Supporting families and science: keys in the fight against pediatric cancer at the Miguel Servet Children's Hospital in Zaragoza

Psychosocial support for families and care beyond treatments are key pillars in the care provided by this healthcare service.. For this reason, the Pediatric Oncohematology unit reinforces its commitment to research and personalized therapies.

On February 15, was commemorated International Childhood Cancer Day. A date that year after year reminds us of the importance of early detection, access to adequate treatments and comprehensive support for children and adolescents who face this disease, as well as their families.

Each year, between 1,000 and 1,000 are diagnosed 40 and 45 new cancer patients in Aragon and La Rioja that are attended to from the Pediatric Oncohematology Unit of the Miguel Servet Children's Hospital in Zaragoza. Currently, 60 of these patients are undergoing active treatment. The most common cancers in childhood are leukemias and brain tumors, while in the adolescence lymphomas predominate. Fortunately, more than 80% of these patients overcome the disease.

18 clinical trials

To continue improving survival, patients in the unit They participate in numerous national and international clinical trials, there are currently a total of 18 active. At this time, intensive work is being done to ensure that the unit is adhere to the protocol “ALL Together”, un European reference programme for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in children and adolescents. With this step, the hospital will join the implementation of a more advanced and personalized therapeutic model, based on molecular biology, genetics and immunotherapy, which has been shown to improve survival and reduce the toxicity of treatments.

“All together” program

Statement by Dr. Ascensión Muñoz, from the Pediatric Oncohematology Unit at the Miguel Servet Children's Hospital in Zaragoza:

“The incorporation of this strategy will allow us to offer patients more effective treatments, ensuring that they receive the best possible care with the latest scientific advances.”, explains Ascensión Muñoz, a doctor at the unit.

Since 2022, the unit has also been attached to the project SEHOP PENCIL, developed by the Spanish Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (SEHOP). As Dr. Muñoz Mellado explains, thanks to it, “It enables the genetic study of high-risk malignant tumors, in which first-line treatments do not work adequately. These studies establish therapies specifically targeted to that specific type of tumor, thus enabling a new treatment option for the patient that would not otherwise be possible.”.

SEHOP-PENCIL project

Dr. Muñez explains how we work on finding new treatment options:

Comprehensive and humanized approach

However, the fight against childhood cancer requires not only advanced medical treatments, but also a comprehensive and humanized approach. On this awareness day, the team at the unit highlights the importance of provide care and attention that is close and sensitive.

“Care also means understanding the pain of families, respecting their emotions and accompanying them at every step of the process. Each professional in the unit, from doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, to orderlies or cleaning staff, plays a fundamental role in making this journey more bearable and warm. Our work is not only focused on treatment, but on creating an environment where children can find moments of joy and normality in the midst of the process.”, explains Camelia Al Nitei, nursing supervisor of the Pediatric Oncohematology Unit.

Support throughout the entire care process

Statement by Camelia Al Nitei, supervisor of the Pediatric Oncohematology Unit:

Collaboration with ASPANOA

In this task, collaboration with ASPANOA is key. This citizen association that cares for children with cancer in Aragon, Not only does it provide psychosocial support to children and their families, but it also supports research, scholarships for professionals and has even created spaces within the hospital where play, art and music are part of the treatment, promoting the emotional well-being of young patients.

Miguel Servet Children's Hospital reinforces its commitment to patients and their families, with the aim of all professionals being to improve the quality of life of patients and their families and to offer increasingly effective and personalized treatments.

Source: Aragon Today

Image: The medical and nursing team of the Pediatric Oncohematology Unit of the Miguel Servet Children's Hospital in Zaragoza / Government of Aragon