Highlights from the SIOP Asia 2025

The 17th Congress of the SIOP Asia took place from April 12 to 15, 2025, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, bringing together leading experts, clinicians, and advocates to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and strengthen the collective mission to improve outcomes for children with cancer.

This year’s congress created a powerful platform for collaboration across borders, addressing the unique challenges in pediatric oncology throughout Asia, while also celebrating stories of resilience, innovation, and progress.

In his opening speech, SIOP Asia President Prof. Gevorg Tamamyan shared a simple yet meaningful personal moment:

“Yesterday, upon my arrival here in Riyadh, I opened the refrigerator and took what I thought was a pack of milk, only to find out it was water. That small surprise reminded me of something we often see in our field: appearances can be misleading, and when we look deeper, we find something valuable and unexpectedly meaningful.”

He connected this reflection to the heart of pediatric oncology, where challenges often hide potential, and every effort we make can bring life-changing results. Just as water brings life to the desert, our shared work brings hope to children across Asia and beyond.

SIOP Asia continues to play a vital role in transforming pediatric cancer care, supporting practitioners, and advancing research throughout the region and globally.

18th SIOP Asia Congress will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in 2026.

Our team at OncoDaily has also curated key highlights from the SIOP Asia 2025 that you won’t want to miss.

Gevorg Tamamyan:

“President of SIOP Professor Guillermo Chantada,

Chairs of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Hiba Al-Tarrah and Dr. Ibraheem Abosoudah,

Chairs of the Scientific Committee,

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and dear friends,

Yesterday, upon my arrival here in Riyadh, I entered my room, opened the refrigerator, and spotted two packs that at first glance seemed like milk. Curious and slightly thirsty, I took one out—like the one I’m holding now—and quickly discovered it wasn’t milk at all, but water. I couldn’t help but smile at this small moment of surprise, as it reminded me of a powerful lesson we often encounter in our work and life: appearances can be deceptive, and the reality we find can be totally different and unexpectedly valuable.

In our field of pediatric oncology, every day we face situations that may initially seem familiar, yet when we go deeper, they often challenge our expectations, make us to think differently, and reveal opportunities for innovation and improvement.

We meet today in Riyadh, a city known for its deep cultural heritage, continuous innovation, and the warm spirit of hospitality. Water holds special symbolism in the Arab world and many other cultures—it represents purity, life, and renewal. Just as water brings life to the desert, our collective efforts bring hope and healing to children battling cancer across Asia and the world.

Asia, home to more than half the world’s children, presents us with enormous challenges, but also extraordinary opportunities. Pediatric cancer care in our region faces unique hurdles—limited resources, uneven access to care, and disparities in outcomes. Yet, through collaboration, innovation, and relentless determination, we have witnessed incredible stories of hope and triumph. These successes remind us that while the challenges are immense, our potential for impact is even greater.

It is both an honor and a profound privilege to welcome you all to the Annual Meeting of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Asia Continental Branch. Our shared mission is to ensure every child receives the best possible care regardless of race, nationality, religion, social status, and geographic location.

Together, let us build bridges, share knowledge, and amplify our collective voice to advocate for every child battling cancer. Let Riyadh be remembered not just as a city where we convened, but as a turning point where, like water bringing life to an arid landscape, we nourished new ideas and strengthened our resolve for meaningful change.

Thank you for being here, for your passion and dedication, and for sharing in this vital journey. Welcome to SIOP Asia 2025!”

Hiba Al-Tarrah:

“Day 1 of SIOP Asia 2025 was a complete success!

We were honored to host H.R.H Adela Bint Abdullah.

Welcome to Riyadh, one.”

Nahla Mobark:

“Important discussions today on the SIOP Asia 2025 conference in Riyadh about children’s cancer, genetic and Familial cancer predisposition in Saudi Arabia.”

Ruzanna Papyan:

“Still feeling inspired after an incredible SIOP Asia 2025 in Riyadh!

It was such a joy to reunite with so many friends, colleagues, and mentors from across the region and beyond. The scientific program was packed with truly thought-provoking lectures and vibrant discussions — a real reminder of how powerful our pediatric oncology community is when we come together.

