Professional Development Working Group
This working group is assuming responsibility to areas of professional training and development in the specialist area of paediatric haematology and oncology (PHO). This includes the review, revision and further development of the curriculum for PHO training in Switzerland.
Solid and rare Tumor Working Group
Solid tumors in childhood and adolescents comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors (outside CNS), that account for approximately 30% of newly diagnosed malignancies in this patient group. The most common entities are embryonal tumors, like neuroblastoma and nephroblastoma, but also germ cell tumors, Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and a variety of other, more rare tumors, belong to this group.
Cancer Predispositions Working Group
The Cancer Predispositions Working Group within the SSPHO addresses heritable conditions elevating cancer risk in childhood and adolescence. Despite over 40 identified predispositions, awareness and tailored care are lacking for the approximately 10% of children affected.
Cellular Therapy Working Group
The Cellular Therapy Working Group (CTWG) within the SSPHO focuses on cellular therapies like stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy, and gene therapy. Goals include harmonizing care standards, cell collection, monitoring, and fostering collaboration among Swiss centers for innovative research and education.
Hematological Malignancies Working Group
The Hematological Malignancies Working Group within the SSPHO focuses on pediatric leukemia and lymphoma, the most common childhood cancers. While substantial progress has been made, challenges persist in high-risk subgroups due to molecular heterogeneity.
Neuro-Oncology Working Group
Childhood and adolescent central nervous system (CNS) tumors, constituting 25% of new childhood cancer diagnoses, exhibit heterogeneity. Advances in molecular diagnostics, reflected in the 2021 WHO classification, offer additional treatment options. A multidisciplinary team is vital for effective management due to the high mortality and morbidity in this age group, despite improving survival rates.
Sarcoma Working Group
We strive to enhance Swiss sarcoma care for childhood and adolescent cancer patients with soft tissue or bone sarcomas. Our initiatives include a national advisory forum, participation in international studies, research support, and collaborative follow-up care efforts.
Survivorship and Long-Term Follow-up Care Working Group
The Long-Term Follow-up Care Working Group operates within the SSPHO. Survivorship, a crucial aspect of cancer care, spans various domains, necessitating harmonization across centers for improved consistency and collaboration.
Young SSPHO Working Group
Young SSPHO is a working group within the SSPHO, that represents junior members in paediatric haematology and oncology. It aims to enhance community bonds, engage members in professional society activities, and address issues like clinical training and scientific collaboration, contributing to future PHO leadership in Switzerland.
General Rules
Membership:
All ordinary and extraordinary SSPHO members can participate as a member of a Working Group. Preferably, each Swiss paediatric haematology oncology center should be represented as well as Young Investigators. Also, representatives from related disciplines like surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology, rehabilitation, nursing, and patient representatives should be involved. Importantly, working group members are obliged to actively participate in the group.
Meetings:
Meetings with all working group members will take place approximately every 3 months, either in person or online tool. The Chair and Vice-Chair are responsible for working group meetings. Additional meetings can be scheduled for sub-groups or projects within the working groups, where only selected members are involved.