Back To ensure that children and adolescents who have overcome cancer continue to receive modern, high-quality care, it is essential to focus not only on treatment but also on long-term health monitoring after therapy has been completed. The development of this area is one of the priorities of the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme project “Advancement of Paediatric Cancer Care at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital.”
As part of the project, specialists from the Children’s Hospital have the opportunity to participate in international conferences, professional exchange activities, and training alongside leading experts from around the world.
In June 2025, paediatric haematologist-oncologist Elizabete Cebura participated in the 5th International Symposium on Late Complications After Childhood Cancer, which brought together internationally recognised experts in long-term follow-up care, late effects of cancer treatment, psychosocial support, and survivorship care in paediatric oncology.
“Long-term follow-up is an integral part of paediatric cancer care. Approximately 80% of children and adolescents who have survived cancer may develop late effects of treatment later in life, sometimes many years after therapy has ended. This is why it is essential to establish a systematic follow-up programme that educates patients about these potential consequences, improves health literacy, enables the early detection of complications, and helps preserve the best possible quality of life,” emphasises paediatric haematologist-oncologist Elizabete Cebura. She also notes that childhood cancer survivors may experience psychological challenges later in life, making timely identification and appropriate support equally important.
According to Dr Cebura, international knowledge exchange provides valuable opportunities to learn about the most effective long-term follow-up models and assess how they can be adapted to the Latvian healthcare system. Of particular value were discussions on translating international guidelines into everyday clinical practice to ensure they reach patients and contribute to better long-term health outcomes and quality of life.
The knowledge gained and professional networks established during the symposium will support the development of the long-term follow-up system currently being established at the Children’s Hospital as one of the key activities of the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme project.
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