The 58th Annual Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP 2026) took place from September 15–18, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together the global pediatric oncology community for four days of scientific exchange, multidisciplinary discussion, and collaboration. The congress covered the full spectrum of childhood and adolescent cancer care, from basic and translational research to clinical practice, surgery, radiation oncology, nursing, supportive care, survivorship, and global oncology.
Among the major themes of this year’s program were advances in acute myeloid leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, Wilms tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, and other rare pediatric malignancies, alongside emerging approaches in molecular diagnostics, next-generation sequencing, precision medicine, and disease monitoring. Sessions also explored evolving radiotherapy strategies, new technologies and clinical trials, rehabilitation, fatigue and long-term effects of treatment, as well as psychosocial challenges faced by children, adolescents, young adults, and their families.
Beyond individual disease areas, SIOP 2026 placed considerable emphasis on early diagnosis and access to childhood cancer care worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Global pediatric oncology initiatives, essential medicines, health-system challenges, and international collaborations were also part of the conversation, reflecting the continued effort to reduce disparities in childhood cancer survival across different settings.
Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies also entered the discussion, including their potential applications in pediatric oncology nursing and diagnostics, while multidisciplinary sessions highlighted how advances in surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, supportive care, and psychosocial services increasingly need to be considered together rather than in isolation.
Alongside the scientific sessions, presentations and debates, SIOP 2026 generated an active conversation across social media, with attendees, institutions, professional societies, advocacy groups, and other organizations sharing research, collaborations, reflections, and moments from the congress.
The OncoDaily team has gathered some of the key highlights from SIOP 2026 that you should not miss.
International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP
“What a way to start.
Day 1 is buzzing with energy as the global paediatric oncology community comes together to learn, connect, and collaborate. From scientific advances to meaningful discussions on care and equity, we’re off to an inspiring start.”
International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP/X
Guillermo Chantada, Head of Outreach Program.Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona:
“Nothing better than meeting with Young SIOP people interested in retinoblastoma at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology.”
Guillermo Chantada/LinkedIn
Jennifer Kelly, Territory Business Manager, SpringWorks Therapeutics:
“What an incredible first day at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP 58th Annual Congress!
Proud to be here with the SpringWorks Therapeutics team alongside so many passionate healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates from around the world who are dedicated to advancing care for children and adolescents with cancer.
Grateful to be part of this team and this important conversation. Looking forward to what the rest of SIOP has in store!”
Jennifer Kelly/LinkedIn
Maria do Ceu Diniz Borborema, Pediatric Oncologist at IMIP:
“During the 58th Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP 2026), I was delighted to present our work on critical events identified using EVAT among pediatric oncology patients at IMIP.
This moment was made even more special by the presence of Dr. Asya Agulnik. Her leadership and contributions have been instrumental in advancing the early recognition of clinical deterioration in pediatric oncology.”
Maria do Ceu Diniz Borborema/LinkedIn
Ayire Adongo, Regional Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa, World Child Cancer:
“It was great to meet Morgan Livingston and her team from Kenya at SIOP 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Morgan Livingston for her generous support and mentorship of Child Life Specialists through World Child Cancer.
Her willingness to share her expertise and experience is contributing meaningfully to strengthening psychosocial care for children and families affected by childhood cancer.
I am equally grateful for her willingness to support the first MSc programme in Healthcare Play Therapy in Ghana, which is being introduced by the University of Ghana, School of Psychology, courtesy of AMGEN through World Child Cancer. This pioneering programme represents an important milestone for Ghana and the wider African region in advancing child-centred psychosocial care.
Thank you, Morgan, for your partnership, mentorship, and commitment to developing the next generation of professionals in this important field.
Together, we are making a difference in the lives of children and families.”
Ayire Adongo/LinkedIn
Farina Arreguin, Head of the Pediatric Oncology Service at CMN:
“Bridging the gap in cancer care for adolescents and young adults.
Transition of care is more than moving from pediatric to adult services—it’s about continuity, survivorship, empowerment, and ensuring every young person is prepared to thrive beyond cancer.”
Farina Arreguin/X
Lance Wiedower, Communications Manager, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:
“It’s moments like this week at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP Congress when I get to spend time with our global partners, friends and collaborators that I’m reminded how much I love my job, the people at St. Jude I work with and our global family I support.”
