BSPHO Statement on the Importance of the Centralisation of Paediatric Oncology Care in Belgium

The BSPHO, representing all paediatric oncologists in Belgium, brings together the professionals directly involved in the diagnosis, treatment, clinical research and multidisciplinary care of children and adolescents with cancer. Drawing on this collective expertise, the BSPHO reaffirms its view that further centralisation of care is essential to sustainably guarantee high-quality treatment, scientific excellence, and the international relevance of paediatric oncology in our country.

In paediatric oncology, where more than 90% of patients are enrolled in clinical trials or registries, research is not optional: it is the standard of care. Maintaining and further developing this model requires a sufficiently centralised system capable of concentrating expertise, patient volumes, and research activity.

Paediatric cancers are rare diseases. It is well established internationally that, for rare conditions, centralisation of care in highly specialised centres improves patient outcomes and long-term quality of life. Concentrating expertise enables more accurate diagnoses, better coordinated care, and more consistent application of best practices, directly benefiting children and their families.

Beyond clinical outcomes, centralisation also strengthens medical and multidisciplinary expertise, enables more efficient and sustainable use of resources, facilitates broader access to clinical trials and innovative therapies, and reinforces Belgium’s position within international paediatric oncology research networks.

With a direction towards greater centralisation now set, the model, transition arrangements, funding implications and role of the different stakeholders still need to be defined in a timely and coordinated way.

We fully acknowledge the complexity of the Belgian healthcare landscape and the challenges associated with such a transformation. Moving towards a more centralised model will require a clear strategy, robust governance, and broad stakeholder engagement. This transition cannot and should not be achieved without dialogue.

At the same time, if the best interests of the patient are to remain the primary driver of healthcare organisation, planning now needs to proceed with greater urgency In this context, we express our expectation for clear political commitment to accelerate planning for a coherent, future-oriented and more centralised model of paediatric oncology care. This should include the convening, at federal level, of the relevant regional authorities, hospitals, practitioners, patient organisations and funders, so that implementation can be prepared in a coordinated way leveraging the best available expertise.

The BSPHO stands ready to actively support authorities in designing and implementing a feasible, widely supported and forward-looking care model, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all children and adolescents with cancer in Belgium. This work is already closely aligned with BSPHO’s ongoing role in coordinating clinical trials, strengthening scientific collaboration, and supporting a more integrated approach to paediatric oncology care in Belgium.