Switzerland-backed program to strengthen childhood cancer care in Latvia moves into implementation phase

On October 1, the second steering committee meeting took place for the program "Development of Childhood Cancer Care in Latvia," implemented with Swiss financial support. Representatives from the Swiss Embassy, the Ministry of Finance, Riga Stradiņš University, the Ministry of Health, and the Children's Clinical University Hospital (BKUS) reviewed nearly two years of progress, funding and procurement execution, and upcoming challenges, the Ministry of Health reports.

Progress so far

During this period, BKUS began modernizing its pathology and molecular diagnostics laboratories — procuring equipment, training specialists, and preparing to introduce next-generation sequencing technology. A strategy and implementation model have been developed for a BKUS biobank, which will support research as well as long-term storage of biological samples and related data.

International cooperation has also expanded: BKUS specialists are involved in implementing international treatment protocols, and multidisciplinary as well as inter-hospital consultation panels now operate for pediatric oncology patients. A cooperation agreement was signed with Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) in Switzerland to enable regular exchange of expertise, consultations, and training.

Monitoring of patients' quality of life has improved too: a Clinical Research Unit was established at the hospital, and a pilot project in pediatric hemato-oncology introduced Latvia's first patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) approach. A long-term follow-up team was created along with educational materials for families.

Next steps

The program's next phase will focus on turning the developed and piloted solutions into a sustainable part of everyday clinical practice. In the coming months, laboratory equipment procurement and development of new diagnostic methods will continue.

In the first quarter of 2027, the BKUS biobank is expected to begin minimal operations alongside a full-scale long-term follow-up program, and the electronic PROM survey is set to expand to both inpatient and outpatient care. Plans also include building a molecular genetics team and strengthening digital infrastructure. In 2027, implementation of the Interfant-21 treatment protocol is planned to begin, alongside continued exchange of expertise with Swiss partners.