ACS CAN, in partnership with the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, has surveyed the current childhood cancer landscape, assessing the latest epidemiological data and statistics as well as updates on policies impacting progress for childhood cancer. Recent developments and issues that impact childhood cancer such as advances in technology, the childhood cancer data initiative (CCDI), and drug shortages, have been explored. Consensus policy recommendations emerging from the barriers, challenges, and opportunities identified provide a base for advocacy efforts.
Pediatric cancer research and clinical care have seen significant advances over the past decades, but important challenges remain. This overview, created by ACS CAN in collaboration with the Alliance for Childhood cancer, outlines these challenges by summarizing the data and context surrounding pediatric cancer, the research process that underlies the development of new therapies, and the unique scientific, logistical, economic, and regulatory challenges.
ACS CAN, together with the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, have adopted recommendations for policy strategies to address barriers to pediatric cancer research and drug development. These recommendations, developed through a multi-stakeholder process and supported by research, represent a path forward to ensure progress.
Developing effective drugs to treat children with cancer presents unique biological, logistical, ethical, and economic challenges. This report surveys the 2026 pediatric cancer landscape to enhance collaboration among the research, advocacy, and regulatory communities who share a common goal of advancing treatments to cure pediatric cancers.