Some of my personal highlights:

• Norbert Graf on challenges and advances in managing advanced-stage Wilms’ tumor.
• Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan on innovative cocktail immunotherapy strategies for neuroblastoma during the APHOG meeting.
• Elena Ladas on the nutrition workshop was a huge success (as always!), reminding us that supportive care is essential care.
• Gevorg Tamamyan – presenting inspiring POEM Group initiatives aiming to improve outcomes for children with cancer across the region.
• Guillermo Chantada walking us through the evolving landscape of retinoblastoma management — from early diagnosis to survivorship.
• And of course, Scott Howard — making tumor lysis syndrome unforgettable with his signature energy and humor!

Huge thanks to the SIOP Asia team and Hiba Al-Tarrah for organizing this fantastic meeting and such warm, generous hosting.”

Farrah Bashir:

“First time attending SIOP Asia 2025.

SIOP Asia 2025 is the 17th Congress of the Asia continental branch of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology.

It is worth the experience of attending the conference, listening to renowned scholars, and hearing stories of struggles and success from the continent and beyond.

All the disciplines involved in pediatric cancer patients’ care and management got together for one purpose, one goal, one mission – OUR PATIENTS!

STRONGER TOGETHER!

Well done, organizing team.”

Latifah Alarfaj:

“It was a pleasure attending the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology track at SIOP Asia 2025 alongside outstanding experts in the field.”

Tsetsegsaikhan Batmunkh:

“It was an incredible honor to participate in the SIOP Asia 2025 Conference held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Over 4 days, the event brought together pediatric oncology professionals, researchers, and advocates from across the region and beyond, united by a shared mission—to improve the lives and outcomes of children with cancer.

Outstanding scientific sessions covering the latest advances in pediatric cancer care, inspiring keynote speeches, excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, and strengthen regional and global partnerships. Beyond the academic program, we also had the privilege of experiencing the remarkable hospitality and cultural richness of Saudi Arabia.

Truly grateful to have reconnected with many friends and colleagues and to have met new partners.

Thank you to the organizers of SIOP Asia 2025 and all involved for making this event so memorable.”

Wen Shen Looi:

“Had an exciting time at SIOP Asia 2025 in Riyadh! Caught up with old friends and my pediatric proton fellowship supervisor!”

Ruzanna Papyan:

“Exciting Moments at SIOP Asia 2025 in Riyadh!

I’m thrilled to highlight Dr. Aki Yoneda from Japan’s National Center for Child Health and Development, who gave an impactful presentation at the 17th SIOP Asia Congress, held from April 12–15, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

His talk beautifully emphasized the critical role of the Global Neuroblastoma Network (GNN) in uniting clinicians and researchers across the globe.

Through collaborative efforts, GNN continues to play an essential role in sharing knowledge, improving treatment protocols, and ultimately enhancing outcomes for children with neuroblastoma worldwide.

And of course… so happy to meet all my GNN friends in person! Nothing beats the energy, passion, and commitment of this global community working together for children with cancer.

It was also a pleasure to hear another great talk by Dr. Kimikazu Matsumoto, who shared invaluable insights on fertility preservation in children with cancer — such an important and often under-discussed topic.

Dr. Miho Kato and the APHOG team highlighted the true spirit of international collaboration, showing how we can bridge continents to improve pediatric oncology care.

Special thanks to Akira Nakagawara for the kind invitation and for welcoming me into the beautiful APHOG community. Grateful to be part of this inspiring network!”

Nahla Mobark:

“Congratulations Dr. Ali Abdulkareem Alnukhli and pediatric oncology team of KFMC fow receving Best Research Award on Cancer Incidence in immunodeficient children.”

Farrah Bashir:

“Last day of SIOP Asia 2025.

A very informative session on CAR T cell therapy.

Saudi experience, Chinese experience, Indian experience and insights from USA and a great key note session by Eric Bouffet.”

Latifah Alarfaj:

“Thank you to the inspiring speakers, dedicated moderators, and incredible organizers who made SIOP Asia Riyadh 2025 such a success!

It was a truly enriching experience, made even more special by welcoming experts from around the world to our city.

We thoroughly enjoyed the past few days of learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversations in the heart of Riyadh.”

Rawan Hammad:

“Thank you to the speakers, moderators, organizers and attendees who made SIOP Asia Riyadh 2025 a success!”

You can read the abstracts from SIOP Asia 2025 now published in OncoDaily Medical Journal here.