Advancing Childhood Cancer Survivorship Research in Lithuania
The SCARLET project (SCAling up early and late effects Research in Lithuanian childhood cancer survivors through Education and Twinning) seeks to strengthen research and innovation capacity at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (VULSK) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). By addressing critical gaps in data collection, care transitions, and innovative monitoring and prevention strategies, SCARLET aims to improve the quality of survival for childhood cancer survivors (CCS) in Lithuania. The project unites six institutions from five countries, fostering collaboration through secondments, educational events, and knowledge transfer meetings.
The October 2024 kick-off meeting in Vilnius brought together 30 specialists from partner institutions to outline the project’s objectives and planned activities. Discussions covered estimating the CCS population and analysing survival and morbidity data, strategies to address gaps in transitioning care for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) survivors, and targeted approaches for paediatric CNS tumour survivors, including neuropsychological and endocrinological support. Participants also explored innovative methods to manage early and late toxicities in solid tumours, such as addressing ototoxicity and fertility preservation. In addition to research priorities, capacity building in project management, administration, and communication was emphasized to ensure effective coordination and dissemination of results.
In March 2025, SIOPE looks forward to hosting VULSK and NCI at their offices for the first secondment of the project, marking a key step in strengthening collaboration and advancing research capacities.
SCARLET Partners:
- Vilniaus Universiteto Ligonine Santaros Klinikos (VULSK), Lithuania – Coordinator
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), Lithuania
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Germany
- Region Hovedstaden (REGIONH), Denmark
- Princess Máxima Centre (PMC), Netherlands
- European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE), Belgium
By strengthening research capacities and fostering collaboration, SCARLET aims to enhance the research profile and international visibility of VULSK and NCI, while contributing to the European oncology community. The project’s ultimate goal is to improve the quality of survival for CCS in Lithuania and beyond.
Read more about the project on the dedicated SIOPE webpage.
