Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) has registered in the Congress of Deputies a non-legislative proposal (PNL) with which it demands a specific support plan for the research of intrinsic diffuse pontine glioma (DIPG), considered one of the most aggressive pediatric brain tumors with the worst prognosis. The initiative proposes to create a stable and multi-year public funding line endowed with at least 10 million euros in 2027 to strengthen clinical research and promote the launch of new trials.
The proposal, driven by the ERC deputy Etna Estrems, argues that the low incidence of this disease cannot translate into a lack of resources for research. In this sense, the party defends that public administrations assume a greater financial commitment and reduce dependence on private contributions or social entities.
In addition to the economic reinforcement, the text urges the Government to accelerate the authorization of clinical trials aimed at pediatric cancers that lack therapeutic alternatives and to strengthen regulatory support for studies promoted from the academic field.
The initiative also incorporates support measures for affected families. Among them, it proposes to improve aid to cover expenses arising from travel, accommodation, and maintenance when minors must be treated in highly specialized centers. It also proposes to strengthen psychological support programs, pediatric palliative care, and care during mourning processes.
ERC emphasizes, however, that all these actions must be developed respecting the competencies of the Generalitat de Catalunya in health matters. Therefore, it considers that the role of the General State Administration should focus on funding research, pharmaceutical regulation, and institutional cooperation, avoiding, in its view, the creation of structures that invade autonomous competencies.