The Report of Fourth Biennial International Pediatric Oncology-May 2024

The Biennial International Congress of Pediatric Oncology (in Memory of Professor Parvaneh Vossough)

The Biennial International Congress of Pediatric Oncology is a significant scientific-medical assembly held in memory of Professor Parvaneh Vossough, a renowned expert in the field of pediatric oncology. The congress was held on 15^th, 16^th, and 17^th of May 2024 for the fourth time at MAHAK, Tehran.

A notable numbers of participants (303 individuals) attended in the congress, comprising both clinicians and health professionals as well as post-graduate students. 33 speakers delivered speeches and presentations during the congress; six of whom were distinguished international medical experts including Dr. Eric Bouffet Dr. Ute Bartels, Dr. Donald Mabbott, Dr. Bilal Mazhar Qureshi, Dr. Cynthia Hawkins, and Dr. Naureen Mushtaq, coming from well-known hospitals and universities around the world.

A broad range of topics were covered in the areas of (I) Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, (II) Radiation Oncology, (III) Neurosurgery, (IV) Radiology, (V) Pathology, (VI) Pediatric Neurology, (VII) Pediatricians, (VIII) Emergency physiology, (IX) Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Specialty, (X) Pediatric endocrinology, (XI) Physicians, (XII ) Nursery, (XIII) Psychology, (XIV) Social work, (XV) Rehabilitation specialty (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.)

The congress aimed to bring together local and global leading researchers, clinicians, and experts to share knowledge and experience, approach the latest findings of curing strategies, and foster collaborations in the area of pediatric oncology. Likewise, the congress featured open discussion panels on different presentations alongside the training workshops.

In the following, some of the key speakers’ lectures are presented:

MAHAK CEO: MAHAK Charity Institute Leads Pediatric Cancer treatment employing Multidisciplinary Approaches

Dr. Ahmadian presented a report on thirty-three years of MAHAK activities, highlighting that MAHAK standards are in line with global health industry benchmarks. Reaching out to 42 hospitals across Iran, MAHAK specialized hospital has maintained records of pediatric oncology information. MAHAK has also supported over 40,000 cancer-stricken children and their families and has successfully treated 16,000of them.

Embracing digitalization as a key strategy in its five-year development plans, MAHAK charity institute allocates the significant financial sources towards advanced medical, research, and executive enterprises. Dr. Arasb Ahmadian emphasized on the importance of collaboration among local and global experts to develop the most appropriate treatment protocols for pediatric brain tumors.

Congress Scientific Secretory: Dr. Rouzrokh Discusses Pediatric Oncology Innovations

Dr. Mohsen Rouzrokh introduced prof. Vossough not only as a pioneer in pediatric oncology, but also as a philanthropist. He discussed the importance of MAHAK Pediatric Comprehensive Research Center, which has taken the lead in coordinating the congress as a platform for specialized panels, workshops, and seminars.

Dr. Rouzrokh also highlighted the necessity of employing multidisciplinary approaches in pediatric oncology, believing that such congresses would result in developing treatment protocols, providing opportunities for efficient and dynamic interactions between health professionals, both nationwide and worldwide.

Congress Executive Secretory: Dr. Daneshgari Underscores MAHAK Commitment to Pediatric Cancer treatment

According to Dr. Daneshgari, setting up such congresses highlights MAHAK commitment to utilizing multidisciplinary approaches in treatment of pediatric brain tumors, in line with its mission and vision. He stated that: now, and after passing 33 years, we are still here to genuinely care MAHAK valuable supporters’ trust and activities by the accountability and transparency that we have always had in our cornerstone.

Dr. Ashrafi: Multidisciplinary Approaches Unveil Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Morteza Ashrafi elaborated on the significance of utilizing multidisciplinary approaches for common pediatric brain tumors. According to him, multidisciplinary approaches entail the coordination of diverse medical specialties to deliver comprehensive support for pediatric cancer patients.

Dr. Ashrafi explained that brain tumors account for 20% of common childhood tumors and primary cause of mortality in pediatric oncology. He mentioned that the global 80% survival rate for childhood cancer obtains through multidisciplinary treatment approaches.

With this initiation, Dr. Ashrafi acknowledged it essential to implement multidisciplinary approaches in therapeutic protocols, affirming that the adoption of such approaches in pediatric cancer treatment leads to the increase of life expectancy, patient satisfaction, and research developments.

He also talked about the challenges of multidisciplinary approaches in treatment, stating that a concordant team work is required therapeutic multidisciplinary approaches to work successfully. Post-treatment challenges and palliative care for children with lower chances of improvement, deemed significant and essential by Dr. Ashrafi in pediatric cancer treatment.

Dr. Ghanbari Motlagh Elaborates on MAHAK and Childhood Cancer Control progress

Dr. Ali Ghanbari Motlagh, as a radiation oncologist and former head of the Cancer Department at the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, gave a speech on the third day of the congress. He underscored the significance of raising global awareness regarding childhood cancer and shed light on the SIOP Twinning Program.

Dr. Motlagh emphasized on Iran pledge to executing the GICC program and its partnership with international organizations such as SIOP and WHO in the construction and expansion of pediatric cancer control schemes. He also highlighted that childhood cancer control program should not be limited to designing and implementation phases, yet it should also encompass regular updating and error rectification phases.

Dr. Eslampanah Elaborates on Professor Vossough’s legacy

Dr. Hadieh Eslampanah, as the manager of the International Communications Department, addressed attendees at “The Biennial International Pediatric Oncology Congress in memory of Professor Vossough” at MAHAK, Tehran. She honored Prof. Parvaneh Vossough, entitled as the mother of Iran oncology, for her dedication to children with cancer.

Dr. Eslampanah praised MAHAK commitment to providing top-notch treatment and supportive services to pediatric oncology patients and their families, highlighting the organization’s three-decade success in curing numerous children with cancer.

Dr. Eslampanah emphasized MAHAK valued position as the leading pediatric cancer center not only in Iran but also in the region. She mentioned that MAHAK charity institute contribution to global efforts towards increasing childhood cancer survival rates. She expressed her great gratitude to all participants involved with fruitful outcome for everyone.