Roberto Campos Jeldres, Co-Chair SIOP GHN Traditional and Complementary Medicine Working Group, International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP:
“Yesterday was one of those moments that reminds me why international collaboration matters so much.
It was a genuine privilege to take part in the Young SIOP Education Day at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP 2026, sharing the session “Non-Pharm Strategies, Natural Health Products Used in Symptom Management – Theory to Practical Application.”
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share some of the work we have been developing in Chile, and to represent our teams, our institutions, and our country in an international space dedicated to improving the care and quality of life of children with cancer.
It was also a wonderful opportunity to share the session with Elena J. Ladas and Jenifer Matthews, colleagues whose work has contributed enormously to advancing integrative and supportive care in pediatric oncology.
For me, this is also about visibility and connection: ensuring that the experience, ideas, and work emerging from Latin America are part of the global conversation.
A small piece of Latin America on the global map, learning, contributing, building bridges, and showing that meaningful innovation can come from every part of the world.
Grateful for the opportunity, for the people we met, and for everything that still lies ahead.”
Roberto Campos Jeldres/LinkedIn
Donjeta Bali (Alia), Professor of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine of Tirana:
“SIOP congresses are more than a place to learn and exchange experiences; it’s where connections grow, networks are strengthened, and new collaborations begin.
A real pleasure to finally meet Emma Tadevosyan, the Leuko’26 Coordinator, in person…
Exciting new projects ahead! ”
Donjeta Bali (Alia)/LinekdIn
International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP:
“Welcome to Day 2 of the SIOP Congress 2026!
The day starts with parallel “Working Group” sessions, followed by the CCI and Nursing Opening sessions. Don’t miss a moment, follow the live discussions on our official social media channels, check out the discussion wall, and keep learning throughout the day.”
International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP/LinkedIn
Luke Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, World Child Cancer:
“I would like to share a reflection on our symposium with Amgen at this year’s International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP global conference.
The topic of the session was effective collaboration, and was intended as a bit of a ‘look behind the curtain’ at how two seemingly wildly different organisations have managed to build a transformative collaboration that is so impactful.
Amgen is a large and successful biotech company, and World Child Cancer is a relatively small but impactful INGO working in countries where Amgen has no presence. It would be easy for either of us to be overwhelmed by the potential power and resource imbalance.
But we’re not.
The reason for that is that right from the start we both asked the question: ‘What do children with cancer need that they are not currently getting, and how could we change that by working together?’
What has followed since 2023 is probably the most positive and impactful corporate/INGO relationship I have ever been part of. We’re only halfway through our planned programme, and we’re already seeing significant improvements in the healthcare systems, quality of care, healthcare workforce, and survival rates.
This doesn’t happen by accident.
We are able to explore opportunities together, share expertise and insights (not just money), be open about red lines or challenges when they arise, and be flexible about what needs to be done because we have a shared strategic objective and values.
This is because the Amgen team Sean Lybrand, Philip Anderson, Jon Hicks, and the senior leadership) have taken the time to get to know the work, the local teams, and the organisations we work alongside. And World Child Cancer has recognised that Amgen brings way more than just money to the table.
We both know what we are good at, and where we carry each other.
That, for me, is what transformative collaboration looks like.”
Luke Thomas/LinkedIn
Chalinee Monsereenusorn, Professor at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine:
“Congratulations, Chane Choed-Amphai, on receiving the Young SIOP Asia Rising Star Award 2026 from Young SIOP and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP. This honor recognizes early-career professionals making meaningful contributions to pediatric cancer care, research, and advocacy across the Asia-Pacific region.
There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a younger colleague grow, find their own path, and make a meaningful contribution to pediatric oncology. Your dedication to building sustainable BMT and cellular therapy services, and expanding access to CAR-T therapy and precision oncology in Northern Thailand, is truly inspiring.
I am also deeply grateful to Prof. Samart for his vision and unwavering support in helping ThaiPOG connect and grow internationally, and to Prof. Pimlak, who has been such a wonderful mentor to both me and the younger generation. Your guidance and support have made this journey possible in so many ways.
As mentors, we may open doors and offer support and guidance, but it is the next generation who walks through those doors and creates lasting change.
I hope we can continue to learn from one another and work together to take ThaiPOG to new heights — for children across Thailand, Asia, and beyond.”
