Challenges and novelties in Paediatric Pathology

Webinar 2 overview

Cystic masses of the paediatric lung: update on congenital pulmonary airway malformation and its differential diagnosis - Jennifer Pogoriler
Germ cell tumours in children - Peter Bode

This event will take place at 1:00pm and last approximately 1 hour.

Webinar series overview

Paediatric tumours and tumour-like malformations present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their diverse biological behaviours and the nuances of their classification. Advances in molecular genetics and diagnostic techniques continue to reshape our understanding of these diseases, refining their characterization and expanding opportunities for targeted therapies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have officially released, for the first time in the seven decades since the “Blue Books” started, a volume (two volumes, also for the first time) with the WHO Classification of Paediatric Tumours. This landmark publication represents the culmination of years of collaborative research and expertise, offering a comprehensive framework for the classification of tumours in children and adolescents prepared by specialists in paediatric pathology in collaboration with a vast array of other pathology experts. The classification reflects the distinct pathological, molecular and clinical characteristics of paediatric tumours, emphasizing their developmental features which explain differences from their adult counterparts, and underscoring the need for age-specific diagnostic and treatment strategies (Virchows Archiv (2025) 486:1–2 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00428-025-04033-5).

In January 2025, Virchows Archives, the official journal of the European Society of Pathology published the Annual Review Issue focusing on Challenges and Novelties in Paediatric Pathology (Virchows Archiv (2025) 486).

Professor Miguel Reyes Múgica and Dr Isabel Colmenero, Editors of this special issue, succeeded in bringing together a comprehensive collection of paediatric tumours and cancer predisposition syndromes, each of which was authored by experts in the specific tumour field.

The Royal College of Pathologists is delighted to announce a webinar series organised jointly with the European Society of Pathology, Virchows Archives and the International Paediatric Pathology Association (IPPA). Each of the topics published by Virchows addressing paediatric tumours will be presented at the webinars series.

We are certain this joint webinar series will attract many paediatric and general pathologists from around the world.

CPD

This meeting is worth 1 CPD point (self credited).

Speaker/chair biographies - Challenges and novelties in Paediatric Pathology (webinar 2)

Jennifer Pogoriler

Speaker
Peter Bode

Speaker
Gino Somers

Chair

Dr. Somers is the Chief of the Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Professor at the University of Toronto. He has conducted independent grant-funded research projects and collaborated on various studies focusing on the biology and pathology of pediatric sarcomas. His recent work includes implementing molecular diagnostics for pediatric cancer, using technologies such as NanoString and NGS-based methods. Dr. Somers has published over 130 papers and has received several international awards for his research. He has served as the President of the Society for Pediatric Pathology, and is actively involved with professional societies such as the World Health Organization and the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting.

Dr. Somers has extensive experience in medical leadership and currently serves as the president of the International Pediatric Pathology Association. He has received both the Medical Staff Association’s Citizenship Award and the President’s Award from SickKids. He is the Physician Wellness Officer and is invested in preventing burnout and improving wellness of all physicians.