In association with the AACR Pediatric Cancer Working Group

September 22-25, 2026
Hilton at Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

CONFERENCE COCHAIRS

Olivier Delattre, Inserm/Institut Curie, Paris, France
Annie A. Huang, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
David M. Langenau, Mass General Brigham, Boston, Massachusetts
Suzanne P. MacFarland, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pediatric cancer remains a major global health burden and a leading cause of disease-related mortality in children. Despite advances in treatment, many pediatric malignancies—particularly relapsed, metastatic, and rare tumors—remain difficult to cure. The distinct developmental origins and genetic features of childhood cancers require specialized biological insights and innovative therapeutic approaches.

This conference brings together leaders in pediatric oncology, cancer biology, and translational research to address critical challenges and emerging opportunities across the field. Sessions will highlight advances in pediatric immunotherapy, including next-generation cellular and immune-modulating strategies, alongside new insights into tumor cell biology, metabolism, organelle function, and cellular plasticity in metastasis.

A central focus is the intersection of normal development and oncogenesis, examining how dysregulated developmental pathways drive tumor initiation and progression. The program will also explore emerging disease mechanisms, therapeutic vulnerabilities, and strategies for translating biological discoveries into more effective and less toxic treatments.

Additional sessions will feature innovations in precision medicine, diagnostics, and treatment technologies, as well as discussions of tumor genomics, inherited predisposition, mosaicism, and the tumor microenvironment. Through plenary lectures and interdisciplinary discussion, this meeting aims to accelerate progress toward improved outcomes and quality of life for children with cancer.

Please Note: All presentations at this event represent the opinions of the presenter and do not represent the position or the opinion of the AACR or its members.