Childhood cancer in Spain: an urgent reality
Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among children and adolescents in Spain. Each year, around 1,000 new cases are diagnosed in children under 15, the most common being:
- Leukemias
- Central nervous system tumors
- Lymphomas
Although significant progress has been made in research and treatments in recent decades, childhood cancer remains poorly understood. In addition, its low prevalence and the complexity of its biological mechanisms—different from those of adult cancer—make it difficult to study.
Current progress and challenges
In recent years, survival rates have improved thanks to early detection and the development of new therapies. Today, more than 80% of children diagnosed with cancer in Spain manage to overcome the disease.
Even so, major challenges still lie ahead: access to innovative treatments is not guaranteed for all patients, therapy personalization is limited, and lack of funding remains an obstacle to advancing research.
Why childhood cancer research is so complex
Research in pediatric oncology faces very specific challenges. According to the Spanish Society of Epidemiology (SEE), the low incidence of these tumors makes it difficult to carry out large-scale studies. In addition, their causes remain largely unknown.
Childhood cancers also show major differences compared with adult tumors, in their origin, behavior, and response to treatments. That is why dedicated research is essential, tailored to the characteristics of younger patients.
FERO’s commitment to pediatric oncology
To address these challenges, at Fundación FERO we work to promote childhood cancer research in Spain. Our goal is to support innovative projects that help us better understand the biology of this disease: its origin, its progression, and the keys to a more accurate diagnosis.
Through fellowships and research grants, we aim to advance the development of new therapeutic strategies that improve both survival and quality of life for affected children.
Areas of work we collaborate on
We currently collaborate with teams researching different areas of work, such as:
- The study of microenvironmental niches that promote pediatric glioma infiltration in the brain (Dr. María Alieva).
- The development of therapies based on modified adenoviruses to treat diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (Dr. Marta Alonso).
- The identification of molecular pathways and targeted treatments for juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (Dr. Laura Belver).
- The use of genome editing as a therapeutic tool against malignant rhabdoid tumor (Dr. Alexandra Avgustinova).
In other words, different lines of research, different perspectives… but one shared purpose: to better understand the complexity of childhood cancer and improve opportunities for those facing it.
The FERO-Aladina Fellowship: an alliance to move forward
This year, we have joined forces with Fundación Aladina to launch the FERO-Aladina Fellowship in Pediatric Cancer. An initiative created to foster translational research and support those who dedicate their careers to fighting this disease.
The fellowship supports projects focused on key areas such as molecular biology, genetics, innovative treatments, and personalized therapies. In addition, this collaboration brings together FERO’s experience in driving research and Aladina’s commitment to the well-being of children with cancer.
Prioritizing childhood cancer research
Childhood cancer
remains a devastating disease that needs more research, more resources, and more collaboration among experts. Therefore, initiatives such as the FERO-Aladina Fellowship are fundamental steps to improve the life expectancy of affected children.
And at FERO, we will continue working to ensure that pediatric oncology research has the place it deserves on our country’s health agenda.
Will you help us make it possible?
