wider public through their shared interest in neuro-oncology. For medical, nursing, and allied-health staff — as well as scientists, care coordinators, and students — it aims to be a clear, reliable orientation to the field's regional history. Just as importantly, for patients and their families, it aims to be a calm starting point and a bridge to trustworthy support organizations.

Our principles

Independence. We are not the official voice of any society and we never claim to be.
Accuracy. We document public, sourced history and link to authoritative organizations for anything current.
Respect. We do not publish private contact details, and we treat patients, families, and the professional community with care.
Education first. Everything here exists to inform, not to sell or solicit.

With gratitude

This archive stands on the work of countless clinicians, researchers, nurses, and volunteers who built the field across Asia and around the world. We are simply its caretakers. To begin exploring, read the history or browse the meeting chronology.