MONALISA Project: Pioneering Progress in Paediatric Cancer
The MONALISA project, an EU-funded initiative, is making significant strides in improving diagnostics, treatment decisions, and quality of life for children battling relapse neuroblastoma. Here are the latest highlights from the project's recent period (July 2025 – April 2026):
Clinical Trial Milestones
- First Patients Enrolled: The MONALISA clinical trial is now open at leading centers in the Netherlands, Austria and Greece, with the first patients already participating. More sites across Europe are preparing to join, expanding access to innovative diagnostics.
- Collaborative Approach: Regular meetings and training sessions ensure that all participating hospitals are well supported and ready to implement the trial with the highest standards.
Cutting-Edge Diagnostics
- Liquid Biopsy Advances: MONALISA is rolling out state-of-the-art liquid biopsy tests to indentify neuroblastoma disease relapse by detecting tumour molecular markers in blood samples. These tests are being validated and implemented across multiple European laboratories, making diagnosis less invasive and more precise for young patients.
- Quality and Safety: Rigorous quality control and certification processes are in place, ensuring that all diagnostic tools meet international standards.
Empowering Patients and Families
- MONALISA App Launched: Families can now use the MONALISA mobile app to report on quality of life and symptoms, helping doctors understand the psychosocial aspects of disease monitoring. The app is available in multiple languages and is already being used by families in the trial.
- Support Materials: Informational pamphlets and training videos for both caregivers and healthcare professionals are available in several languages, making participation easier and more inclusive.
- Major support by patient and parent advocates: Solving Kids Cancer UK continues to actively contribute to MONALISA in all tasks related to patients’ quality of life, ensuring the scientific discussions remain patient-focused. We are also grateful to Alan Pearson (patient advocate; SIOPEN Advocate Committee) for accepting to join our Scientific Advisory Board.
Data, Digital Tools, and Decision Support
- Smart Data Management: A secure digital infrastructure links clinical, laboratory and patient-reported data, supporting seamless information flow and privacy protection.
- Decision Support Tool: The first version of a digital tool to help clinicians interpret liquid biopsy results is now finalised, supporting better, faster treatment decisions.
Communication and Outreach
- Strong Online Presence: The MONALISA website, regular newsletters, and active social media channels (especially LinkedIn and YouTube) are keeping the community informed and engaged. Project videos and multilingual content are reaching families, clinicians, and researchers across Europe.
- Conference Impact: MONALISA’s work has been showcased at major international conferences, raising awareness and fostering collaboration with other research initiatives.
Looking Ahead
- Expanding Access: More clinical trial sites will open soon, bringing MONALISA’s innovations to even more children and families.
- Continued Engagement: The project will keep sharing updates through newsletters, policy briefs, and public events, ensuring that all stakeholders stay connected.
Why This Matters: MONALISA is setting new standards in paediatric cancer care by combining cutting-edge science, digital innovation, and patient-centred approaches. The project’s progress means more hope, better diagnostics, and improved quality of life for children and families facing neuroblastoma.
For more information, visit the MONALISA website to subscribe to the bi-annual newsletter or follow the project on LinkedIn and YouTube.