Pediatric Oncology and Cancer Care

Childhood leukaemia and lymphoma are the most common types of paediatric cancers, affecting thousands of children worldwide every year. This session will explore the latest advancements in research, diagnosis, and treatment for these malignancies, while addressing the challenges of managing these conditions in paediatric patients.

Key Focus Areas:

• Biology
• Therapies
• Personalized Medicine
• Diagnostics
• Survivorship
• Global Disparities

Pediatric brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors represent a significant challenge in pediatric oncology, with over 4,000 new cases diagnosed annually worldwide. These tumors account for a substantial proportion of cancer-related deaths in children, underscoring the need for continued advancements in research, treatment, and supportive care.

This session will focus on the latest developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of pediatric brain and CNS tumors. It will also address the critical importance of survivorship care for children undergoing treatment for these conditions.

Key Focus Areas:

• Tumor Types
• Genetic and Molecular Advances
• Treatment Modalities
• Personalized Treatment Approaches
• Diagnostic Advancements
• Long-term Care and Survivorship
• Global Perspectives

The integration of cancer genomics and biomarkers into pediatric oncology has revolutionized how we understand, diagnose, and treat pediatric cancers. With advances in technology and precision medicine, we now have the ability to target treatments more effectively and identify high-risk patients early. This session will highlight the key role genomics and biomarkers play in transforming pediatric cancer care.

Key Focus Areas:

•  Genomic Landscape of Pediatric Cancer
•  Role of Biomarkers in Early Diagnosis
•  Precision Medicine in Pediatric Oncology
•  Innovative Therapies and Targeted Drugs
•  Biomarkers for Prognosis and Treatment Response
•  Genomic Data and Clinical Trials

This session will explore the vital role of psychosocial care in improving the quality of life for paediatric cancer patients and their families. Cancer in children is not just a physical illness but a profound emotional and psychological challenge that impacts the entire family. The session aims to address the mental health, emotional resilience, and social support systems needed to navigate the journey of paediatric cancer care.

Key Focus Areas:

• Mental health support for pediatric cancer patients.
• Emotional and psychological support for families.
• Multidisciplinary approach to psychosocial care.
• Educational support and social reintegration for children.
• End-of-life care and bereavement support for families.

This session will delve into the latest advancements and techniques in paediatric cancer surgery. Innovations in surgical methods are transforming how paediatric oncologists approach the treatment of children with cancer, focusing on improving outcomes, reducing recovery times, and enhancing the quality of life for young patients.

Key Focus Areas:

• Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
• Precision and Targeted Surgery
• Surgical Reconstruction and Restoration
• Immunotherapy and Surgery Synergy
• Intraoperative Imaging and Navigation

The journey of a child diagnosed with cancer doesn’t end with remission; it continues as survivors face unique long-term challenges. Advances in treatment have significantly improved survival rates for paediatric cancer, but ensuring a healthy, fulfilling life after treatment is equally important. This session will explore the complexities of survivorship and the ongoing care required to address the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of childhood cancer survivors.

Key Focus Areas:

• Late Effects of Treatment
• Psychosocial and Emotional Impact
• Survivorship Care Plans
• Transitioning to Adult Care
• Reintegration into Education and Social Life

Paediatric oncology nursing and palliative care play a critical role in improving the quality of life for children with cancer. Nurses and healthcare providers involved in palliative care focus on symptom management, pain relief, and psychosocial support for both the child and their family, ensuring that the patient's comfort and dignity are preserved throughout their journey. This session will explore the essential role of nurses and palliative care specialists in paediatric oncology and discuss strategies for providing holistic, compassionate care to children with cancer.

Key Focus Areas:

• Role of Paediatric Oncology Nurses
• Integrating Palliative Care
• Symptom Management
• Family-Cantered Care
• Psychological Support
• Advanced Care Planning

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a critical therapeutic option for children with various haematological and oncological conditions. It offers hope for curing cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma and treating disorders like sickle cell anomia and immune deficiencies. However, HSCT presents unique challenges, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infections, and long-term complications. This session will explore the current state of HSCT in pediatric patients, focusing on advancements, challenges, and strategies to improve outcomes for young patients.

Key Focus Areas:

• HSCT Indications in Pediatrics
• Advancements in HSCT Techniques
• Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)
• Infection Control and Prophylaxis
• Post-Transplant Care

Innovative drug delivery systems are transforming pediatric cancer treatment by improving drug efficacy, reducing side effects, and enhancing patient outcomes. Traditional chemotherapy often affects healthy cells, leading to significant side effects, but novel drug delivery methods aim to target cancer cells more precisely. This session will explore the cutting-edge technologies in drug delivery systems, focusing on how they can be optimized for the unique needs of pediatric patients with cancer.

