Working group on Paediatric Thrombosis & Haemostasis (THWG)
The Paediatric Thrombosis & Haemostasis Working Group (THWG) of Swiss Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology brings together clinicians and researchers to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of thrombotic and bleeding disorders in children. The group promotes paediatric-specific research, develops best-practice guidance, supports education and training, and builds national and international collaborations. Its long-term goal is to strengthen evidence-based care and outcomes for children with haemostasis disorders through coordinated research and shared expertise.
PHWG (Pediatric Hematology WG)
The Pediatric Hematology Working Group (PHWG) is focused on diagnostic methods and treatments for inherited bone marrow failure, acquired aplastic and dysplastic diseases, inherited disorders of haematopoiesis, and autoimmune cytopenia (for all lineages, i.e. hemoglobinopathies, thrombocytopenias etc.). PHWG members also help to train YI and trainees in different Swiss academic institutions.
Biobanking Working Group
The Biobanking Working Group is a formal working group within the Swiss Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (SSPHO). We aim to improve collection, storage, and analysis of samples of different origins in childhood cancer patients in Switzerland.
Adolescents and Young Adults
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients form a special and unique group among cancer patients. The specific challenges related to the care of AYA with cancer have increasingly been recognised over the last years. The challenges are complex and comprise many different aspects of diagnosis, treatment (e.g., place of care, treatment protocol, new agents), inclusion in clinical trials, but also the psychosocial and financial field. Sometimes treated in the adult oncology clinics, sometimes in the pediatric clinics, it has become clear, that traditional models of care do not match the unique needs of AYAs. A rethinking and implementation of alternative treatment models is urgently needed.
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 Investigator 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.