The annual Scientific Meeting of the Swiss Paediatric Oncology Group (SPOG) and the Swiss Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (SSPHO) took place on 2 and 3 June 2023 in the Auditorium Rossi at Inselspital Berne.
The Scientific Meeting is an annual meeting for people in the SPOG and SSPHO network and from the field of paediatric oncology and haematology to discuss the latest research findings and developments, network and promote collaboration.
This year, the two-day programme covered a range of presentations on a large number of topics, including basic research, haematology, survivorship and psychosocial aspects of cancer care. The presentations by internationally recognised experts such as Prof. Günter Henze from Berlin and Prof. Roderick Skinner from Newcastle, who are examining current and emerging approaches to treating acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) and managing long-term effects, were of particular note.
The presentations this year covered a broad spectrum, from investigating new treatment approaches, to researching psychosocial aspects of cancer management, to the challenges for survivors and long-term care. Notable research activities and work were presented, including a look at the needs and quality of life of Ukrainian children with cancer in the context of the Ukrainian-Russian war and the associated migration flow into Switzerland, presented by Rahel Kasteler from Aarau, one of the winners of the SPOG Young Investigator (YI) Grants 2022. To close the meeting, Dr. André von Buren from Geneva, a Member of the SPOG Board of Directors, presented a retrospective analysis of improved neurological symptoms following re-irradiation in patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). These examples demonstrate the range of different topics discussed during the SPOG SSPHO Scientific Meeting 2023.
The meeting is a valuable annual opportunity for experts in paediatric oncology and haematology to network with colleagues, discuss common challenges and find solutions.
We are already looking forward to a fascinating SPOG SSPHO Scientific Meeting 2024 and to seeing you again next year in Berne.