Key Focus Areas:

• Novel Drug Delivery Systems
• Targeted Drug Delivery
• Drug Delivery for CNS Tumors
• Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier
• Personalized Medicine in Drug Delivery
• Combination Therapies

Clinical trials are essential for developing new and improved treatments for pediatric cancers. With many cancers affecting children differently than adults, research and trials specifically focused on pediatric oncology are critical. This session will explore the latest advancements in pediatric oncology clinical trials, emphasizing the importance of innovative research, regulatory challenges, and the role of patient participation in advancing treatments that will lead to better outcomes for children battling cancer.

Key Focus Areas:

• Pediatric-Specific Clinical Trials
• Emerging Treatments from Trials
• Regulatory Challenges in Pediatric Oncology Trials
• Global Collaborative Research
• Patient and Family Advocacy in Trials

The prevention and early detection of pediatric cancers are crucial in improving survival rates and reducing the impact of cancer on young patients. Early diagnosis leads to better treatment outcomes, while prevention strategies can help reduce the incidence of certain cancers. This session will focus on the latest advances in the early detection of pediatric cancers, explore preventive measures, and discuss how to implement these strategies in clinical practice.

Key Focus Areas:

• Risk Factors and Prevention
• Screening for Early Detection
• Genetic Screening and Counseling
• Development of Early Diagnostic Tools
• Personalized Prevention Plans

Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are revolutionizing the field of pediatric oncology by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment plans, and improving patient outcomes. These technologies enable the processing and analysis of vast amounts of data, which can help clinicians identify patterns, predict treatment responses, and make informed decisions. This session will explore how AI and big data are being integrated into pediatric cancer care and the future potential of these technologies.

Key Focus Areas:

• AI in Early Diagnosis
• Big Data for Personalized Treatment
• Predictive Analytics in Treatment Response
• AI in Drug Discovery

Immuno-oncology represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, leveraging the body's own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. In pediatric oncology, immunotherapy offers promising new treatments for childhood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors. This session will explore the latest advancements in pediatric immuno-oncology, the mechanisms of immune-based therapies, and the challenges of applying these therapies in younger patients.

Key Focus Areas:

• Overview of Pediatric Immuno-Oncology
• Types of Immunotherapy
• CAR-T Cell Therapy in Pediatrics
• Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Evasion

Pediatric cancer epidemiology involves studying the patterns, causes, and effects of cancer in children. While survival rates have improved in many parts of the world, pediatric cancers remain a leading cause of death among children globally. Addressing the epidemiological trends, risk factors, and disparities in care is essential to improve outcomes and reduce the global burden of pediatric cancers. This session will explore the latest findings in pediatric cancer epidemiology, highlight global challenges, and discuss strategies to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Key Focus Areas:

• Global Incidence and Mortality Rates
• Risk Factors for Pediatric Cancers
• Regional Disparities in Cancer Care
• Cancer Registries and Data Collection

Rare pediatric cancers, though less common, pose significant challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and research. These cancers often lack established treatment protocols, and their rarity makes them less prioritized in clinical trials. However, advances in molecular biology, genomics, and targeted therapies are opening new possibilities for treating these conditions. This session will explore the landscape of rare pediatric cancers, discuss the latest novel therapies, and highlight strategies to improve outcomes for these young patients.

Key Focus Areas:

• Overview of Rare Pediatric Cancers
• Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
• Molecular and Genetic Basis
• Novel Therapies for Rare Cancers

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment for many pediatric cancers, especially for solid tumors and certain hematologic malignancies. Advances in radiotherapy techniques have dramatically improved treatment outcomes while minimizing the risk of side effects, which are crucial in young patients due to their developing bodies. This session will explore the latest innovations in pediatric radiotherapy, focusing on precision techniques, new technologies, and strategies to reduce long-term complications for young cancer survivors.

Key Focus Areas:

• Precision Radiotherapy
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Proton Therapy in Pediatrics
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery and SBRT

Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting pediatric cancer patients through treatment and recovery. Many children undergoing cancer treatment face nutritional challenges due to treatment-related side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty swallowing. Additionally, metabolic changes caused by the cancer or treatment itself may require specialized nutritional and metabolic management. This session will explore the importance of nutritional support in pediatric oncology, strategies to manage metabolic alterations, and how nutrition can improve outcomes and quality of life for young patients.

Key Focus Areas:

• Role of Nutrition in Pediatric Cancer Treatment
• Nutritional Challenges During Cancer Treatment
• Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring
• Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition

Pediatric cancer research and treatment involve a unique set of ethical challenges, as children are particularly vulnerable and dependent on caregivers and healthcare professionals for decision-making. Ethical considerations must balance the potential benefits of experimental therapies with the risks involved, ensuring that the best interests of the child are always prioritized. This session will explore the ethical issues in pediatric cancer treatment, including informed consent, access to experimental treatments, and the importance of family involvement in decision-making processes.

