The Neurosurgery Group was initiated in June 2014, at the SIOP-E BTG meeting in Singapore.
The Neurosurgery Group is one of the discipline groups within the SIOP-E BTG. The goal of the Group is to improve the care for children with tumours of the central nervous system. The vision is that the Group will lead in the development of neurosurgical protocols, research and education. The Group provides a platform for paediatric neurosurgeons to discuss common surgical issues arising out of different disease protocols. Where required, the Group will identify neurosurgeons to participate in the working groups and trial groups. In addition, these working groups & trial leads can consult the Group for advice at any time.
The group meets once a year. It is open to paediatric neurosurgeons with a specialist interest in neuro-oncological research. As with the other SIOP-E BTG groups, applications for membership should be directed to the Lead and supported by 2 referees from the Group. The Neurosurgery Group chair updates SIOP-E BTG and the ESPN about the work of the group. The Neurosurgery Group members who participate in protocol groups report back to the neurosurgery group.
The Group’s initial work-streams are focused on the SIOP-E BTG protocols – with the aim to develop a standardized neurosurgical report form for all protocols, the standardization of definitions for surgical resection and standardization of guidelines on tissue collection and storage.
Furthermore the Group represents a network for collaborative work including multi-centre studies and data sharing. Current projects are:
- Congenital Brain Tumours & Tumours in Infancy: Incidence, pathology, biological profiling, ethnic variation, location, therapeutic management (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy), PFS, OS will be looked into at a European level. A number of colleagues from several countries had shown willingness to be involved. Lead: Guirish Solanki
- Effect of central surgical review on the percentage of total resections in ependymoma and complication rate: Does central surgical panel review increase the percentage of resection in ependymoma and what is the complication rate associated with any perceived changes. Lead: Marie-Lise Van Veelen
- Proteomic characterization of cystic craniopharyngioma: Proteins and peptides characterization and the evaluation of the protein distribution is proposed to evaluate an inflammatory aetiology. A proposal for a research study is nearing completion. Lead: Benedetta Pettorini
- Tumour residue reported by the surgeon but not visible on post-op MRI: Does it impact on survival? Lead: Marie-Lise Van Veelen
- Is there a relationship between posterior fossa syndrome (mutism) to intended radical vs subtotal resection? Lead: Conor Malluci