Amics Joan Petit Nens amb Càncer has made a contribution of €90,000 to the Childhood Cancer and Hematological Diseases Group at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) to continue advancing two lines of research in childhood cancer, strengthening a collaboration that began in 2008.

History and commitment to research

Amics Joan Petit Nens amb Càncer Foundation was founded in Blanes in 2001, following the experience of parents who lost their son, Joan, to childhood cancer. Joan, who was passionate about roller hockey, is today the symbol that inspires the project, which was formally established as a non-profit foundation in 2004.

Its mission focuses on supporting children affected by the disease, their families, and on raising awareness about childhood cancer.

“For us, the most important thing is to persevere in knowledge and continue moving forward through research. Only in this way can we win the matches for pediatric cancer survival and improve the well-being of the children and adolescents undergoing treatment. The fact that more and more resources are being allocated to research makes us optimistic and encourages us to keep working to achieve new victories—for the children who are currently in treatment and for those who may be diagnosed in the future,” says Joan Torner, president of the Joan Petit Foundation. “For this reason, we believe that all contributions received throughout the year are essential: they allow us to continue funding knowledge, expand our donations, and express our gratitude for the commitment of all the people, initiatives, and entities that support us—associations, companies, federations, public administrations, teams, and especially this year the Pinnae Foundation, together with the Ateneu Agrícola Noia, which promoted a call in which, for the first time, we have been selected for this project—thank you all for your generosity and collaboration,” he adds.

This project, submitted by the Ateneu Agrícola of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, was selected in the latest edition of the Impuls pel Territori call. Its selection reflects the commitment of the Pinnae Foundation to the biomedical research carried out in the territory and to the professionals who make it possible. “At Pinnae, we will continue supporting initiatives that generate social value and contribute to improving people’s lives,” says Joan Melero, general director of the Pinnae Foundation.

Since 2008, Amics Joan Petit Nens amb Càncer Foundation has maintained an ongoing collaboration with VHIR, supporting research projects aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of children with cancer. This alliance consolidates its role as a leading organisation in promoting pediatric biomedical research.

Liquid biopsy to detect relapses in childhood sarcomas

The first line of research supported by the Foundation is led by Dr. Josep Roma and focuses on developing an early detection system for relapse in pediatric sarcomas through liquid biopsy.

This innovative project makes it possible to identify circulating tumor DNA fragments (ctDNA) in the blood, enabling relapse detection up to six months earlier than conventional imaging techniques.

After years of research, the team has developed a highly sensitive and personalised method that can significantly improve clinical follow-up, enable earlier treatments, and increase survival rates.

“The donation from the Joan Petit Foundation will help consolidate this technology, expand its use to other centers in Spain, and advance toward a national liquid biopsy platform for pediatric sarcomas,” explains Dr. Roma.

Liquid biopsy to improve diagnosis in childhood brain tumors

The second research line, led by Dr. Miquel Segura, promotes the development of a new diagnostic and monitoring tool for children with brain tumors, also through liquid biopsy. This project aims to detect tumor DNA fragments in plasma or cerebrospinal fluid to obtain relevant molecular information without the need for invasive procedures.

The team is creating a panel of specific biomarkers for these tumors, along with an artificial intelligence platform capable of integrating genetic and clinical data to improve medical decision-making. This approach aims to achieve more precise diagnosis, anticipate relapse, and reduce the physical and emotional impact of conventional tests on children and families.

“Thanks to the commitment of the Joan Petit Foundation and its network of collaborators, pioneering initiatives like these can advance from the laboratory to the patient, transforming the diagnosis and follow-up of childhood cancer. This ongoing support makes it possible for research to become a real and tangible impact for the families and children who need it most,” highlights Dr. Segura.