In an inspiring meeting, Megan Webber, Co-founder of KnowTheGlow (KTG), and Dr. Liliana Vasquez Ponce, a pediatric oncologist from Peru and past-president of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP), and Childhood Cancer Consultant at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) shared their visions for improving the early detection of eye cancer. Their discussion highlighted the synergies between KTG’s mission to raise awareness about leukocoria and Dr. Vasquez’s extensive work in childhood cancer prevention and treatment across Latin America.
Dr. Vasquez’s path to her current role as a consultant is rooted in her deep love for children and her unwavering dedication to medicine. Born and raised in Peru, Dr. Vasquez is the first in her family to become a cancer doctor. Her journey began as a pediatrician, a necessary precursor to becoming a pediatric oncologist in Peru. Her personal experiences, marked by both the joys of saving young lives and the heartbreak of losing patients, fueled her desire to address the systemic challenges in pediatric oncology.
Her commitment to improving childhood cancer care led to her pursuit of a Master’s in Clinical Research in Peru and a Master’s in Global Child Health from St. Jude’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. This laid the foundation for her groundbreaking research on diagnosis, treatment options, and avoidance of treatment abandonment in pediatric cancer patients in Peru. The impactful findings of her research were presented to the Peruvian Ministry of Health, resulting in significant policy changes.
Dr. Vasquez’s dedication and expertise eventually led her to PAHO, where she has played a pivotal role in the organization’s childhood cancer initiatives. Under her leadership, Peru was chosen as the pilot country for the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in 2019. This initiative led to remarkable improvements, including the enactment of the National Childhood Cancer Law, a reduction in treatment abandonment rates from 18% to 8.5%, and a decrease in the average time to diagnosis from 107 days to 55 days. These results were only possible thanks to a joint effort of multidisciplinary work committees and political will, led by the MOH in Peru.
Dr. Vasquez has been instrumental in coordinating efforts across several Latin American countries, including Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. In her role as President of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP) during 2020 and 2022 and as a board member of the SIOP Young Investigators of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP), she has worked tirelessly to strengthen pediatric cancer programs and improve early detection and treatment outcomes.
The meeting between Megan Webber and Dr. Vasquez underscored the exciting potential for collaboration between KTG and ongoing projects that Dr. Vasquez supports. Dr. Vasquez expressed her enthusiasm for KTG’s campaign on leukocoria and its potential to enhance early detection of childhood cancers.
Dr. Vasquez sees significant opportunities to amplify the impact of joint efforts during key awareness periods such as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September and International Childhood Cancer Day in February. She is excited to hear about the work KTG is doing to improve awareness of the symptoms of eye cancer.
With a shared commitment to early detection, innovative solutions, and comprehensive care, these like-minded efforts are poised to make a significant impact in Latin America and beyond. As they work together to raise awareness and improve outcomes, the future looks much brighter for countless children and families affected by childhood cancer, thanks to the dedication of Dr. Vasquez.