Key Focus Areas:

• Informed Consent and Assent in Pediatrics
• Ethical Considerations in Clinical Trials
• Balancing Risk and Benefit in Pediatric Treatment
• Parental Decision-Making and Autonomy

Pain management is a critical aspect of pediatric cancer care, as children undergoing cancer treatments often experience significant pain from both the disease and the side effects of treatment. Effective pain management not only improves comfort but also enhances the overall quality of life and can play a vital role in treatment adherence. This session will focus on innovative approaches to managing pediatric cancer pain, exploring new strategies, multidisciplinary care models, and emerging therapies designed to address both acute and chronic pain in children with cancer.

Key Focus Areas:

• Understanding Pediatric Cancer Pain
• Pharmacological Pain Management Approaches
• Multidisciplinary Pain Management
• Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief Techniques

Telemedicine has become an increasingly valuable tool in pediatric oncology, especially in providing care to children who may live in remote or underserved areas. Through the use of digital platforms, telemedicine can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients, facilitating timely consultations, continuous monitoring, and even participation in clinical trials. This session will focus on the expanding role of telemedicine in pediatric cancer care, its benefits, challenges, and its potential to improve access to specialized care and enhance patient outcomes.

Key Focus Areas:

• Telemedicine in Routine Care and Follow-Up
• Improving Access to Specialized Pediatric Oncology Care
• Telemedicine in Clinical Trials and Research
• Multidisciplinary Telemedicine Approaches

Pediatric cancers, much like adult cancers, can harbor a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are responsible for tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and relapse. These CSCs are often resistant to conventional therapies, making them a significant challenge in treating pediatric cancers. Recent advances in understanding pediatric cancer stem cell biology have paved the way for the development of targeted therapies aimed at eradicating these resistant cells and improving long-term survival. This session will explore the biology of pediatric cancer stem cells, how they contribute to tumor resistance, and the development of novel targeted therapies designed to specifically target these cells.

Key Focus Areas:

• Pediatric Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics and Biology
• Molecular Pathways in Cancer Stem Cells
• Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Pediatrics

Pediatric cancer diagnosis and pathology present unique challenges due to the rarity and complexity of childhood cancers. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for selecting the appropriate treatment regimen and improving survival outcomes. However, the symptoms of pediatric cancers often overlap with common childhood illnesses, delaying diagnosis. Additionally, the complexity of pediatric cancers, the rarity of certain types, and the lack of standardized diagnostic protocols make pathology a challenging field. This session will explore the key challenges in pediatric cancer diagnosis and pathology and discuss innovative strategies to overcome these barriers.

Key Focus Areas:

• Challenges in Early Detection of Pediatric Cancer
• Differential Diagnosis and Symptom Overlap
• Role of Pathology in Pediatric Cancer Diagnosis

Integrative oncology approaches for pediatric cancer care combine conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies to enhance the overall well-being of the child, improve quality of life, and potentially support cancer treatment efficacy. These approaches consider the whole child, integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of care. This session will explore the growing role of integrative oncology in pediatric cancer treatment, emphasizing the use of complementary therapies alongside standard medical treatments and focusing on their safety, efficacy, and benefits for pediatric patients.

Key Focus Areas:

• Principles of Integrative Oncology for Pediatrics
• Complementary Therapies in Pediatric Cancer Care
• Managing Pain and Symptoms with Integrative Therapies

Cancer vaccines are emerging as a promising approach to prevent and treat pediatric cancers by stimulating the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent infections, cancer vaccines aim to train the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells. This session will explore the latest developments in pediatric cancer vaccines, including novel strategies, clinical trial results, and the potential impact of immunotherapy on improving outcomes for pediatric cancer patients

Key Focus Areas:

• Concepts of Pediatric Cancer Vaccines
• Mechanisms of Immune Response in Cancer Vaccines
• Preventive Vaccines for Pediatric Cancers

Pediatric cancer care presents unique challenges worldwide, with disparities in access to diagnosis, treatment, and care based on geographic, economic, and social factors. In many low- and middle-income countries, children with cancer often face late diagnoses, limited access to treatment, and a lack of specialized healthcare infrastructure. This session will explore the global landscape of pediatric cancer care, highlighting the disparities in treatment access, examining international collaborations, and discussing strategies to improve care and outcomes for children with cancer worldwide..

Key Focus Areas:

• Disparities in Pediatric Cancer Care Worldwide
• Challenges in Low-Resource Settings
• Late Diagnosis and Early Detection Initiatives