Each year, over 35,000 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer across Europe, and over 6,000 young patients lose their lives to the disease. Despite medical advancements, childhood cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children over the age of one in Europe. The mission of the European Society for Paediatric Oncology – Europe (SIOPE) is to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for all children and adolescents with cancer in Europe and tackle the key challenges in paediatric oncology through a multidisciplinary and pan-European approach, engaging policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient advocates to drive change.
To achieve this, since 2019, the SIOP Europe Annual Meeting has quickly become an essential platform for knowledge exchange and multidisciplinary networking in Europe. A defining feature of the conference is its deep-rooted collaboration with parents and patients through the unique partnership with Childhood Cancer International - Europe. This partnership ensures that childhood cancer parents and survivors are not only represented but actively engaged in discussions that shape the future of paediatric oncology care. By fostering an inclusive environment where families, clinicians, and researchers work side by side, the meeting goes beyond scientific exchange. Unlike traditional medical congresses, the SIOP Europe Annual Meeting is uniquely structured by bringing together European Clinical Trial Groups, Young Oncologists, SIOPE Working Groups, and Parent & Survivor representatives to discuss strategies that enhance treatment, research, and policy initiatives, ultimately improving outcomes for young cancer patients.
The 2025 programme will feature nearly 150 sessions led by paediatric oncology professionals, researchers and patient advocates, fostering collaborative research and the exchange of best practices.“The programme is structured to facilitate deep engagement and meaningful dialogue,” said Uta Dirksen, SIOP Europe President. “The first two days will focus on liquid tumour groups, followed by joint and plenary sessions on cross-tumour topics on Wednesday. The final two days will be dedicated to solid tumour groups. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen professional networks and advance innovative research.”
Policy advocacy is central to SIOP Europe’s mission, and the Annual Meeting plays a crucial role in advancing discussions at both EU and national levels. “Highly recommend for all SIOP Europe members, parents, patients, survivors, and other stakeholders, to register and participate to the next meeting,” said Gilles Vassal, SIOP Europe Board Member and Policy Affairs Lead. “This setting will allow us to build the future, and the policy agenda to address the unmet needs of all children and adolescents with cancer. Our community, can continue to inform decision makers in the EU and Member States on the best strategy for the future … to cure more, to cure better, and to tackle inequalities”
One of the key policy sessions, AYA Cancer Policy across the EU: Are we close to a consensus?, will critically assess current approaches and explore strategies for achieving more effective policies for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer.
Emphasis will be placed on how Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) addresses the unique challenges faced by AYAs. Initiatives emerging from this ambitious policy vision, including specialised work packages within EU-funded projects such as JANE, reflect a commitment to targeted care solutions and improvements in patient outcomes. Additionally, the EU-CAYAS initiative will bring crucial patient and parent perspectives into the conversation, ensuring policies are not only evidence-based but deeply informed by those directly impacted. Mr. Matthias Schuppe from DG SANTE, European Commission, who plays a leading role in the implementation of EBCP will contribute insights to describe the EU’s focus on AYA cancer patients and survivors. Other contributors from SIOPE and ESMO will provide their perspective, alongside examples of national implementation.
This gathering presents a unique occasion to support and connect with the dedicated paediatric oncology community working to improve the lives of children and adolescents with cancer in Europe. By bringing together the voices of researchers, clinicians, patients, and policymakers, the SIOP Europe Annual Meeting serves as a driving force for much-needed change. We look forward to welcoming many like-minded stakeholders in Budapest this year.
Rachele Vedovelli is Junior Policy Officer at SIOPE
Stejsi Shehi is Marketing & Communications Manager at SIOPE
Sign up to The Parliament's weekly newsletter
Every Friday our editorial team goes behind the headlines to offer insight and analysis on the key stories driving the EU agenda. Subscribe for free here.