The 16th Congress of Asia continental branch of International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP Asia) 2024 conference held at Yokohama, Japan from June 22 to 25, 2024.

The conference was attended by over 700 participants from 43 countries. Dr Narendra Chaudhary, Additional Professor from the Division of Pediatric Haematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS Bhopal, along with Pediatric Hemato-oncology fellow Dr Mugdha Todkar and senior resident Dr Anisha Rosyln, attended SIOP Asia 2024 and presented 4 research papers, 3 related to blood cancers and one on psychological problems among children diagnosed with cancer.

Dr Mugdha presented an interesting case of blood cancer in a child, which was missed on routine blood and bone marrow tests but picked up in a special test called the Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) test. A child with blood cancer may respond to steroids and traditional treatment but does not cure, but this partial treatment make proper diagnosis, treatment and outcome more difficult.

The message was spread not to treat a child with suspected blood cancer even with traditional medicines unless diagnosed properly and a full plan is made.

Dr Anisha Roslyn presented a paper on the impact of a cancer diagnosis on child psychology. She studied 50 children and found 14% of children had depressive symptoms and about 70% of children had anxiety symptoms. These psychological symptoms were managed without medicines by just counselling only.

This study was also guided by Dr Ashish Pakhre, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry. The research paper discussion on AIIMS Bhopal papers was well appreciated by international delegates. Prof. (Dr) Ajai Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhopal congratulated the presenting researchers and encouraged the faculties, resident doctors, students and even the nursing staff to contribute to research.