WHO Unveils New Global Landscape of Cancer Research Highlighting Significant Gaps and Inequities

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a comprehensive new analysis of the current state of cancer research and development (R&D) worldwide. This landscape report sheds light on critical disparities in the distribution of cancer clinical trials and highlights the misalignment between research investments and the most pressing public health needs. Despite notable progress in clinical cancer research, the report reveals that much of the global R&D effort remains concentrated in high-income countries, leaving numerous low- and middle-income nations with little to no clinical trial activity.

Data from the analysis demonstrate that 63 countries have no registered cancer trials at all, with research heavily focused on developed regions. Moreover, cancers that account for the highest death tolls in lower-income settings—such as liver, cervical, and stomach cancers—are among the least studied, indicating a gap in addressing diseases that primarily affect vulnerable populations. The report also notes that research efforts tend to prioritize novel pharmaceuticals, with limited attention allocated to surgery, radiotherapy, diagnostics, and palliative care, which are also crucial components of cancer treatment.

Published in Nature Medicine, the report is complemented by a WHO snapshot aimed at policymakers and funders, and an open-access interactive dashboard showcasing data from over 120,000 cancer clinical trials globally. These resources aim to provide stakeholders, including governments, funding agencies, and researchers, with the insights needed to better align research priorities with health outcomes and ensure equitable access to innovations.

The analysis was conducted jointly by WHO departments focused on Noncommunicable Diseases and Science for Health, utilizing data from the WHO Global Observatory on Health R&D. It is part of a broader initiative that also includes landscape examinations on childhood cancer R&D, monoclonal antibodies, and neglected tropical diseases affecting children.

WHO emphasizes the importance of using these findings to guide targeted investments, strengthen research in underrepresented regions, and address the full spectrum of cancer care needs. The goal is to foster a more equitable global cancer research environment, ensuring innovation benefits all populations regardless of geographic or economic barriers.

For further details, the full report and accompanying resources can be accessed through the published article in Nature Medicine and the WHO official platforms. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-landscape-analyses-highlighting-gaps-inequities.html