Telemicroscopic Conferences for Children of the Perm Territory with Suspected or Proven Malignant Solid Tumors

Background: Malignant solid tumors are rare events in childhood and adolescence. Therefore central review of the histology and standardized grading are requested for accurate risk estimation and facilitate a tumor risk adapted treatment. Aims of the study: To abandon the time consuming transportation of tumor material over long distances to the specialized institution by implementation of an internet based consultation system. Methods: A microscope combined with a video-camera (situated in Perm) and the personal computers of each of 4 cooperating institutions (in Perm, Kiel, Koeln, Duesseldorf) has been equipped with the special software Mikroskopkonferenz. Additional videocameras allow the transmission of the cooperators to each other. Headsets are used to avoid reecho. As a prerequisite an internet connection with a 54 KBits capacity has to be provided. Results: Between January and December 2009, 26 children (median age 2; 5 years, 12 females and 14 males) with suspected or proven malignant solid tumors have been discussed in 11 telemicroscopic conferences by international cooperators. Conclusion: This cooperation demonstrates the proof of principle to obtain second opinions in short time over far distances for seldom diseases on a scientific level.