Journal: Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
This publication describes the inaugural AACR Pediatric Cancer Progress Report released on December 4, 2025. The report synthesizes approximately a decade of advances in pediatric oncology for children (0–14 years) and adolescents (15–19 years).
Key points:
- Therapeutic advances: Highlights major progress in molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are changing standards of care for several pediatric malignancies.
- Genomic profiling: Emphasizes the growing role of comprehensive genomic characterization in diagnosis, risk stratification, surveillance, and treatment selection for childhood and adolescent cancers.
- Outcome improvements: Documents how these scientific and clinical advances have translated into improved outcomes for many pediatric patients, while acknowledging variability by cancer type.
- Ongoing challenges: Underscores significant gaps, including:
- Limited effective options for rare and highly aggressive pediatric cancers.
- Persistent disparities in access to high-quality oncologic and supportive care within the U.S. and globally.
- Call to action: Stresses the need for increased federal funding, stronger international collaboration, and innovative research strategies to sustain and accelerate progress against pediatric cancers.
The full report is noted to be freely accessible online for more detailed data and analyses.