The association Todos contra la Histiocitosis has donated €15,000 to the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) to support research into Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare neoplastic disease that mainly affects children and adolescents. Caused by the abnormal proliferation of a type of immune system cell, this disease can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild forms to severe cases involving multiple organs.

Despite the treatments currently available, some patients do not respond optimally or experience relapses, particularly during the first years after diagnosis. In this context, research is essential to develop new therapeutic options and tools that allow for more accurate disease monitoring.

Dr. Josep Roma, principal investigator of the Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders research group at VHIR, leads a project focused on developing new therapeutic strategies and implementing methods to assess treatment response and monitor patients. The ultimate goal is to improve the early detection of relapses through molecular monitoring based on the analysis of biomarkers present in liquid biopsies. In parallel, the project also aims to develop new therapies by studying in vitro responses in cellular models of the disease.

“Histiocytosis is a disease that has historically been very under-researched and, to date, there are virtually no cellular models available to test drugs in vitro. Developing these models, as proposed in this project, will be key to studying new drugs or drug combinations that may pave the way for new therapeutic possibilities”, explains Dr. Josep Roma.

Todos contra la Histiocitosis’ commitment to research

Founded in 2014 in Terrassa, Todos contra la Histiocitosis is an association driven by families affected by the disease, with the main aim of raising funds for research and helping to improve the quality of life of people diagnosed with histiocytosis. Throughout 2025, the organisation has carried out a range of solidarity initiatives that have made this new contribution to the research conducted at Vall d’Hebron possible.

The association promotes cultural and sporting fundraising campaigns throughout the year, runs stalls at fairs and community events, and sells solidarity merchandise. At the same time, it works actively to secure sponsors and partners committed to advancing biomedical research. All these initiatives are made possible thanks to the involvement of families, volunteers and people committed to the cause, and aim to raise awareness of histiocytosis and to secure funding for research and for improving patients’ quality of life.

“Collaboration with reference centres such as Vall d’Hebron ensures that contributions from civil society are transformed into rigorous scientific projects with a real impact on patients and their families. This collaboration gives meaning to our work and strengthens the link between associations, healthcare professionals and research teams”, says Mónica Polo, founder of the Todos contra la Histiocitosis Association.