SIOPEN BIOPORTAL: new study on tumours of the nervous system

Neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma are some of the most common cancers in children and adolescents. Young children under six years of age are most frequently affected by these malignant tumours of the nervous system. The course of the disease can vary greatly: some tumours are aggressive, while others regress on their own. For this reason, the chances of recovery are also very varied.

Data collected in 29 countries

SIOPEN is the European Neuroblastoma Research Network. To gain a better understanding of this type of cancer, the research group is collecting data from patients in 29 countries through its SIOPEN BIOPORTAL study. The data includes information on age, gender, exact diagnosis, stage of the disease, tumour properties, treatment and outcome. In addition, information on blood and tissue samples kept in decentralised biobanks is also stored in a centralised virtual biobank. This way, the information remains available for further research projects.

Participation in Switzerland now possible

SPOG has just opened this international study in Switzerland, where 15 to 20 children and young people develop neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma every year. All of them can – completely voluntarily and only with explicit consent – make their data and samples available for research purposes. The data collected is used to investigate these malignant cancers in more detail.

Hope for better treatment

The SIOPEN BIOPORTAL study is a significant step towards the collective advancement of new insights into neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma. It gives hope that better treatment options will be available in the future for affected children and young people.

Further information: SIOPEN BIOPORTAL