In connection with the upcoming 33rd final of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP), a press briefing was held on January 17 at the OncoLab laboratory. The briefing focused on modern oncological diagnostics, which at the Łódź facility are primarily made possible by the equipment funded by WOŚP

The press briefing was attended by:

• Prof. Wojciech Młynarski, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Oncology, and Haematology, where OncoLab operates
• Prof. Agata Pastorczak, Head of Cancer Predisposition Department
• Prof. Radzisław Kordek, Head of the Department of Oncology
• Dr. Marcin Braun, Head of the Department of Pathology
• Dr. Monika Domarecka, Director of the Central Clinical Hospital.

The Central Genetic Laboratory in Paediatric Oncology, OncoLab, named after the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, has been operational since September 2016 at the Department of Paediatrics, Oncology, and Haematology at the Medical University of Łódź. OncoLab was equipped with state-of-the-art genetic testing equipment thanks to funds donated by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. It conducts genetic tests using the latest molecular techniques for children with oncological, haematological, and immunological diseases from all over Poland. The lab holds international quality certifications.

From 2016 to 2024, a total of 12,822 highly specialized molecular diagnostic tests were conducted in paediatric oncology for children from Poland and Ukraine, along with 1,986 tests for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children with cancer from across the country.

Currently, OncoLab receives over 2,500 bone marrow or blood samples annually from children across all pediatric oncology centers in Poland for molecular testing at various stages of treatment. OncoLab is the only such laboratory with a nationwide reach and is also recognized globally, which has led to its participation in many international research and clinical projects. “OncoLab is the only laboratory of its kind in Poland, and its global recognition has resulted in partnerships in numerous international research and clinical projects,” says Prof. Wojciech Młynarski, Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Oncology, and Haematology.

OncoLab also conducts studies to identify genetic predispositions to cancer in children. “It is important to remember that at least 10% of children have genetic predispositions that put them at risk for malignant cancers from birth. These predispositions must be diagnosed early to identify the disease promptly and improve treatment outcomes,” adds Prof. Agata Pastorczak from the Cancer Predisposition Department

In 2024, thanks to further financial support from the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, OncoLab and the Department of Pathomorphology, operating at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Łódź, jointly established a unique national reference centre for diagnosing soft tissue tumours in children.

“Our activities have also expanded to include pathological-molecular oncological diagnostics for adults. The centre conducts cancer tests that enable precise matching of targeted therapies. Collaboration with the Biobank of the Medical University of Łódź and the early clinical research centre, supported by the scientific and educational potential of the university, allows for the development and implementation of new diagnostic and therapeutic solutions,” emphasizes Dr. Marcin Braun, Head of the Department of Pathology.

To date, the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity has funded oncology equipment for paediatric oncology valued at over 9 million PLN. However, the university’s clinical hospitals are beneficiaries of much broader support from WOŚP

The Central Clinical Hospital has received equipment support totaling 27 million PLN, University Hospital No. 2 received 4 million PLN, and Norbert Barlicki University Hospital No. 1 received 3 million PLN. These amounts translate into real assistance for patients, not just paediatric ones. “At the CKD campus, we have gathered unique units—laboratories, clinics, and departments—that support the diagnosis and treatment of patients from all over Poland,” emphasizes Dr. Monika Domarecka, Director of the Central Clinical Hospital.

We would like to remind everyone that the 33rd Final of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity will take place on January 26. Volunteers from the Medical University of Łódź will be present throughout the city. We encourage support for both traditional collections as well as online donations and charity auctions.