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Highlighting Dr. Erin Marcotte’s New Research Initiative

Many CLIC partners are also members of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), and this month, SIOP holds its large Annual Conference in Hawaii. 

CLIC’s Dr. Erin Marcotte, University of Minnesota, has been appointed as inaugural co-Chair of the new SIOP Epidemiology and Outcomes Network along with Dr. Venkatraman Radhakrishnan, Cancer Institute (WIA) in Chennai, India. 

In the official announcement of the new Network, SIOP stated, “The role of the SIOP Epidemiology and Outcomes Network in the international pediatric oncology community is particularly valuable. Given the rarity of childhood cancers, international collaboration is crucial to sufficiently power epidemiologic and data-driven studies, demonstrate reproducibility of results, and generate hypotheses on factors underlying observed worldwide disparities in incidence, access to care and outcomes. Additionally, it is widely recognized that lack of diverse representation in genetic epidemiology studies has led to poor generalizability of results. Therefore it is imperative to promote international collaboration so that all children worldwide may benefit from the insights gained through epidemiologic and data-driven research. The Network aims to foster collaboration, facilitate and form mentorship relationships for young investigators, and establish formal opportunities for networking, career development, and professional support.”

Dr. Marcotte says, “I am truly excited to be a part of the newly established SIOP Epidemiology and Outcomes Network. This initiative represents a significant step forward in our collective mission to advance epidemiological research related to childhood cancer on a global scale. It is a privilege to work with colleagues from diverse regions and backgrounds through both CLIC and SIOP, and I hope that the SIOP Epidemiology and Outcomes Network will provide increased opportunities for research, education, and collaboration among both CLIC members and the broader scientific community.”

CLIC members attending the meetings will have the opportunity to engage with other childhood cancer scientists from around the world. They will be discussing topics including research methods, cancer biology, genetics, diagnosis, treatment, policy, and advocacy in order to advance the field of pediatric oncology. SIOP’s mission to improve the lives of children and adolescents with cancer through global collaboration, education, training, research and advocacy closely aligns with CLIC’s mission. CLIC scientists focus on research using existing studies to discover the causes of childhood cancer; SIOP’s new Epidemiology and Outcomes Network led by Dr. Marcotte will foster new studies and partnerships to continue to work toward eliminating childhood cancer. SIOP also focuses on inclusion of low- and middle- income countries, which is particularly important as the global burden of childhood cancer morbidity and mortality is growing rapidly in these areas.