Invest for children is one of the founding donors of the creation of the SJD Pediatric Cancer Centre Barcelona, contributing to the establishment of the largest paediatric oncology centre in Spain and one of the largest in Europe.
https://www.sjdhospitalbarcelona.org/
The SJD Pediatric Cancer Centre began operations in June 2022 in Barcelona, delivering comprehensive healthcare services.
The SJD Pediatric Cancer Centre features advanced outpatient care, with 21 consultation rooms and 26 day hospital treatment boxes, which also operate on weekends. This has freed up other areas of the hospital for specialties such as nephrology, allergy testing, and immunology treatments, improving service efficiency.
The surgical block includes two high-tech operating theatres, with the second theatre, specialising in complex oncological surgeries planned in 3D, becoming operational in the first quarter of 2023.
The SJD Pediatric Cancer Centre Barcelona also includes a rehabilitation area specifically designed for its patients. This space allows for the treatment of more children and adolescents, whether hospitalised or outpatients, adapting care to their specific needs based on the condition and age group.
Childhood Cancer: A Disease Linked to Development
Developmental cancer, more commonly known as childhood cancer, affects children, adolescents, and young adults. Unlike adult cancers, which are often associated with ageing, childhood cancer is a random disease that cannot be prevented.
In Spain, around 1,200 new cases are diagnosed each year—one case of childhood cancer for every 200 adult cases—classifying it as a rare disease.
While in developed countries 8 out of 10 patients overcome the disease, there is still no curative treatment for many children. Moreover, two out of three survivors suffer long-term effects from the treatments they receive. The only way to advance knowledge and develop more effective treatments is through research.
Unfortunately, childhood cancer research receives less funding than adult cancer research due to its low incidence, making it less profitable. Progress therefore relies heavily on solidarity and philanthropy.
In fact, 70% of the budget for the childhood cancer laboratory at the SJD Pediatric Cancer Centre Barcelona comes from private donations from families, patient associations, foundations, and companies.
An Internationally Renowned Laboratory
The childhood cancer research laboratory at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, with more than 20 years of experience, began its work in 2003. This year, coinciding with its 20th anniversary, new research and molecular diagnostic spaces integrated within the SJD Pediatric Cancer Centre were inaugurated.
The laboratory houses a priceless paediatric tumour biobank, essential for research. In addition, advanced molecular and genomic techniques have been developed, enabling:
• Accurate diagnoses.
• Better predictions of tumour aggressiveness.
• More effective monitoring of treatment response, promoting precision medicine to provide personalised and less aggressive treatments.
With over 50 professionals, the laboratory is organised into five consolidated groups that:
• Study the origins and development of paediatric cancers.
• Seek new therapeutic options for the most aggressive cancers.
• Develop in vivo models to test new drugs.
• Generate clinical trials for advanced therapies, such as CAR-T immunotherapy and oncolytic viruses.
• Collaborate with renowned international research groups.
Summary of the Second Year of Activity
- Healthcare Activity:
Total patients in 2023: 460
• Total patients (January–September 2024): 290
• Stability in national patient numbers and a decline in international patients due to conflicts and economic difficulties in accessing treatment. - Key Indicators (January–September 2024):
Average occupancy rate: 70%
• 1.4 patients daily in ICU
• 1.3 patients daily in LCS
• 21 daily sessions in the Day Hospital
• 5 daily surgical procedures
• 34 daily blood tests in the Day Hospital
