In recent days, two major meetings were held at the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), bringing together researchers, clinicians, and associations committed to the fight against childhood cancer. Imagine for Margo was represented. Their shared objective was to review the progress made possible by additional funding dedicated to research, obtained through the collective mobilization of associations.
These two working sessions confirm how much progress has been made since 2019 — and remind us why this collective effort must continue.
Since 2019: unprecedented momentum for pediatric cancer research
In 2019, the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research allocated an additional €5 million per year specifically dedicated to fundamental research on childhood cancers. This exceptional budget, obtained through the collective advocacy of associations, enabled INCa to launch a new dynamic in pediatric oncology research.
The key figures presented during Friday’s meeting clearly illustrate this progress:
- €5 million per year in additional funding dedicated to pediatric oncology since 2019 [1]
- 13 calls for projects and applications launched by INCa since 2019 [2]
- 50 funded projects, including 4 PEDIACRIEX centers of excellence and the national PEDIAC consortium [2]
- €20 million in additional exceptional funding obtained in 2022 and 2024 to support the PEDIACRIEX centers [1]
These investments have helped structure research at a national level, bring together multidisciplinary teams, and fund ambitious projects — particularly the « High Risk – High Gain » calls, which support innovative ideas sometimes considered too risky by traditional funding channels. These calls for projects represent some of the most promising levers to drive tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs.
PEDIAC: better understanding the origins of childhood cancers
A particular focus of the first meeting was the PEDIAC consortium, a national program dedicated to studying the causes of pediatric cancers. Its ambition is to identify the biological, genetic, and environmental factors involved in these diseases.
Researchers notably presented their work on the mechanisms behind the transformation of a healthy cell into a cancerous one — a fundamental question for families seeking to understand why their child developed cancer. Recent discoveries and future perspectives highlighted by this consortium demonstrate a research field that is rapidly accelerating.
PEDIACRIEX: four centers of excellence transforming research
Tuesday’s meeting focused on the four PEDIACRIEX centers (Integrated Centers of Excellence in Pediatric Oncology Research), funded through the additional €20 million secured in 2022 and 2024. These structures represent true pillars of pediatric cancer research in France.
Their work covers a remarkable scientific spectrum:
- Development of multi-omics pipelines and transcriptomic atlases to better characterize tumors
- Creation of innovative models such as tumoroids, enabling treatments to be tested in laboratories using patients’ tumor cells
- Study of treatment resistance mechanisms, including resistance to radiotherapy
- Analysis of treatment toxicities and long-term side effects to improve quality of life after cancer
- Integration of social sciences, health literacy, and ethics at the core of research projects
Beyond scientific excellence, all centers emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue with families, patients, and associations — through educational tools, accessible communication materials, and co-construction approaches in research.
The central role of associations: scientific partners and trusted intermediaries
These two meetings highlighted a shared conclusion among all stakeholders present: the role of associations goes far beyond financial support. They are fundamental to this research momentum.
Imagine for Margo and other associations involved in pediatric oncology now play a triple role: scientific partners present where research priorities are defined; financial supporters enabling projects that public funding alone cannot always support; and trusted intermediaries for families who need information, support, and involvement.
This collaborative model — bringing together institutions, researchers, clinicians, families, and associations — explains the significant progress made since 2019. And it is this model that must continue to be strengthened.
Together, let’s continue to accelerate the fight
These two INCa meetings remind us that every euro invested in pediatric cancer research has a real impact: on funded projects, on structured research teams, on scientific discoveries — and ultimately on children and their families.
Imagine for Margo will continue to be present in these spaces, to defend the interests of young fighters, and to support ambitious, integrated, and human-centered research.
Together, let’s continue mobilizing for a world with children without cancer. 🎗️🦋
Sources
[1] French National Cancer Institute (INCa) — 2025 report on pediatric cancers
https://pediatrie.cancer.fr/actualites/cancers-pediatriques-publication-du-rapport-2025-de-l-institut-national-du-cancer
[2]Institut national du cancer — Projets financés dans le cadre du crédit annuel supplémentaire : https://pediatrie.cancer.fr/parent/la-recherche-scientifique-et-medicale/la-recherche-en-cancerologie-pediatrique/projets-finances-par-l-institut-national-du-cancer