Abstract
The majority of the burden of pediatric patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors resides in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The success of the treatment of this patient population relies on an effective multidisciplinary team, with updated knowledge and skills and, most importantly, awareness of the context in which they practice. The SJGANOS seeks to change the paradigm of educational interventions in pediatric oncology, by systematically creating a curriculum with directed educational interventions that will lead to improved patient outcomes. A targeted needs assessment (TNA) survey to evaluate the care team members, team dynamic, infrastructure, and patient outcomes was designed and distributed to 20 centers around the world. This TNA will describe the current state of neuro-oncology as a field in LMICs and define high-impact educational interventions. Since interdisciplinary competencies are best gained as a group, teams that treat patients with CNS tumors, including oncologists, neurosurgeons, pathologists, radio-oncologists, and radiologists from around the world will be invited to the SGNOS to be held in the summer of 2018. The Seminar will have two components, a distance-learning course and an onsite workshop, with the goal to provide higher-cognitive skills and provide the basis for a change in behavior. Ultimately, we wish to increase knowledge and skills, increase the multidisciplinary approach to care, and measurably increase the survival and quality of life of patients with CNS tumors around the world.