Context

The purpose of the Childhood Cancer Research Priority Setting Exercise (PSE) is to involve various stakeholders such as patients, families, caregivers, clinicians, and advocacy groups in a collaborative effort to identify research priorities and develop protocols for childhood cancer research.

Purpose/What We Have Done

We have developed a structured plan to identify and priorities childhood cancer research needs in India. We began by reviewing global models and gathering research questions relevant to the Indian context. A comprehensive survey was created and disseminated nationwide to gather inputs from patients, families, survivors, clinicians, and other stakeholders. The responses have now been received and are currently being analyzed.

Following this, an in-person consensus workshop will be held at PHOSSCON 2025 (Manipal), where stakeholders will review the findings and rank the shortlisted topics. Based on this systematic process and workshop feedback, we will finalize the Top 10 research priorities for childhood cancer in India.

Next Steps

An in-person consensus meeting with core team members and key stakeholders will be held at PHOSSCON 2025 (November, Manipal). During this meeting, participants will review the Round-2 findings and formally rank the shortlisted topics to determine the Top 10 research priorities for childhood cancer in India.

Context & Purpose

Access to information on ongoing childhood cancer clinical trials in India is limited and scattered across multiple platforms, making it difficult for clinicians, patients, and families to identify available studies. This information gap often delays timely referrals and restricts equitable access to advanced or high-cost interventions.

The purpose of this initiative is to build a centralized and regularly updated resource that lists ongoing pediatric oncology trials in India. This will help clinicians and caregivers quickly identify centres offering novel therapies, improve timely referrals, and strengthen participation in research across the country.

What We Have Done So Far

• Completed Phase 1 (September 2025) by reviewing the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) to identify ongoing and completed pediatric oncology trials, especially those involving advanced or high-cost interventions.
• Verified information with Principal Investigators (PIs) and shared the compiled list for feedback. Several PIs confirmed that new centres have since reached out to join or collaborate in their studies.
• The verified and structured trial list is now ready for public dissemination through the INPHOG and ICCI websites. (attached to upload).

Next Steps

• Public Dissemination: The curated information will be published on both the INPHOG and ICCI websites, accessible to parents, clinicians, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Regular Updates: Establish a system for biannual updates to ensure accuracy and include new trials as they are registered.
• Awareness Activities: Plan communication efforts (e.g., newsletters, webinars, and social media posts) to raise awareness among clinicians and caregivers.