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 12.02.2024

Oncoheroes takes center stage in the first-ever global oncothon, focused on childhood cancer

In an unprecedented effort to address one of the leading causes of death in children and adolescents, Oncodaily, a specialized oncology media outlet, announces its first global oncothon, which will be dedicated to pediatric cancer research. This 24-hour worldwide telethon will be broadcast on February 15th, the International Childhood Cancer Day, to raise funds for an international clinical trial of Oncoheroes Biosciences’ lead compound, Volasertib, across five pediatric cancer indications. The company, member of the Barcelona Science Park, is the world’s first biotech dedicated exclusively to the development of new therapies for pediatric cancer.

Childhood cancer is still one of the leading causes of death by disease in children aged 1 to 19. Unfortunately, there are several times less drugs approved for pediatric cancer compared to over 200 in adults.

Although close to half a million children are diagnosed with cancer and hundreds of thousands of lives are lost to it globally each year, childhood cancer is still categorized as a rare disease. Regrettably, the pharmaceutical industry and venture capitalists show limited interest in backing essential initiatives beyond academic research, given the comparatively small market size of pediatric cancer in contrast to adults.

Oncoheroes’ lead compound, Volasertib, is ready to be evaluated in an international clinical trial with the hope of finding signs of efficacy in several types of pediatric cancers (Ewing sarcoma, medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

Volasertib will be evaluated in combination with vinorelbine  in around 100 children and adolescents with cancer who have exhausted all available treatment options. It will be conducted in 20 centers around the world, including Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The trial is led by the Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ) in Germany, and represents the first comprehensive pediatric evaluation of Volasertib.

A 24-hour telethon to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer

During the oncothon, funds will be raised through the support of the Fundació Olivares and the Ally Anderson Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Funds, managed by the Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation. Both foundations have been contributing to the advancement of the Oncoheroes portfolio, including Volasertib, since the beginning of the company’s activity.

The event will be broadcast globally through various platforms, including the Oncodaily and Oncoheroes social media, as well as YouTube [+]

For 24 hours, scientists, patients, family members, and activists will discuss childhood cancer with the aim of raising awareness about the need to dedicate efforts and raise funds for pediatric oncology research. The whole global community is invited to join this significant effort to contribute to changing the course of childhood cancer.

» More information to participate and make a donation on Mi Grano de Arena [+] and Oncothon 2024 [+] websites.