Cancer Core Europe (CCE) is proud to contribute to Grasshopper, a new EU-funded international research consortium that brings together leading experts in biomedical and clinical cancer research. The initiative aims to accelerate the development of innovative treatments for childhood cancers and to help train the next generation of researchers dedicated to improving outcomes for young patients.
Childhood Cancer in Europe
Every year, 35,000 children and adolescents across Europe are diagnosed with cancer, according to Childhood Cancer International Europe, making it one of the leading causes of disease-related death in this population. The most common forms include leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, and solid tumors. Alarmingly, more than 20% of these young patients do not survive, and many of those who do face long-term health complications from their treatments. By 2025, over 500,000 childhood and adolescent cancer survivors are expected in Europe, more than half of whom will experience chronic side effects.
An International Alliance
Launched on December 4, 2025, Grasshopper is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Jan Molenaar of the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The consortium brings together 18 partners from 11 European countries and 3 countries beyond Europe, uniting academic institutions, clinical centers, and industry leaders in a powerful multidisciplinary network.
The initiative is built around four core objectives: the identification and preclinical validation of novel immune-based and molecular interventions for pediatric cancers; the promotion of drug repurposing to make better use of existing therapies; and the improvement of clinical validation processes for the most promising treatments. These goals will be achieved through a dynamic program of intersectoral assignments between partners and beneficiaries, enabling a thorough exchange of expertise and encouraging collaboration across disciplines and borders.
Grasshopper is not only committed to accelerating the development of effective treatments, but also to nurturing a new generation of highly skilled researchers. By equipping them with strong pediatric and transferable research skills and embedding them in a wide-reaching professional network, bringing promising therapies to patients faster and more efficiently.
CCE’s Role: A Patient-Centered Approach
As part of the consortium’s collaborative network for research and training, Cancer Core Europe plays an important role in reinforcing GRASSHOPPER’s mission. Representing CCE in Grasshopper is Petra Oberrauch, Scientific Coordinator at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), member of the CCE Operational Board, and a core contributor to CCE’s Education and Training Pillar.
Building on its existing expertise in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer, CCE contributes valuable knowledge and perspectives, with the aim of further strengthening this focus. Through this collaboration CCE seeks to ensure that research remains closely aligned with the evolving needs of AYA patients —across care, education, and access to novel therapies.
“Through education, training, and strategic partnerships, CCE is proud to support GRASSHOPPER in its mission to advance pediatric cancer research and improve outcomes for young patients across Europe and beyond.”
Petra Oberrauch
Collaboration is key to driving clinical impact and ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge therapies for all cancer patients, including children. At CCE, we are committed to fostering and engaging in diverse initiatives and programs that help advance translational cancer research and innovative therapies across Europe and beyond.
To know more about Grasshopper please visit https://grasshopperconsortium.com/
GRASSHOPPER is funded by the Horizon Europe / Marie Sklodowska-Curie Staff Exchange under Grant Agreement No. 101182922.
Consulted sources:
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ). European alliance to fight cancer in children and adolescents. December 2024. Via https://www.nct-heidelberg.de/en/the-nct/newsroom/press-releases/details/european-alliance-to-fight-cancer-in-children-and-adolescents.html
- World Health Organization. Childhood Cancer. February 4, 2025. Via https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20an%20estimated%20400,as%20neuroblastoma%20and%20Wilms%20tumour
