March - News & Upcoming Events
In this March issue, we are pleased to share key highlights from the first months of the year, including the results of the SSPHO Member Priorities Survey, as well as upcoming educational opportunities and events in pediatric hematology and oncology.
2026 so far – highlights & outlook
The first two months of 2026 have already set an active tone for the year. With the SPOG-SSPHO Scientific Meeting (read more here) and the SSPHO General Assembly in Lugano, as well as the SIOPE European Policy Dialogue on the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan for children and adolescents, the pediatric oncology community has demonstrated strong engagement at both national and European levels. For the upcoming months, SSPHO remains committed to fostering collaboration and innovation throughout the year.
📊 SSPHO Member Priorities Survey – key insights
The SSPHO Member Priorities Survey achieved full participation, with all General Assembly members contributing. The results clearly show where SSPHO is expected to have its key impact.
Members overwhelmingly identify Education & Professional Development (80%) as SSPHO’s core mission, emphasizing its role in building competence and setting professional standards. Working Groups (70%) are seen as the engine of expertise creation, producing tangible outputs such as collaboration, guidelines, consensus papers, and protocols. These areas form the strategic heart of the SSPHO.
Research & Innovation (40%) and Advocacy (35%) are valued as supporting functions, typically integrated within educational and working group activities. Community-building (15%) is regarded as a natural by-product.
Conclusion: Members give a clear mandate: a focus on education, professional development and working groups to maximize impact, with research and advocacy supporting these efforts.
Two-Tier Priority Structure
📅 Upcoming SSPHO Events in 2026
We encourage you to regularly consult the SSPHO Events Calendar to stay informed about educational and networking opportunities.
• Living Beyond Cancer: Survivorship & Late Effects Course — 6 - 7 March
This PanCare bi-annual online course addresses late physical and psychosocial effects of cancer treatment, associated risk factors, and practical strategies for discussing survivorship issues with patients. Participants benefit from an inter- and multidisciplinary European faculty and real-world clinical perspectives. Apply and learn more
• European Collaboration — 7th SIOP Europe Annual Meeting — 4 - 7 May
This meeting brings together the diverse stakeholders involved in facing key issues for children and adolescents with cancer. The interactive format facilitates cross-border exchange and collaboration.Apply and learn more
• SPOG 50th Anniversary Symposium — 5 June
A milestone symposium celebrating five decades of pediatric cancer care in Switzerland, emphasizing scientific progress, collaborative achievements, and future directions. Apply and learn more
• Specialty Symposia and Focused Meetings — June
Zurich Pediatric Transplant Symposium (19 June):
Focus on post‑transplant complications and PTLD.
Symposium on Drépanocytose (Sickle Cell Disease) (20 June):
Targeted discussion on care and management.
📌 Are you a SSPHO Working Group Chair?
We encourage you to share updates on ongoing projects, publications, leadership changes, or upcoming meetings for publication on the SSPHO websiteand in future newsletters. Strengthening visibility of working group activities enhances collaboration and transparency across the network.
Please also feel free to contact us if you require support with administrative matters or help organizing upcoming meetings. Contact us at 👉 info@sspho.ch.
🔗 Stay connected!
Follow SSPHO on LinkedIn for the latest news, events, and updates in pediatric hematology-oncology. Engaging on LinkedIn helps amplify our collective expertise and strengthen our professional community. Don’t miss out — connect with us today:Follow SSPHO on LinkedIn
PS: If you havenews to share for the SSPHO website, newsletter, or LinkedIn: get in touch with us at info@sspho.ch
