Control samples, obtained from individuals without signs of illness, are crucial for comparison with patient samples to better understand disease mechanisms. The initiative plans to integrate sample collection into already scheduled clinical procedures to avoid causing additional discomfort to children.
According to Isabel Novoa, director of the Vall d'Hebron Biobank, family trust and participation are key to robust pediatric research. The project aims to develop communication materials to explain the value of donation and its ethical guarantees.
An innovative aspect is the inclusion of patient perspectives. Discussion groups with adolescents and their families, as well as artistic workshops for children, will be organized to design a donation campaign that addresses their concerns. A registry for potential healthy pediatric donors, named Donor Call Hub, will also be established.
The initiative aligns with the Strategic Plan for Pediatric and Perinatal Research 2026-2030. The HUVH Biobank manages biological samples for the research community and aims to create a high-quality and diverse biobank of healthy pediatric population samples.
The European project PERIFORMANCE strengthens the involvement of stakeholders in oncological research and addresses its ethical, legal, and social implications, promoting equitable and transparent advancements. It is part of the objectives of the European Union's Cancer Mission.
