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Highlights from SIOP Congress 2024 Day 1 by Venkatraman Radhakrishnan

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Oct 18, 2024, 11:52

Highlights from SIOP Congress 2024 Day 1 by Venkatraman Radhakrishnan

The SIOP Congress, organized by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), is currently taking place from October 17 to 20, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Attendees are engaging in cutting-edge discussions and networking opportunities, focusing on the latest advancements in the field. The congress emphasizes a global approach to improving childhood cancer care and highlights innovative research and practices that can influence treatment outcomes.

Venkatraman Radhakrishnan, Associate Professor of Medical and Pediatric Oncology at Chennai Cancer Institute, shared his insights from SIOP 2024 congress:

Starting the SIOP Congress:

“Starting the SIOP Congress with our presentation on use of AI to predict relapse in pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. A joint collaboration of Cancer Institute (WIA) and IIT Madras and funded by ICMR. PI Dr Vijayalakshmi and major work done by Subiksha.

AI has 84% accuracy in predicting relapse. Can predict date of relapse up to 25 days. Used the ICICLE pre trial dataset. Largest AI predictor for relapse. XG boost algorithm used A risk probability meter developed.”

Refferal pathway in Ghana:

“Lack of a referral pathway is a major reason for delayed diagnosis of Pediatric cancers in LMICs. Vivian paintal created a refferal pathway in Ghana

1. Identified centers
2. Had a stakeholder meeting
3. Refferal forms designed. Easy simple to use app. Oncokids app.
4. Referral can be cached in app and loaded once internet connection available.
5. App sends a text message to referring hospital
6. Healthcare personnel trained on refferal system
7. Training improved knowledge on Pediatric cancers. Many providers before training thought childhood cancers are incurable. Important work with wife application in LMICs
8. Referrals increased after using the app from 8 to 21.
9. App has phone number so that patients can be called if they donr come to referral center.”

SIOP

Chris Coba about economic burden of childhood cancer care:

“Dr Chris Coba from Lubumbashi DR Congo speaking about economic burden of childhood cancer care.

1. 93% of treatment was self financing
2. 41% rural patients. Some travelling up to 2000 km
3. Every day of hospitalization means no earning.”

Historical view of managing DIPG:

“Historical view of managing DIPG.

Avoid dexamethasone if possible due to side effects. Bevacizumab is a better alternative for radiation edema. Temozolamde nit used in USA Median survival 11 months with RT without RT 4 months. RT 55-60 Gy.

Hypofractionation 39 gy/13 fraction is an alternative to shorten treatment in DIPG.”

SIOP

CART for diffuse midline glioma against GD2:

“CART for diffuse midline glioma against GD2. Pseudoprogression due to inflammation common with CART which leads to toxicity and requires surgery. Minority of patients had a response.”

SIOP

Facts about pediatric cancer in India:

“Facts about pediatric cancer in India:

1. Estimated 75,000 new cases a year. 20% of global burden.
2. Approximately 40,000 diagnosed. The rest 35,000 (45%) are undiagnosed.
3. Total budget to treat 75,000 patients 400 million USD. 500000 rupies/case or 5800 USD.”

More posts featuring Venkatraman Radhakrishnan and SIOP on oncodaily.com