The Josep Carreras Foundation and Sant Joan de Déu launch a childhood leukaemia research programme valued at over 10 million euros

For its part, Sant Joan de Déu, through its Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona (PCCB) and thanks to the significant legacy that Mr. Carlos Parrera Casanovas left to benefit the institution for childhood cancer research, will provide funding for four additional research teams, allocate 300 square meters for laboratories, and grant access to all its clinical activity.

Childhood leukaemias are the most common type of cancer in children. 80% of patients achieve remission, although in some cases with long-term side effects. The remaining 20% do not survive, making research essential, as relapse treatments require more personalized and advanced therapies that still demand significant resources to be effective. Current research focuses on identifying the molecular mechanisms behind resistance to conventional therapies in order to address treatment in relapsed patients.

Moreover, due to its relatively low incidence, childhood leukaemia requires charitable organisations to concentrate their efforts on uncovering the mechanisms behind the disease’s onset, improving treatment, and promoting long-term survival free from side effects.

According to Dr. Pablo Menéndez, scientific coordinator of the program, “this alliance will enable the development of shared strategies, joint institutional programs and collaborative initiatives to foster cooperation between basic, translational and clinical researchers, thus covering all stages of the research process — from laboratory work to patient application.”

The agreement aims to promote collaborative research among professionals and support their training. It will also facilitate researchers’ access to scientific platforms, as well as the joint development of new ones.

The Josep Carreras Foundation is committed to fully funding the adaptation of the spaces at the SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona for research activities, as well as the acquisition of the essential scientific and technical equipment.

Through this agreement, the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute will establish a new campus at the Sant Joan de Déu facilities and become part of the strategic network for paediatric research, technology and innovation known as the “PReTI Alliance” (Paediatric Research Technology and Innovation Alliance), promoted by the IRSJD.

The agreement has been signed by Josep Carreras, president of the Josep Carreras Foundation against Leukaemia and of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute; Joan Comella, director of the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, and Manel del Castillo, managing director of the Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital.

According to Josep Carreras, “this alliance will strengthen the important scientific research being carried out by the three institutions. We continue to move forward day by day in the study of leukaemia, and this collaboration helps us to join forces in the development of clinical, translational and basic research projects.”