In a landmark event on December 4, 2025, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) unveiled its inaugural Pediatric Cancer Progress Report. This comprehensive document sheds light on the remarkable strides made in pediatric cancer research and treatment over the past decade, while also addressing the ongoing challenges that remain.
Advancements in Pediatric Cancer Treatment
Over the last ten years, the landscape of pediatric cancer care has transformed. The five-year survival rate for all pediatric cancers in the United States has risen from 63% in the mid-1970s to 87% between 2015 and 2021. This improvement is attributed to several factors:
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Risk-Stratified Therapy: Tailoring treatments based on the specific risk profiles of patients has led to more effective outcomes.
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Precision Medicine: Understanding the unique genetic makeup of each tumor allows for targeted therapies that minimize side effects.
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Supportive Care: Enhanced supportive care measures have improved the overall well-being of patients during treatment.
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Between 2015 and 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over 20 molecularly targeted therapies and more than 10 immunotherapies specifically for pediatric cancers. These treatments have been transformative for certain patients, offering hope where there was once little.
Ongoing Challenges and Disparities
Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist. In 2025, nearly 15,000 children and adolescents are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in the United States, with approximately 1,700 succumbing to the disease. The progress achieved has not been uniform across all cancer types. For instance, while survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid carcinoma, and retinoblastoma exceed 90%, other cancers like certain gliomas and sarcomas have five-year survival rates below 25%.
Disparities in incidence and outcomes are also evident. Hispanic children have the highest cancer incidence rates in the U.S., and non-Hispanic Black children are nearly 30% more likely to die from certain pediatric cancers compared to non-Hispanic White children. Children and adolescents in rural or economically disadvantaged areas face higher mortality, often due to limited access to specialized cancer centers, clinical trials, and supportive services.
Globally, the situation is even more pressing. Approximately 400,000 children worldwide develop cancer each year, with 80% to 90% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Survival rates in these regions are significantly lower, underscoring the need for global collaboration and resource allocation.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
The AACR Pediatric Cancer Progress Report concludes with a compelling call to action. The report urges Congress and federal agencies to prioritize pediatric cancer research and care. Specific recommendations include:
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Increased Funding: Allocating at least $51.303 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $7.934 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in fiscal year 2026.
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Expanded Access to Clinical Trials: Implementing regulatory reforms and policies to increase participation in clinical trials, especially among underserved populations.
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Global Collaboration: Fostering international partnerships to accelerate research and treatment development.
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Support for Survivors: Ensuring comprehensive, accessible, and reimbursable long-term care services for pediatric cancer survivors.
As we reflect on the progress made, it’s essential to recognize the work that remains. The AACR’s report serves as both a celebration of scientific achievements and a reminder of the collective effort required to ensure that every child and adolescent with cancer receives the best possible care and support.
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