These are some of the professional events that took place throughout May and June.
Developmental origins of paediatric cancer
Over a hundred delegates joined us in London for a one-day event on the Developmental origins of paediatric cancer, showcasing the latest cutting-edge research on the modelling, biology and treatment of paediatric cancers in the context of their developmental origins. The aim of the meeting was to bring together researchers at the interface of stem cell, developmental and cancer biology with translational and clinical researchers in order to foster exchange of ideas, collaborations and networking opportunities.
Major themes included:
- Development of novel in vitro and in vivo models of paediatric cancers and insights gained from their use
- Risk factors/genetic drivers
- Tumour dependencies and implications for therapy
Nursing education day
We were delighted to organise an Education Day in Leeds for Junior Band 5 Staff Nurses working within Paediatric Oncology and Haematology services across the UK. Working in paediatric oncology is both rewarding and challenging. There is a nationally recognised gap in adequate education provision provided by experts working in the field. Recruitment and retention of the junior workforce remains a priority if we are to maintain good standards of care for the future. We know that without additional support the junior workforce can experience work related distress and isolation leading to moving to a less challenging field of practice. With the right support our junior nurses can build a lasting a highly rewarding career.
This interactive study day was developed to support ongoing learning and early career development within this specialist field. The programme explored key clinical themes relevant to current practice, including:
- Palliative Care in Paediatric Oncology and Haematology
- Immunotherapy: principles, treatments, and nursing considerations
- Aftercare and long-term follow-up for children and young people
This event provided education and training beyond the basics which are currently available in the NHS, enhancing clinical knowledge, promoting reflective practice, and supporting the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, and compassionate care to children and their families, as well as providing valuable opportunities for networking and professional engagement with Band 5 peers.
Intracranial germ cells tumours webinar
We hosted an interactive webinar for junior doctors, 80 of which attended live, on Intracranial Germ Cells Tumours (biology, presentation, current treatment strategies and issues around diagnosis and treatment approaches, late-effects and long term management) to support ongoing learning and early career development, by exploring key clinical themes relevant to current practice.
CCLG Late Effects Education Day
More than 50 healthcare professionals from across the UK gathered in Oxford for the CCLG Late Effects Day to share knowledge, discuss best practice and explore the latest research into survivorship and the long-term effects of cancer treatment. The programme included a spotlight on sarcoma aftercare and survivorship, alongside important discussions on hearing loss, physical activity, fear of cancer recurrence and body image. Experts from across the UK presented new research, quality improvement initiatives and innovative approaches to supporting survivors.By bringing together specialists from different disciplines, events like this help shape the future of survivorship care, ensuring children and young people who have experienced cancer receive the support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives long after treatment has ended.
