Childhood Cancer Survival Rates Reach 87% In New Report

The American Association for Cancer Research reports childhood cancer survival rates climbed to 87% between 2015 and 2021, up from 63% in the mid-1970s. Pediatric cancer deaths dropped 57% from 1970 to 2000 and another 19% from 2001 to 2023. The FDA approved over 20 targeted therapies and more than 10 immunotherapies for pediatric cancers between 2015 and 2025. Cancer drugs approved specifically for children increased from 6% in 2012-2016 to nearly 14% in 2017-2021. However, challenges remain as 60% to 90% of survivors develop chronic health problems in adulthood, and some cancers like certain gliomas and sarcomas still have survival rates below 25%. (Story URL)