Leading Highlights from SIOP Europe 2025

From engaging scientific presentations to heartfelt survivor sessions and powerful networking moments, the 6th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP Europe 2025) in Budapest brought the pediatric oncology community together to move the field forward.”

Here’s a look back through the voices of those who were there:

Opening Reflections by SIOPE President
Uta Dirksen

“It’s truly special to be here in Budapest for the 6th SIOP Europe Annual Meeting, surrounded by colleagues, friends, and fellow changemakers in the paediatric oncology community.

As President of SIOP Europe, I feel immense pride—and even more gratitude—for the dedication and passion each of you brings to this field. This meeting isn’t just a scientific conference; it’s a living reflection of our shared mission: to ensure every child and young person with cancer has access to the best possible care, and the brightest possible future.

Over the coming days, we’ll engage in rich discussions, celebrate progress, and challenge ourselves to do even more—for our patients, for their families, and for each other. I’m especially inspired by the strong presence of survivors and parents here this week—your voices remind us why we do what we do.

Thank you all for being part of this journey. Let’s make this a week to remember.”

Rutger Jan (R.A.J.) Nievelstein

“Today we had a very successful and inspiring Imaging Working Group open session on ‘Current Controversies in Paediatric Lymphoma Imaging’ at SIOPEurope2025 in a fully packed room! A big thanks to our excellent speakers Annemieke Littooij, Véronique Minard-Colin, Pınar Kıratlı and to my co-moderator Lise Borgwardt. And thank you to the attendees and speakers for the lively and in-depth discussions.

Main conclusion: radiological and nuclear medicine imaging is playing a very important role in staging and response assessment but several controversies still need to be addressed. For this, international multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration will be essential.”

Carla Aguilera

“It’s been a real pleasure to attend the SIOPE Annual Meeting 2025 today—so energizing to connect with colleagues who share the same passion.

The Neuroblastoma sessions were particularly inspiring, sparking valuable conversations and new ideas to take back to our work.

Being part of the SIOPEN Research Network reminds me how powerful shared knowledge and collaboration can be in driving meaningful change.”

Anna Cvrtak

“It was an honor to present my research in pediatric AML at SIOP Europe 2025 in Budapest.”

Karen Dowling

“The power in being around your peers
The interactive Survivors session this morning.”

Evangelia Antoniou

“Proud and grateful to present my research at the SIOP Europe, the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) 2025 Congress in Budapest! 

I had the honor of sharing my work on remission criteria (morphology and pCR based MRD) in pediatric AML patients. It was a fantastic opportunity to exchange insights with leading professionals from around the world.

Additionally, we had the luck to meet with alumni of the SIOPE master class course and reconnected with colleagues in pediatric oncology—who have now become a SIOPE ‘family’. So lucky to be part of such a supportive community!

Such experiences bring inspiration to continue working diligently on advancements in medicine and to explore new possibilities.

Looking forward to a future of progress and collaboration!”

Luc Ollivier

“SIOP Europe, the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) 2025 – Budapest HUNGEXPO – Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre

Honored to speak about one of the most difficult questions in pediatric cancer care:

Should we use radiotherapy to treat children whose DNA makes them more likely to develop new cancers because of that treatment?

A true medical and ethical challenge.

I presented strategies and perspectives based on our article published in The Lancet Group Oncology.

Grateful for the discussions and shared commitment to safer and smarter care for our patients.”

Daniela Di Carlo

“Thank you to the great members of Young SIOPE Steering Committe for this Annual Meeting in Budapest!”

Jan-Henning Klusmann

“Heading home after two intense and inspiring days at SIOPE 2025 in Budapest!

I had the pleasure of presenting results from our ML-DS 2018 trial, a prospective phase III study on CPX-351 and MRD-guided therapy in children with myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome. Grateful for the thoughtful discussions and growing interest in biology-adapted treatment strategies for this vulnerable group.

Also proud to see colleagues from Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt Goethe University Frankfurt contributing key insights:

• Peter Bader shared results from the FORUM 2 trial, advancing frontline therapy for children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Thomas Lehrnbecher gave a comprehensive update on fungal infections in pediatric oncology – from prophylaxis to novel antifungals

A big thank you to the SIOPE team for organizing such a valuable meeting — a fantastic platform to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration across Europe.”

Dragana Stanić Tišma

“Just returned from an incredibly inspiring and enriching experience at SIOP Europe 2025!

It was a privilege to join passionate colleagues and global experts in advancing pediatric oncology care, and especially to be part of the Radiation Oncology Working Group sessions, where the spirit of collaboration and innovation truly shone.

As a Radiation Oncologist, I’m proud to contribute to a field that is constantly evolving—pushing boundaries to improve outcomes, reduce toxicity, and personalize treatments for our youngest and most vulnerable patients.

What stood out most to me during these sessions was the shared commitment to harmonizing protocols across Europe, integrating new technologies and data, and ensuring equal access to radiotherapy for all children, regardless of where they are treated.

Leaving Budapest energized by the progress we’ve made and the work ahead of us. I’m grateful to be part of a community where science, empathy, and determination go hand in hand.”

Uta Dirksen

“The SIOP Europe, the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) 2025 Networking Dinner was again a fantastic opportunity to connect with passionate professionals dedicated to advancing the field of pediatric oncology.

This gathering provided an informal yet meaningful setting to foster collaborations, exchange innovative ideas, and discuss the latest advancements in research and treatments for childhood cancer. This self-funded approach highlights the commitment of those in attendance to the cause and underscores the collective drive to support each other in our mission for better outcomes in pediatric cancer care.

A heartfelt thank you to all who attended, and to the SIOPE team for organizing this vital gathering. The connections made here will undoubtedly continue to drive innovation and progress for years to come. 

Let’s continue to work together to bring hope, care, and solutions to children and families affected by cancer.”

SIOP Europe Official Account

“It’s a wrap! 

As we’re officially concluding another beautiful edition of SIOPEurope2025, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the participants, speakers and sponsors. A special thank you to our partners at Childhood Cancer International – Europe for their close collaboration in making this event a success.

Each and every one of you has contributed to making this edition iconic!

Thank you for choosing to join us, and for contributing to building a brighter future for children and adolescents with cancer.

See you all next year in Glasgow!”

Next stop: Glasgow 2026!
Let’s carry the momentum forward and continue pushing the boundaries of pediatric oncology, together.

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Written by Md Foorquan Hashmi, MD, Sr. Editor, OncoDaily: India Bureau