News from the SIOPE Brain Tumour Group

22/04/2024

It’s a unique pleasure to share some of the activities from the SIOPE Brain Tumour Group (BTG).

Since over ten years, by the initial legacy of the neurosurgeon Guirish Solanki, the SIOPE BTG Pediatric Neuro-oncology Course has been representing the first and only educational program in Europe, dedicated to the multidisciplinary and comprehensive care of children with a central nervous system (CNS) tumour.

Built on a 3-year modules agenda encompassing basic science as well as everyday clinical dilemmas, ranging from imaging, histo-molecular features, neurosurgical or radiotherapy techniques and use of biological agents, the course offers a prismatic view on various CNS tumour types.

Important aspects such as quality of life, long-term survival, psychological and communication abilities are integral part of the program with the aim to help trainees build a comprehensive paediatric neuro-oncology curriculum. To maximise interaction hands-on workshops and clinical case presentations have been included.

The last edition of the Course was held in Berlin in 2023, organised by the Charité neuro-oncology team, gathering 60 participants from 24 countries with an overall extremely positive feedback. One of the participants said "a wonderful opportunity for anyone entering the world of Neuro-oncology, to network and compare experiences, to meet and get to know even on informal occasions the world's leading experts on the topics covered. A course not to be missed and recommended for anyone interested in Paediatric Neuro-oncology”.

Cultural and social activities are guaranteed, allowing participants to enjoy the cultural and social environments. Last year in Berlin, cultural activities included a visit to the exclusive Virchow’s pathology collections including most CNS tumour types, followed by a dinner at the museum.

The next course (3rd year of 2nd edition) will be held on 20 - 22nd of November 2024 and hosted in Lisbon by Claudia Faria. On top of scientific sessions and workshops, best presenters from clinical cases and research presentations will be awarded. Social activities and a morning walk/run are planned.

We therefore encourage all interested people not to miss this amazing course dedicated to paediatric neuro-oncology, and look forward to seeing many of you there!

Authors: Enrico Opocher, Camilla Satragno, Christian Dorfer on behalf of the SIOPE-BTG Education & Training and Young Investigators and Innovators Group

 

Additionally, the SIOPE Brain Tumour Group participated in the World Health Worker Week campaign that took place from 7-13 of April 2024. SIOPE co-organized this campaign with ACCELERATE, by showcasing the remarkable work of SIOPE’s and ACCELERATE’s Working Groups and Clinical Trial Groups, all in light of #WorldHealthWorkerWeek. Read more about the campaign here or follow us on social media using the hashtag #SIOPExACCELERATE.