The SIOP 2025 Congress – the 57th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – took place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from October 20 to 23, bringing together the global childhood cancer community to advance outcomes across every stage of paediatric oncology care. Hosted at RAI Amsterdam, the congress reaffirmed its role as a premier forum for precision medicine, multidisciplinary collaboration, and real-world implementation in paediatric cancer.
This year’s scientific program spanned solid tumours and haematologic malignancies, with sessions highlighting progress in molecular diagnostics, data sharing to inform policy and practice, and translational research that is reshaping risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making. Discussions spotlighted biomarker-driven approaches, the integration of systemic and local therapies, and strategies to accelerate equitable access to innovation worldwide.
With four days of cutting-edge presentations, expert debates, and networking, SIOP 2025 emphasized clinically meaningful insights with direct relevance to patient care – while also strengthening global collaboration through initiatives and assemblies tied to the wider paediatric oncology ecosystem.
Firmly established as a cornerstone of the oncology calendar, SIOP 2025 once again demonstrated how coordinated science, policy, and practice can accelerate a world where no child should die of cancer.
Here are the key highlights from SIOP 2025 Congress:
“The SIOP 2025 congress came to an end. Thanks to all who helped make it a success, including many colleagues and volunteers from the Princess Máxima Center and beyond. But the exposition ‘Heroes’ is still ongoing!”
“Reflections from the SIOP2025 Congress, Amsterdam
What an inspiring and joyful week at the SIOP2025 Congress in Amsterdam!
It was truly wonderful to reconnect with so many colleagues and friends – the energy, the science, and the sense of community were unmatched.
A heartfelt thank to the organizing committee and Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie for hosting such a memorable and beautifully organized event.
It was a pleasure to meet our Global Neuroblastoma Network (GNN) team in person and share updates on ongoing collaborations, as well as to connect with our SIOP Global Health Network Adolescents & Young Adults (GHN AYA) Working Group members to discuss upcoming projects and new initiatives.
Proud to have presented our poster and to contribute to the vibrant exchange of ideas that make SIOP such a special platform for pediatric oncology professionals worldwide.
Special thanks to my wonderful co-chair and friend Gabriela Villanueva for her incredible support and teamwork throughout this journey – it’s always a joy to collaborate and build together.
I also greatly enjoyed the Young SIOP meeting, where we had engaging discussions about strengthening collaboration, mentorship, and next steps to support the next generation of pediatric oncology professionals.
I’m also deeply grateful to my mentor Prof. Gevorg Tamamyan, who first introduced me to the SIOP family years ago – a community that has since become an essential part of my professional and personal growth.
Equally proud of my amazing colleagues and friends from the Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center, Ministry of Health of Armenia, whose dedication and teamwork continue to strengthen pediatric oncology in Armenia.
Grateful for the friendships, inspiration, and renewed motivation – looking forward to all the exciting work ahead!
See you all next year.”
“I’m eager to connect with new and familiar colleagues as we share knowledge, spark inspiration, and collaborate to make a meaningful impact for children and families facing childhood cancer.”
International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP:
“That’s a wrap on Day 2 of the SIOP Congress 2025!
It’s been a day full of inspiring sessions and valuable connections. Tomorrow, start bright and early at 6:30 AM with the SIOP Fun(d) Run and Walk.
Check the full programme to see what’s ahead and get ready for another exciting day!”
“What a whirlwind this SIOP Congress will have been! As always, it’s all about meeting people, building collaborations, getting out of our comfort zones. And frites. Lots of frites.
Special shout-out to the Young SIOP Network, my beloved and bold Women Leaders in Pediatric Oncology Network, past trainees from The Hospital for Sick Children, Kirsten V., with SIOP-NEXT, and Reineke Schoot.”
International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP:
“Day 3 of the SIOP Congress may be winding down, but the evening is just getting started!
Join us at 19:30 for the Spectacular Networking Extravaganza in the Europe Foyer at the Congress Venue. Connect, celebrate, and enjoy an unforgettable evening with colleagues from around the world!”
“To become a mentor, you have to have had a good experience of someone mentoring you. – Young SIOP professional development session
I am deeply grateful for the wonderful mentors I have had along the way, including Lori Weeks, Argerie Tsimicalis, Don S. Dizon, Dr. Vicky Price, Jason Berman, Eleonora Teplinsky, MD, FASCO, Martina Murphy, Maryam Lustberg, Leonard Sender, MD, and many more.
Stay tuned for updates from the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP.”
“What a wonderful opportunity to share the findings of my second PhD study at SIOP Congress!
We examined neurocognitive functioning within the first 3 months of brain tumor diagnosis. We found that more than one-fifth of children experience neurocognitive impairments, with an increased likelihood for children from families of higher psychosocial risk. Further, children from families of higher psychosocial risk had reduced parent-report executive functioning.
Our results highlight how psychosocial screening can help identify cognitively vulnerable children early in the treatment trajectory and perhaps provide a basis for proactive intervention.
Thank you to the children and families who participated and, of course, my coauthors, Riley Damiano, Josephine Drijver, Femke Aarsen, Martha Grootenhuis, and Marita Partanen.”
“Great to present our State of the System research at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP
SIOP Congress today with Rosanna Thomasoo on behalf of partners CCLG: The Children and Young People’s Cancer Association, Young Lives vs Cancer, Teenage Cancer Trust, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, and Dartington Service Design Lab in a great session on psychosocial care. You can read the full report here.
Also pleased to briefly introduce the next steps from this work, including the North Star Cancer Collaborative on behalf of partners CCLG, Young Lives vs Cancer, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Alike, and Shine Cancer Support.”
” ‘I’m not looking at you, I’m looking at the light that is bouncing off you. Turn the lights off and you’re gone.’
Julian Opie
This quote perfectly describes what it feels like to witness the journey of a young person whose light shines through passion, excellence, and kindness.
Congratulations to Sarah Monesmith, MPH, for all she has accomplished during her first year of medical school, and for being part of another amazing session at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP with St Jude Global. Your dedication, empathy, and brilliance are already inspiring all of us. Michael McNeil, thanks for bringing her into our team!
If this is just the beginning of your medical career, I can’t wait to see how brightly you’ll shine in the years to come.”
International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP:
“What an amazing four days at the SIOP Congress 2025 in beautiful Amsterdam! We hope you enjoyed the science, learning, and connections.
Don’t forget to claim your CME credits for all the sessions you attended, and we look forward to seeing you again in 2026!”
“The SIOP2025 congress in Amsterdam is starting now.
Record high number of everything, especially quality and networking, and my last as President.”
“It’s like being in a nuclear reactor, where all molecules together create a powerful dynamic!
As one of the participants said, this perfectly captures the spirit of the ACT for Children meetings, which I attended as an inaugural side event of SIOP Europe, the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) 2025.
In just one year, the initiative has evolved remarkably, bringing together knowledge, data, and above all, the dedication of passionate partners from around the world, all united by a single purpose: improving outcomes for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries.
With participants from diverse organizations, the meetings were filled with open discussion, collaborative spirit, and shared inspiration. The progress achieved so far is tangible. Access to education and access to care, enough to optimize the treatment of about 2,000 children across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, and Armenia.
The projects presented by participants go far beyond drug access, reflecting a holistic, hospital-focused approach to ensure relevant access to quality medicines, best-in-class clinical management, and comprehensive patient and family support.
Together, we’re building a model of care and shaping a brighter future for children with cancer worldwide.
You can also read Highlights From SIOP 2025 Congress: Part 2
