A five-year-old girl sits quietly on her hospital bed, holding a drawing book in her small hands. In her sketch, she has drawn herself wearing a school bag, walking happily toward school. With innocent hope in her eyes, she says, “When I get better, I will go back to school.”

She is fighting acute leukemia.

Her drawing reflects the silent courage of thousands of children battling cancer worldwide. February 15, observed globally as International Childhood Cancer Day, is not just a date on the calendar. It represents resilience, hope and the unwavering strength of young patients and their families.

The event brought together distinguished national and international experts from the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. PHOTO: Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS), Lahore

For families facing childhood cancer, life changes overnight. A joyful household filled with school routines, sibling laughter and dreams for the future suddenly becomes familiar with hospital corridors, the smell of antiseptics, repeated investigations, intravenous lines and months — sometimes years of chemotherapy. Parents, siblings and grandparents all share the emotional and physical burden that follows a cancer diagnosis.

Recognising the urgent need to advance pediatric cancer care and strengthen collaborative research efforts, the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS), Lahore, organised the 8th International Pakistan Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO) Conference under the leadership of Dr Mehvish Faizan and her dedicated team.

The conference, titled “Targeting Tomorrow: Collaborative Advances in Pediatric Hematology Oncology Care,” was held from February 6–7 at the Sajid Maqbool Auditorium at UCHS.

The conference aimed to provide a dynamic platform for oncologists, healthcare providers, clinicians and researchers from around the world to exchange knowledge, share scientific research, and discuss evolving treatment strategies. The overarching objective was to elevate pediatric oncology care to meet international standards while strengthening national capacity in childhood cancer management.

The event brought together distinguished national and international experts from the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the United States. Their participation enriched academic dialogue and fostered global collaboration in the fight against childhood malignancies.

Key scientific sessions addressed recent advances in the diagnosis and management of childhood cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and strategies for relapse management. Special emphasis was placed on early warning signs, appropriate investigations, timely diagnosis and evidence-based treatment protocols to improve survival outcomes.

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Speakers highlighted the indispensable role of multidisciplinary team management in pediatric oncology. Experts underscored how coordinated collaboration among hematologists, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists, nurses and supportive care teams significantly enhances patient outcomes and quality of care.

Beyond clinical management, dedicated sessions focused on pediatric palliative care, emphasizing the importance of preserving dignity, maintaining hope, and supporting families emotionally throughout prolonged treatment journeys. The significance of effective doctor–patient and nurse–patient communication was also discussed, acknowledging the profound emotional strain families endure during such challenging times.

Speakers highlighted the indispensable role of multidisciplinary team management in pediatric oncology. PHOTO: Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS), Lahore

Pre- and post-conference workshops further strengthened academic engagement and skill development. These sessions covered specialised areas, including pediatric neuro-oncology, pediatric radiation oncology, pediatric palliative care, PSPO treatment protocols and pediatric oncology nursing care. The workshops were conducted at leading healthcare institutions in Lahore, including UCHS, the Pakistani Institute of Neurosciences, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, and Anmol Hospital.

The conference also featured oral scientific presentations and poster displays, providing an opportunity for researchers and clinicians to present innovative work and contribute to the growing body of pediatric oncology research. More than just an academic gathering, the event symbolised a unified commitment to protecting the dreams and futures of children battling cancer.

Although the conference has concluded, its impact will resonate far beyond its two days of deliberation. It strengthened professional networks, encouraged international cooperation, and reaffirmed a collective pledge: that no child should fight cancer alone.

Ultimately, the mission remains clear and deeply human; to restore hope, bring back smiles, and safeguard the dreams in the eyes of every child courageously fighting cancer.