In the context where pediatric cancer remains a major healthcare burden in many developing countries, improving the quality of diagnosis and treatment has become increasingly urgent, particularly in specialized fields such as pathology. As the national tertiary referral pediatric hospital in Vietnam, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital held the 7th Asia–Pacific Pediatric Pathology Workshop (VIVA–St. Jude) in collaboration with the St. Jude Global Alliance on March 13–14, 2026. The workshop was held under the theme “Pediatric Renal Tumor Pathology.”
The workshop was conducted in a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual participation, and attracted more than 200 delegates from the United States and countries across the Asia–Pacific region. Participants included representatives from the Vietnamese Society of Pathology and Cytology, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, and pediatric and obstetrics–pediatrics hospitals nationwide.
Beyond serving as an academic forum, the workshop also provided an important platform to help narrow healthcare disparities between developed and developing countries, strengthen international and multidisciplinary collaboration, and foster sustainable professional networks in the fields of pathology and pediatric oncology.
The Key Role of Pathology in Pediatric Cancer Care
In clinical practice, pathology plays a fundamental role in disease diagnosis through the analysis of tissue and cellular specimens, enabling accurate determination of lesion characteristics, tumor staging, and molecular biological features.
For pediatric renal tumors—which account for approximately 5.2% of cancers in children under the age of 15—precise histopathological evaluation forms the basis for selecting appropriate treatment strategies and ensuring effective long-term patient follow-up.
Notably, this year’s decision by the organizing committee to relocate the annual workshop from Singapore to Vietnam highlights the growing recognition of the expertise and capacity of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital and Vietnamese pediatric pathology within the Asia–Pacific pediatric pathology community and the St. Jude Global Alliance.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Tran Minh Dien, Director of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, emphasized: “Each year, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital manages a large number of complex cases, including rare diseases and pediatric cancers. Accurate pathological diagnosis plays a crucial role in clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and improving outcomes for pediatric patients. This workshop provides an important opportunity for the hospital to strengthen professional collaboration, enhance diagnostic capacity, and promote a multidisciplinary model of care.”
Prof. Tran Minh Dien expressed his sincere appreciation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the St. Jude Global Alliance, the VIVA Foundation for Children with Cancer, and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, as well as to international experts who have continuously supported the hospital over the years.
Advanced Topics and Practical Discussions
During the workshop, leading experts from the United States, Singapore, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam delivered eight in-depth presentations addressing both common and rare types of pediatric renal tumors, while highlighting the latest advances in diagnostic approaches. The sessions enabled participants to:
- Develop appropriate histopathological diagnostic approaches for renal tumors and other pediatric solid tumors;
- Update knowledge of key histological criteria for diagnosing Wilms tumor and non-Wilms renal tumors in children;
- Apply immunohistochemistry effectively in complex diagnostic cases;
- Understand molecular and genetic alterations in renal tumors to support tumor classification, risk stratification, and treatment decisions;
- Recognize diagnostic pitfalls and rare presentations in pediatric renal tumor pathology;
- Strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration in the detection and treatment of pediatric cancers.
Experts engaged in dynamic discussions and exchanges, sharing valuable scientific insights and professional experience in pediatric renal tumor pathology.
A highlight of the program was the real-case analysis session, where several clinical cases were presented for discussion. This interactive format allowed physicians to exchange professional experience, enhance their recognition of histopathological features, and improve the practical application of specialized knowledge in clinical practice.
The lively discussions and interactive exchanges provided physicians with valuable opportunities to update their knowledge and gain practical experience in the field.
Strengthening Long-Term International Collaboration
The successful organization of the 7th Asia–Pacific Pediatric Pathology Workshop (VIVA–St. Jude) has further strengthened collaboration in training, research, and pediatric oncologic pathology between Vietnam and countries across the Asia–Pacific region.
Through in-depth scientific presentations, practical discussions, and international knowledge exchange, the workshop contributed to standardizing pathology practices, promoting multidisciplinary approaches, and advancing more effective treatment strategies for children with malignant renal tumors.
Dr. Hoang Ngoc Thach, Head of the Department of Pathology at Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, expressed his hope for continued collaboration to further strengthen pediatric pathology capacity in Vietnam and across the Asia–Pacific region.
Highlights from the Workshop
The Organizing Committee presented certificates of appreciation to the workshop speakers in recognition of their valuable contributions.
