Cancer treatment delays increase as pediatric research initiatives expand

New research indicates that cancer patients are experiencing longer wait times between diagnosis and the start of treatment. A study of over 2.7 million patients, analyzed by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that delays have steadily increased across various cancer types over the last decade.

Using data from the National Cancer Database provided by the American College of Surgeons, the study focused on patients with stage 1 to 3 cancers eligible for surgery. The findings suggest a consistent trend of rising wait times for surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical therapies between 2012 and 2023.

In the field of oncology innovation, Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation arm of Cancer Research UK, is working to address gaps in pediatric care. Current efforts include the C-Further initiative, which aims to develop medicines specifically designed for children to reduce the reliance on repurposed adult drugs that often carry long-term side effects for young survivors.