CHOC is taking the concepts of second-opinion consultation and tumor board planning at least six steps further. The Virtual Pediatric Network (VPN) uses state-of-the-art video conferencing to allow pediatric cancer experts from six leading institutions to share best practices, research and expertise as if they were all in the same room.
“No one institution can be an expert in every cancer, but with the VPN, these hospitals can work together to bring the best care to patients wherever they may live,” said Dr. Leonard Sender, medical director, Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC.
Described as a “multidisciplinary second opinion,” the tumor board concept has become an important cancer-fighting resource at hospitals in recent years. Tumor board meetings typically involve staff from across medical, nursing, psychological and rehabilitative disciplines who evaluate, diagnose and plan treatment for individual patients.
In a similar fashion, the VPN is comprised of five medical centers and one research institute for genomic medicine: CHOC, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and the Translational Genomics Research Institute. With CHOC serving as the hub, all are connected through the CISCO TelePresence video conferencing system, a secure network made available by a grant from CISCO to the CHOC Foundation.
According to Dr. Sender, the TelePresence system offers the highest level of video conferencing technology available. Optimized for exceptional sound and picture quality, the system captures every expression, gesture and voice inflection, creating a collaborative environment that leads to deeper discussion, enhanced information sharing and improved decision making.
“The VPN is an opportunity to leverage technology to allow for greater collaboration and, hopefully, innovation between children’s hospitals and cancer programs,” Dr. Sender said. “This will lead to potentially better science and provide pediatric patients the greatest opportunities for survival and quality of life.”
The VPN has the potential to standardize and improve care for pediatric patients throughout the world, Dr. Sender added. CHOC and CISCO are already planning to expand the network to additional locations and specialties, including pediatric institutions in Australia and the United Kingdom.
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Learn more about the Hyundai Cancer Center at CHOC
CHOC Hospital was named one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings and ranked in the cancer specialty.
