European Reference Network on Paediatric Cancer

ongoing

The goal of the European Reference Network for Paediatric Cancer (ERN-PAEDCAN) is to improve outcomes of childhood cancer by reducing the current inequalities in different member states. ERN-PAEDCAN strives to reduce current inequalities in childhood cancer outcomes across Europe with a particular focus on widening countries and cross-border health care (CBHC) challenges. It addresses the current multi-fold obstacles and mobilises together with SIOPE, its European Clinical Trial Groups (ECTGs) and National Paediatric Oncology Societies and importantly with the childhood cancer advocates of CCI-E resources to enhance collaborative networks and to define adequate pathways for advice and CBHC care, hence fostering stronger cooperation between patients, professionals and healthcare authorities. Key objectives are harmonised guidelines already reflected in the recently created European Standard Front-line Treatment Guidelines that await a major implementation initiative together with the newly created ESCP registry in all countries currently unable to participate in respective complex randomised upfront trials for various reasons or where such trials are currently not open in certain indications. Given the need of modern diagnostics for adequate risk stratification in respective childhood cancers and often complex treatment situations requiring special skills and resources, ERN PaedCan reinforces pathways to satisfy these patient and family needs by providing not only information, but most importantly advise through virtual international tumour boards run with the key experts of the respective ECTGs already in the diagnostic period as well as at decision milestones during the treatment phase and at any later event. Easily accessible provision of education and training are further key actions.