Loizos G. Loizou: Dr. Shushan Hovsepyan Highlights Armenia’s Successes in Pediatric Cancer Care
Loizos G. Loizou, SIOP Europe Ambassador for Children with Cancer, Professor at Medical School of University of Nicosia, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Dear friends,
Following the highly successful Inaugural International Convention of Experts on Childhood Cancer (13–14 February 2025), we are now carefully reviewing the powerful presentations from our distinguished guests representing 26 countries.
As part of the Cyprus International Action Plan for Childhood Cancer (Cy-IAPCC), our aim is to better understand global challenges, so we can offer more effective support where it’s needed most.
We are pleased to share with you these informative, educational, and deeply inspiring presentations, which continue to guide our efforts to reduce disparities and improve care for children with cancer worldwide.
Today, I present Dr. Shushan Hovsepyan who delivered an outstanding presentation, both in substance and in delivery!
With clarity, passion, and expertise, she took us through Armenia’s inspiring journey in pediatric oncology.
Her talk was not only rich in content and concrete achievements, but also deeply human, showing how vision, collaboration, and determination can overcome major obstacles.
A truly compelling presentation that combined scientific depth, strategic thinking, and emotional impact, leaving us all informed and inspired.
A summary with the key points of her presentation:
– Improving Pediatric Oncology in Armenia: A Story of Determination and Progress
– Despite Armenia’s small size and many healthcare challenges, impressive progress has been made in pediatric oncology.
Key Achievements:
- From 0% to 75% Survival: Introduction of German leukemia protocols drastically improved outcomes.
- National Center Creation: Unified pediatric oncology units in 2019 to form the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Center of Armenia.
- Free Access to Care: The City of Smiles Foundation covers 100% of treatment costs for patients aged 0–25.
- Specialist Training: Armenia now leads nationally in pediatric oncology fellow training.
- Data and Registries: 25+ years of data digitized; national pediatric cancer registry established.
- Translated Clinical Guidelines: All treatment guidelines translated for doctors, patients & families.
- Multidisciplinary Teams: Daily case discussions with international experts.
- Bone Marrow Transplantation: Established local unit; even treated a patient from Guyana.
- Palliative Care Unit: Created a 5-bed unit with essential equipment and support.
- First Clinical Trial: Multicenter osteosarcoma trial across 27 countries now underway.
- Comprehensive Services: Includes psychosocial support, survivorship clinics, AYA care, rehab, immunology & genetic counseling.
Ongoing Challenges:
- Limited access to high-cost medicines and immunotherapies
- Need for more clinical trials in the region
Inspiring Initiatives:
- Global Oncothon (Feb 15), 24-hour worldwide telethon for pediatric cancer research. Supported by celebrities like Richard Gere and Lionel Messi.
- Even small countries can achieve big change with collaboration, vision, and commitment.
- Armenia’s experience is a beacon of hope for LMICs around the world.”
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