Join us as leading experts discuss the highlights, key data and perspectives from this year’s SIOP Europe meeting
Congress coverage | In May 2026, experts from around the world gathered in Glasgow, Scotland for 16th CCI Europe Conference and the 7th SIOP Europe Annual Meeting. This year celebrated the importance of collaboration, bringing together the diverse stakeholders involved in facing children and adolescents with cancer, and ensuring the representation and participation of childhood cancer parents and survivors.
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“This meeting is quite unique because it is truly community-driven. The programme is shaped by our clinical trial groups, nursing community, working groups, and importantly, patient organisations. That’s what makes this congress so dynamic and, I would say, very different from other scientific meetings. It reflects who we are as a community: collaborative, inclusive and focused on shared priorities.”
President, SIOP Europe: Professor Uta Dirksen
→ Read: Reducing inequalities in childhood cancer
“Each year, the programme evolves based on what our members tell us they need most. We actively involve them in shaping the agenda, and this year there has been a particularly strong focus on psychosocial care. Families are looking for more structured, meaningful support throughout the entire cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and into long-term follow-up.”
Chair, CCI Europe, Anita Kienesberger
→ Read: How patient voices are reshaping paediatric oncology
How PROMS are transforming paediatric oncology trials
“Cancer treatment is not only medical; it is the lived experience of the child and family”
Professor Martha Grootenhuis presented her Plenary research focussed on integrating patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) into both clinical trials and routine care. In this Q&A, she discusses the key take-home messages from her session: ‘PROMS and feedback during trials: a new point at the horizon’.
→ Read: Measuring what matters: How PROMS are transforming paediatric oncology trials
How ITCC is accelerating paediatric cancer trials across Europe
“We want to bring innovation directly to the children who need it most”
Professor Pamela Kearns discusses how the ITCC consortium is reshaping access to cutting-edge treatments for children and adolescents across Europe and beyond. Prof Kearns leads a network spanning dozens of specialist centres, working to accelerate clinical trials, embed precision medicine and reduce inequities in access to innovation.
→ Read: Beyond borders: How ITCC is accelerating paediatric cancer trials across Europe
The evolving future of paediatric oncology: from scientific advances to mentorship and digital innovation
“The real opportunity lies in targeting the biological drivers of cancer”
Dr Daniela Di Carlo (Chair, Young SIOPE), reflects on where the field is heading, particularly CAR T-cell therapy and artificial intelligence, and what is needed to ensure that progress translates into real-world benefit for children with cancer.
→ Read: The evolving future of paediatric oncology: from scientific advances to mentorship and digital innovation
Why collaboration is critical in paediatric oncology
“Today’s trainees will be tomorrow’s leaders”
Dr Miguel Vieira-Martins discusses how opportunities in Young SIOPE are supporting early-career professionals in Europe, and reflects on the importance of international networks, the rise of immunotherapy and how meetings like SIOPE are accelerating progress from bench to bedside.
→ Read: Why collaboration is critical in paediatric oncology
Advancing early-phase paediatric oncology drug development in Europe
“Children now have earlier access to innovation”
Discussions around early-phase clinical development highlighted both the scientific advances and structural challenges shaping modern paediatric oncology. Prof Cornelis van Tilburg discusses the barriers affecting European early-phase research, evolving paediatric trial methodologies and the importance of international collaboration in precision oncology.
→ Read: Advancing early-phase paediatric oncology drug development in Europe
Projects in Spotlight
The Projects in Spotlight sessions showcased the collaborative initiatives between SIOP Europe and key stakeholders. These projects aim to improve outcomes, coordination between research and clinical care, reduce inequalities, and strengthen patient-centred care across Europe.
→ Read: Projects in Spotlight
This content has been developed independently by Touch Medical Media for touchONCOLOGY. It is not affiliated with the European Society for Paediatric Oncology. Views expressed are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Touch Medical Media.
Cite: Inside SIOPE 2026: Key insights and late-breaking data. TouchONCOLOGY. 14th May, 2026
Interviewer: Caroline Markham
Editor: Sophie Nickelson
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