Chalinee Monsereenusorn/LinkedIn
Lamia Barakat, Director of Psychosocial Services and Behavioral Oncology Research, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine:
“Thanks to Janet Deatrick for presenting our Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cancer Center efforts to develop an intervention to support the quality of life of caregivers of young adult survivors of brain tumors at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP congress! Thanks to all the team members and caregiver advisors for their contributions to this work.
Let’s keep the conversation going on how survivor quality of life is connected to caregiving demands, family management, and family functioning. When we support caregivers, we support everyone in the family.”
Lamia Barakat/LinkedIn
Guillermo Chantada, Head of Outreach Program.Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona:
“A new phase of the Programa TELEO was launched at the SIOP 2026 congress.
After many years of work in Latin America at the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, we extend our program to SIOP AFRICA and Papua New Guinea!
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center global program will also be our new partner, with support from the Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
We thank the support of Sanofi Foundation. A new and exciting era is coming for continuous professional education in pediatric oncology!”
Guillermo Chantada/LinkedIn
Roberto Campos Jeldres, Co-Chair SIOP GHN Traditional and Complementary Medicine Working Group, International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP:
“Having the opportunity to be here is a privilege. Having a second opportunity to contribute is an honor.
Today at SIOP 2026 in San Antonio, I had the chance to participate in the Meet the Expert session on “Non-Pharmacological Approach for Palliative Pain Control: What Is the Evidence?”
These spaces are much more than scientific meetings. They remind us of the importance of sharing experiences, questioning our current practices, learning from colleagues from different realities, and building together the next steps for the global development of pediatric palliative care and total pain management.
Pain is never only physical. Addressing total pain means recognizing the physical, emotional, social, and existential dimensions of suffering—and integrating evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies around what matters most to each child and family.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this conversation, to represent the work being developed in Chile and Latin America, and to continue learning alongside colleagues committed to making pediatric palliative care more accessible, comprehensive, and humane worldwide.
There is still much to do, but every shared experience, every collaboration, and every new connection helps us move forward.”
Roberto Campos Jeldres/LinkedIn
Dario Teplisky, Attending Pediatric Radiologist at the Pediatric Interventional Radiology Department, Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Pediatric Hospital:
“Today I had the opportunity to present at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP 2026 in San Antonio on the role of interventional radiology in pediatric oncology.
The session brought together colleagues from clinical oncology, surgery, and others and generated an excellent discussion around how minimally invasive image-guided procedures can contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of children with cancer.
One of the most valuable aspects of SIOP is its multidisciplinary and international perspective. Integrating interventional radiology more closely into pediatric oncology teams can expand therapeutic options, reduce invasiveness, and improve the overall care pathway for selected patients.
Grateful to SIOP and Gloria Gonzalez, MD, FACS, for the invitation, and to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.”
Dario Teplisky/LinkedIn
Elena J. Ladas, Columbia University Irving Medical Center Director:
“What an inspiring week at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas! Once again, SIOP brought together disciplines from around the globe to discuss advances in childhood cancer care.
It’s also a chance to strengthen collaborations. I was delighted to meet with Bhabnath Kumar J. of the Ramesh Gupta Memorial Trust, who has been tirelessly advancing care for children with cancer in Nepal. Together with IIPAN, we’re joining forces to bring Food4Health to life in Nepal.
The meeting also elevated voices from around the world. Trish Scanlan of TLM in Dar es Salaam, Africa, shared thought-provoking reflections on delivering care in resource-limited settings: the problems clinicians face may be similar everywhere, but access to solutions differs widely. Partnerships like IIPAN and TLM show how change happens. It really takes a village to advance all aspects of care.
A huge congratulations to the organizers who formed a fabulous meeting. We look forward to Sydney, Australia in 2027.”
Elena J. Ladas/LinkedIn
SIOP 2026 once again highlighted how rapidly pediatric oncology is evolving, while also underscoring the importance of collaboration, equitable access to care, and continued investment in research for children and adolescents with cancer.
From new scientific findings to conversations shaping the future of childhood cancer care, the congress offered a broad look at both the progress already being made and the challenges that remain.
As the pediatric oncology community looks ahead, the discussions and collaborations that began in San Antonio will continue well beyond the congress.
Read further on OncoDaily: Highlights from WCLC 2026
