ABOUT THE PROJECT
Childhood cancer remains one of the leading causes of disease-related death among children and adolescents. Although survival rates have improved considerably over recent decades, children with relapsed or refractory solid tumours continue to face poor prognoses and limited treatment options.
Current therapies often rely on intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. While these approaches have saved many lives, they can also lead to severe long-term physical, cognitive and emotional side effects that affect survivors throughout adulthood.
“Children and adolescents with cancer need therapies adapted to their biology and age, which are effective but also less toxic. With this project, we aim not only to improve survival, but also the quality of life of patients and their families.”
Dr Lucas Moreno
Head of the Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital
PHOENIX aims to improve the treatment of children and adolescents with relapsed or treatment-resistant solid tumours by developing safer, more effective and more personalised therapeutic approaches.
At the heart of PHOENIX is the first multinational Phase I/II clinical trial evaluating ibrilatazar, an innovative anticancer drug designed to offer a safer therapeutic approach for children. The project also integrates biomarker discovery and liquid biopsy technologies to support personalised treatment strategies.
Duration
Partners
Countries
Funding
Programme
Horizon Europe – Cancer Mission
Clinical trial
Phase I/II
Coordinator
Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)
Target patients
Children & adolescents with relapsed/refractory solid tumours
PHOENIX addresses childhood cancer through an integrated approach that combines clinical research, pharmaceutical innovation, personalised medicine and patient-centred care. Together, these activities aim to accelerate the development of safer therapies and improve outcomes for children and adolescents with high-risk cancers.
Conduct the first multinational Phase I/II clinical trial evaluating ibrilatazar in paediatric patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumours.
Assess ibrilatazar both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Develop a child-friendly oral formulation to improve treatment administration and adherence.
Identify biomarkers and integrate liquid biopsy technologies to support personalised treatment strategies.
Investigate social and healthcare barriers that influence access to innovative cancer treatments across Europe.
Generate evidence to support future standards of care and improve long-term outcomes for children with cancer.