Why Research in Pediatric Oncology Is So Important
Sometimes, just one moment is enough to turn a family's world upside down—whenever doctors have to tell parents that their child is seriously ill. When cancer is diagnosed, future plans no longer matter. The entire life and daily routine of the family must adapt to this drastic situation.
Cancer is rare in children and adolescents. Nevertheless, it is the most common fatal disease among children and adolescents in Western countries. In Europe, 35,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, including more than 2,000 in Germany alone.
The Only Solution: Research
Only through decades of intensive and continuous research we can find answers to these questions. However, for pharmaceutical companies, developing new drugs for children and adolescents is not a profitable business due to the small market size. This is why donations are essential for developing and researching new, innovative treatments.
Thanks to these donations, around 80% of children now survive their cancer. But there is still a lot to be done: the effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, such as cognitive and motor impairments, infertility, neurological problems or heart and kidney damage must continue to be minimized. At the same time, children for whom there is still no treatment must have greater access to therapeutic innovations from cancer research.
