Pediatric Cancer Progress Report Highlights advancements and Challenges
Table of Contents
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has published its inaugural Pediatric Cancer Progress Report, which showcased newsworthy advancements and persisting challenges while urging for action by federal institutions in the field of cancer research for children and adolescents (ages 0-19).1,2
As the 1970s, U.S. pediatric cancer data have steadily improved, with 5-year survival rates improving from 63% in the mid-1970s to 87% in 2015-2021, along with mortality rates decreasing by a cumulative 76% since 1970, according to the report.1,2 These improved data come from a more complete understanding of pediatric cancer that accounts for distinct characteristics like clinically actionable genetic alterations and complex genomic rearrangements in pediatric tumors, along with inherited variants in cancer predisposition genes that occur at rates of nearly 70%, 50%, and 18% respectively.
Though, despite improvements in pediatric cancer care and treatments, certain cancer types, such as glioma and sarcoma, have persistently low rates of 5-year survival (25%). Moreover, there will be an estimated 15,000 U.S. diagnoses of pediatric cancer in 2025,and the rarity of pediatric cancer care centers puts certain patient groups such as minorities and rural residents at a disadvantage. In the U.S., patients diagnosed with pediatric cancer who are non-Hispanic black have a 30% higher chance of death from pediatric cancer compared with patients who are non-Hispanic white.
“With this inaugural report, we are highlighting the tremendous progress achieved against pediatric and adolescent cancers and are discussing the remaining challenges,” elaine R. Mardis, PhD, FAACR, said in a news release.1 “The report elucidates how innovative research, often funded by the National Institutes of Health [NIH], has improved outcomes for many of our youngest cancer patients. We also document that in several lethal cancer types, there remains a important need for new insights, novel therapies, and international clinical trials to achieve similar progress.”
Mardis is a cochair for the steering committee of the report for the AACR in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What were the additional notable advances found in the report?
Pediatric cancer Research: Challenges for Survivors and Future Directions
A recent report highlights both progress in pediatric cancer treatment and the significant, long-term challenges faced by survivors. While survival rates are improving, a growing population of pediatric cancer survivors experience a disproportionately high rate of chronic health conditions, alongside potential difficulties in education, relationships, and family planning. The report emphasizes the need for increased federal funding and modernized research approaches to improve both treatment and long-term outcomes for these young patients.
Long-Term Challenges for Pediatric Cancer Survivors
The report underscores that surviving pediatric cancer is often just the beginning of a lifelong journey with potential health and social consequences. Pediatric cancer survivors are at increased risk for a variety of late effects, impacting their quality of life for decades.
Specifically, the report found that up to 90% of pediatric cancer survivors experience nearly twice the number of chronic health conditions compared to the general population by age 50. Beyond physical health, survivors also face challenges in key life areas:
* Education: Only 30% of pediatric cancer survivors graduate from college.
* Relationships: 30% of survivors marry.
* Family Planning: 40% of survivors have children. https://www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr/newsroom/news-releases/aacr-releases-inaugural-pediatric-cancer-progress-report/
These statistics demonstrate the substantial impact cancer and its treatment can have on a survivor’s ability to achieve traditional life milestones. These challenges are often linked to treatment-related side effects, impacting physical and cognitive function, as well as emotional and psychological well-being.
Future Research Priorities & Funding Needs
the report outlines specific steps to accelerate progress in pediatric cancer research, with a central focus on increased federal funding. It calls for:
* Increased NIH Funding: A yearly budget of $51.303 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
* Increased NCI Funding: A yearly budget of $7.934 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Beyond funding levels, the report advocates for modernizing the research process itself. Key areas of focus include:
* clinical Trial Reform: Updating regulations and policies to ensure clinical trials are accessible to patients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds,including those in low-income countries. This aims to address health inequities and ensure research reflects the broader patient population.
* Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilizing AI tools to analyze available data and accelerate the revelation of new treatments and improve diagnostic accuracy.
* Equitable Care: Investing in equitable pediatric cancer care, which the report suggests could save 6.2 million lives and generate nearly $2 billion in economic benefits.
A Call to Action
“Cancer is a devastating diagnosis for anyone, but it is indeed especially tragic when cancer affects a child or an adolescent, as it endangers the prospect of a full life and deeply impacts patients and their families,” stated Elizabeth M. Mardis, as quoted in the report. https://www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr/newsroom/news-releases/aacr-releases-inaugural-pediatric-cancer-progress-report/
The report serves as a powerful call to action, emphasizing that sustained support, bold vision, and unwavering dedication are crucial to transforming the landscape of pediatric cancer and offering renewed hope to children, adolescents, and their families.
References
- AACR Pediatric Cancer Progress Report 2025 release. December 4, 2025. Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr/newsroom/news-releases/aacr-releases-inaugural-pediatric-cancer-progress-report/
- AACR Pediatric Cancer Progress Report 2025. December 4, 2025. Accessed December 16, 2025.
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