Almaty holds roundtable discussions on treating children with brain tumors
On May 4, Almaty hosted a roundtable titled Challenges in providing care for children with central nervous system tumors and ways to address them, bringing together national and international experts, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Representatives of the Kazakh Healthcare Ministry, chief external pediatric oncohematologist Lyazat Manzhuova, and foreign experts such as Prof. Ulrich Wilhelm Thomale from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin took part in the roundtable.
Those present emphasized ongoing systemic work in pediatric oncology, including advanced diagnostics (immunohistochemistry, genotyping, tumor markers), high-dose chemotherapy, and organ-preserving surgeries.
As stated there, Kazakhstan performs over 70 stem cell transplants annually, alongside joint replacements and selective intra-arterial chemotherapy sessions.
Noteworthy, the National Oncology Center in Astana will introduce proton therapy and radioiodine therapy by mid-year.
Training programs abroad are expanding, with 20 doctors set to study pediatric oncology in Turkiye this year.
Medicine procurement for children with oncohematological diseases is being conducted via UN agencies, with plans to expand the list to 44 drugs.
Besides, participants reported on the current situation and pressing issues in rendering medical assistance to children with central nervous system tumors and ways to address them, international best practices, clinical protocols, and opportunities for professional cooperation.
The roundtable reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to its Comprehensive Plan to Combat Cancer, developed and adopted pursuant to the President’s task.
Earlier, the Healthcare Minister announced that early cancer detection in Kazakhstan reaches 35%.
