Raising Awareness for Childhood Cancer

Each September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the urgent battle against pediatric cancers. Among the pioneering initiatives making a difference is MONALISA, a groundbreaking project funded by Horizon Europe as part of the EU Cancer Mission.

Transforming Neuroblastoma Monitoring

Neuroblastoma, a formidable childhood cancer predominantly affecting young kids, necessitates aggressive treatment. Alarmingly, over half of the children diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma face the grim reality of relapse post-therapy. MONALISA aims to revolutionize this landscape by enabling earlier detection of relapses through a groundbreaking technique known as liquid biopsy.

A Child-Friendly Alternative

Traditionally, monitoring neuroblastoma has relied on invasive methods like medical imaging and bone marrow examinations, which can be daunting for children and their families. These procedures often require hospitalization, sedation, and cause considerable emotional stress. Enter liquid biopsies—simple blood tests that can detect minute traces of cancer-related genetic material long before symptoms arise or abnormalities make themselves known on scans. This non-invasive approach promises to ease the monitoring process, allowing for more frequent tests without the associated discomfort.

Trailblazing Clinical Trials

As the first-of-its-kind clinical trial, MONALISA is set to evaluate liquid biopsies for monitoring neuroblastoma in children across 11 countries. Coordinated by the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP Europe), this ambitious study is powered by a robust alliance of hospitals, scientists, and research teams.

Comprehensive Support for Patients and Families

MONALISA doesn’t stop at relapse detection; it incorporates digital tools for healthcare providers and offers emotional well-being assessments for families. This holistic approach merges medical innovation with essential emotional support, creating a truly patient-centered initiative.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any pioneering project, MONALISA has encountered hurdles, particularly in harmonizing laboratory procedures across diverse nations. Ensuring consistency was paramount for the reliability of trial results. Additionally, managing patient data securely and efficiently has been crucial in maintaining privacy while connecting information from various sources.

A Bright Future Ahead

With substantial progress achieved, MONALISA is now poised to begin patient enrollment. The next significant milestone will involve integrating these innovations into national healthcare systems, exploring insurance coverage pathways, and collaborating with policymakers to facilitate widespread adoption of this transformative technology.