Cancer is the leading cause of death from underage disease and causes 60-70 new cases in the Basque Country each year

Cancer  is theleading cause of death from infant and adolescent disease . In the Basque Country , 60-70 cases are diagnosed each year in children under 19 years of age. These tumors are not common, but have a strong emotional, social and health impact on families.

On the occasion of the International Day against Childhood Cancer, the Department of Health of the Basque Government and Osakidetza have reaffirmed their commitment to research, comprehensive care and humanization in paediatric oncology.

Currently, in order to combat childhood cancer, Osakidetza  64projects and clinical studies are being developed that aim to improve diagnosis and develop more effective and less toxic treatments. Survival has increased significantly in recent decades and is currently between 80% and 85%. The challenge now is to reduce long-term physical and emotional effects .

Osakidetza is currently promoting 64 projects and clinical studiesbased on childhood cancer, from improving diagnosis to developing more effective and less toxic treatments. Survival has increased significantly in recent decades and is now between 80% and 85%. The challenge now is to reduce physical and emotional consequences.

Shared research and personalized medicine

The Platform for Support for Research on Childhood Cancer in the Basque Country, led by oncologist Itziar Astigarraga from Biobizkaia, coordinates projects and strengthens collaboration with Biogipuzkoa. The research focuses on the most common tumors in childhood, such as leukaemia (which accounts for about 30% of diagnoses), brain tumors and lymphomas, as well as well as sarcomas.

In the area of acute leukaemia, Biobizkaia and the Cruces University Hospital are introducing advanced genetic sequencing (RNA-seq) to apply precision medicine. 20-30% of patients may suffer relapses. Therefore, adapting treatments to the molecular characteristics of each tumor is essential to improve prognosis and reduce toxicity.

Reference and rehabilitation units

Child cancer care in the Basque Country is concentrated in two reference units: the Cruces University Hospital and the Donostia University Hospital, which ensure greater specialization and multidisciplinary approach.

Among the most prominent programs is the OnkoSoinketa, developed at the Donostia University Hospital in collaboration with Biogipuzkoa, an initiative that advocates cardiac rehabilitation through supervised physical exercise to combat the side effects of chemotherapy and facilitate a gradual return to school and social life.

Humanizing and supporting families

Osakidetza also maintains humanization as a strategic axis. Reference hospitals have spaces adapted to childhood, educational resources and psychological and social support. The work is carried out in collaboration with Aspanovas, Aspanogui and the Aladina Foundation, with the aim of placing minors and their families at the centre of care.

The Department of Health has stressed that the commitment is clear, on the one hand, to continue to increase survival and, on the other hand, to ensure that those who overcome childhood cancer can develop their entire lives with the highest possible quality.