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About SPOG

SPOG coordinates and is responsible for a comprehensive clinical research programme in Switzerland for children and adolescents.

Our vision: We want a future in which all children and adolescents with cancer can be cured.

Why is SPOG needed?

SPOG conducts research on cancer treatment for children and adolescents. Children are not just small adults: they develop different types of cancer and do not respond to medicines in the same way. That is why cancer research in children requires its own specialised approach.

What is our approach?

We collaborate with international research groups and those affected to develop innovative treatments for children with cancer. Our experts are deeply committed to improving the chances of cure and the quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer.

What do we offer?

SPOG maintains a broad research portfolio, comprising national and international clinical trials and research projects. This gives children and adolescents with cancer in Switzerland access to quality-assured treatments based on the latest scientific findings. At the same time, these studies help to improve treatments for future patients.

Our guiding principles

We are dedicated to sick children and adolescents and their families.
We stand up for the needs of those affected.
We foster a culture of mutual respect and trust.
We are committed to transparency, openness and helpfulness.
We are grateful for all support for our work.

Organisation of SPOG

The Swiss Paediatric Oncology Group (SPOG) is a non-profit organisation that conducts research into cancer in children and adolescents in close collaboration with leading international research groups.
The SPOG is organised as an association. All hospital departments in Switzerland specialising in childhood cancer are members of the SPOG.

General Assembly

The General Assembly is the highest governing body of SPOG. It takes key decisions and, in particular, approves new studies. It also elects the Board of Directors.

The heads of the paediatric oncology and haematology departments represent their hospital at the General Assembly.

 

Our member hospitals

 

 

All hospital departments in Switzerland specialising in childhood cancer are members of SPOG.

The Board of Directors

The SPOG Board of Directors represents the association’s interests externally. It also maintains close contact with the Coordinating Centre and oversees day-to-day operations. It consists of the President, the Vice President and 2–4 other members.

Prof. Dr. med. Katrin Scheinemann, M.Sc.
President
Prof. Dr. med. Katrin Scheinemann, M.Sc.
Director of the Haematology/Oncology Centre
East Switzerland Children's Hospital St. Gallen
PD Dr. med. Nicolas Gerber
Vice President
PD Dr. med. Nicolas Gerber
Head of Clinical Trials Center Oncology
University Children's Hospital Zurich
PD Dr. med. Tamara Diesch-Furlanetto
Member
PD Dr. med. Tamara Diesch-Furlanetto
Head of Department/Head Physician Haematology / Oncology
University Children’s Hospital of Basel UKBB
Dr. med. Daniel Drozdov
Member
Dr. med. Daniel Drozdov
Head Physician Haematology / Oncology
Cantonal Hospital Aarau KSA
PD Dr. med. Dr. sc. nat. André von Büren
Member
PD Dr. med. Dr. sc. nat. André von Büren
Senior Consultant Division of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology
University Hospitals Geneva HUG

SPOG Coordinating Centre

The Coordinating Centre (CC) is the SPOG’s administrative office and is based in Bern.

The CC is responsible for regulatory study management, quality management, communication and fundraising.

The SPOG member hospitals and the Coordinating Centre work hand in hand to ensure that children and adolescents with cancer have a future.

Our team

Protocol Governance Committee

The Protocol Governance Committee (PGC) reviews new clinical trials and research projects for scientific relevance and quality, as well as methodology and level of innovation. It also assesses the financial aspects and whether the trials can be carried out in Switzerland. The focus is always on the benefit to young patients.

 

The members of the Protocol Governance Committee are shown in the organisational chart.

Scientific Advisory Board

The SPOG Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprises international research experts in paediatric oncology and haematology. It advises SPOG on scientific and strategic issues.

 

The members of the Scientific Advisory Board are shown in the organisational chart.

Patient Advisory Board

The SPOG Patient Advisory Board (SPAB) incorporates the perspectives and needs of those affected into SPOG’s activities. The board comprises 3–7 former patients and parents of affected children.

 

The members of the Patient Advisory Board are shown in the organisational chart.

Organisational Chart

You can download our organisational chart in PDF format here.

Download

Downloads

You can download important documents including the Annual report, the organisational chart and the SPOG bylaws here. They contain information about our work and our objectives and will enable you to get to know SPOG better.

SPOG Bylaws (available in German, French or Italian)
Download
SPOG Organisational Chart
Download
SPOG Annual report 2025
Download
SPOG Revision report 2025 (available in German only)
Download