The Latin American Group of Pediatric Oncology (GALOP) has developed a proposal funded by the second cycle of funding from the SIOP PARC Programme for 2025-2027 (aka PARC 2), building on the successes of its initial grant to further strengthen research capacity and regional collaboration in pediatric oncology. A key objective of PARC 2 is the formalization of a consortium between GALOP and regional cooperative groups to address shared regulatory and administrative barriers. This partnership will establish joint working groups, advocate for pragmatic clinical trials, and work towards regulatory harmonization to streamline research processes and enhance the implementation of clinical trials across Latin America. Additionally, GALOP will expand institutional collaboration by implementing retrospective studies, allowing institutions with limited research experience to collect high-quality data while building capacity for future prospective trials.

Another major priority of PARC 2 is the engagement of patients and civil society as active stakeholders in research. GALOP will establish formal agreements with civil society organizations (CSOs), conduct workshops, and implement communication strategies to foster collaboration. An educational workshop will provide stakeholders with insights into the value of pragmatic clinical research, while structured partnerships with CSOs will ensure a framework for patient-researcher feedback. These partnerships will also help GALOP take its first steps in fundraising by leveraging the experience of advocacy organizations to develop long-term financial sustainability. Through these efforts, GALOP aims to create a more inclusive and equitable research ecosystem, ultimately improving access to high-quality cancer treatment for children across the region.

To learn more about the SIOP PARC Programme, please visit the PARC webpage.