BSPHO Symposium 2025: Highlights

The BSPHO Symposium 2025, held on 28 November at the Provinciehuis Leuven, brought together healthcare professionals from across Belgian paediatric haemato-oncology centres. Organised every two years, the Symposium provides a dedicated forum for multidisciplinary exchange on key topics in childhood cancer care.

This year’s edition focused on Supportive Care in Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, addressing essential practices that improve quality of life for young patients, from managing side effects to providing critical psychological and social support throughout their cancer journey.

Highlights of the meeting:

Welcome and Introduction Opening remarks delivered by C. Chantrain (CHC).
Infectious Risk and Nutrition V. Zafiropoulos (CUSL) discussed the role of microbiology in guiding “low-germ diet” practices for immunocompromised children.
Fungal Infection Prevention H. De Schutter (UZL) presented strategies for preventing fungal infections in paediatric stem cell transplant recipients.
Vascular Access in PHO An overview of current practices across Belgian PHO centres, including advantages and limitations, presented by L. Calderaro (CUSL), M. Snoeck (CHR), and D. Moret (HUDERF).
Febrile Neutropenia S. Diallo (HUDERF) shared insights and consensus findings from the French-speaking paediatric oncology community.
Psychosocial Support and Continuity of Care C. Roebben (psychologist) and S. Moreels (nurse specialist) (UZG) explored network-focused meetings as a tool to sustain social support for patients and families.
Taste Alterations After Chemotherapy M. Crahay (CHC) presented research findings and their translation into patient care.
Skin Complications During Cancer Treatment C. Colmant (UZL) addressed dermatological issues associated with cancer therapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Closing Remarks Final reflections concluded the scientific programme.

The meeting presentations will soon be made available on the professional section of the website. Stay tuned!

Accreditation points (Ethics and Economy / JACIE) were requested for the Symposium. Earlier in the day, the Study Coordinator Meeting and Psychologists Meeting took place at the same venue, fostering targeted discussions ahead of the main programme.