CLOSER was an ambitious project with a clear vision: to improve childhood leukemia care from a global, patient-centered perspective, considering medical, scientific, academic, and social aspects. Progress requires a multidisciplinary approach, and it is only possible through collaboration.
Overall, the international CLOSER consortium has proven to be a highly beneficial strategy. Collaboration between European and Latin American countries has led to significant advances, which will improve patient care and survival and reduce the inequalities between both regions.
CLOSER created a stable network of collaboration that has benefited patients, families, patient organizations, doctors, and researchers and will endure after the end of the project.
The list of achievements includes improvements in leukemia diagnosis; increased knowledge about leukemia thanks to new educational materials for patients, families, and healthcare professionals; better organization of laboratories and optimization of resources; implementation of new laboratory techniques; creation of groups of teenagers as advisors in health; participation in new international treatment protocols, and new opportunities for future collaborations in research.
Complex diagnostic methods have been adopted or improved in Latin America and Spain, leading to better identification of leukemia subtypes. The compilation of standardized laboratory procedures and the creation of detailed guidelines have resulted in a more precise leukemia diagnosis. This is very important because it allows the application of risk-directed treatments.
Also, access to national and international quality control programs facilitated the participation of Spanish and Latin American centers in new international therapeutic protocols that will offer the best therapy possible, considering the risk of each patient.
CLOSER also focused on training healthcare professionals. A unique course dedicated to the integrated diagnosis of pediatric leukemia was offered to laboratory professionals and physicians around the world beyond the consortium. In this free, open edition, more than 270 students from 20 countries have registered for the course.
CLOSER believes in empowering patients and families so that they can be active members of the care process and clinical research related to childhood leukemia. Improving information about leukemia is essential for patient engagement in healthcare. CLOSER selected and classified existing educational tools for patients and families and created new practical and meaningful content, which will be available on the project’s website. Moreover, CLOSER created Patient Advisory Groups in CLOSER’s countries to raise the voices of children and adolescents in health decisions and research.
We are confident that our achievements will inspire and help other networks and regions beyond CLOSER, benefiting all children and young leukemia patients.
