Hematological Malignancies Working Group

8 Jan

**Dr. med. Francesco Ceppi, Lausanne**
*Chair Lymphoma*

**Dr. med. Mutlu Kartal, Bern**
*Vice Chair*

Background

The Haematological Malignancies Working Group is a formal working group (WG) within the Swiss Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SSPHO).

Paediatric leukaemia and lymphoma is the most common form of childhood cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.

Tremendous progress has been made in increasing survival for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the last few decades; however, progress has been slower for certain high-risk subgroups of ALL, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and rarer types of lymphoma. This is in part since these entities are molecularly more heterogeneous with distinct clinical features and therapy responses.

Aims

Evaluate and establish new international treatment protocols and registries for pediatric leukemia and lymphoma patients.
Harmonize workflow of leukemia and lymphoma diagnostics as well as collection and storage of biological samples for research purposes (biobanking).
Maintain the regular national leukemia board, foster national participation and vivid case discussions.
Expand to a new meeting with a focus on integrative molecular diagnostics and personalized targeted therapy as well as phase I/ II studies (INFORM) to advance new therapeutic strategies for refractory and relapse patients.
Collaborate with international trial groups like AIEOP-BFM, NOPHO, ITCC, MyeChild and Interfant. Represent Switzerland in the international environment.
Maintain collaborative national research and establish strong Swiss research internationally.
Support follow-up care with special expertise through interdisciplinary efforts (e.g., bone health after leukemia treatment protocols). Collaborate closely with the Survivorship and Long-Term Follow-up Care Working Group
Motivate and include younger colleagues to participate in the working group.

Recent Milestones

Overview clinical trial activities leukemia & lymphoma
Discussion Interim Guidelines AIEOP-BFM ALL 2025 for Switzerland
New National Leukemia and Lymphoma Board – joint effort Zurich and Lausanne.

Summary 2025

21 boards
149 leukemia cases, 25 lymphoma cases including initial diagnosis, relapse, toxicity, response assessment, treatment strategy
5 referrals to FEDRRAL
Participants include oncologists and transplanters of all centers (variable attendance), oncology lab, hematology lab, CRC

Agenda 2026