European charities uniting
for better cancer care
Turning patients needs into research priorities
About FORCE
FORCE (Fostering Oncology Research by Charities in Europe) is a European consortium of cancer charities committed to advancing pragmatic, patient-centered oncology research across Europe.
United by a shared vision to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer, we work together to support high-impact, nonprofit-led research – especially in areas with high and unmet medical needs.
Our mission is to bring the voices of patients and citizens into cancer research and help shape solutions that are not only scientifically sound, but also pragmatic, accessible, and affordable. As charities, we are uniquely positioned to drive forward clinical trials that make a real difference in everyday care.
That’s why at the heart of our collaboration lies a shared ambition: to co-create a Pragmatic Clinical Trial Programme by and for cancer charities – as a dedicated contribution to the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
FORCE contribution to the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan
FORCE project timeline
Recent posts
FORCE Consortium Meeting | Brussels | 14–15 January 2026
On 14–15 January 2026, the FORCE consortium met in Brussels for a two-day working meeting dedicated to the further development of the Pragmatic Clinical Trial Programme and its governance framework. The meeting brought together FORCE partners, members of the Advisory...
Kick-Off meeting
On July 2, 2025, the FORCE consortium officially launched its activities with a kick-off meeting held in Paris. The event brought together representatives from 14 cancer charities across Europe to align on a shared vision for pragmatic clinical trials driven by the...
Funding (€)
Countries
Charities
Years
What are Pragmatic Clinical Trials?
Pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) are designed to evaluate how treatments perform in routine, everyday healthcare – not just in controlled laboratory settings. By focusing on real-life conditions, they generate evidence that is immediately relevant to clinical practice. This makes PCTs especially useful for answering practical questions: Which treatment works best, for whom, and in what context?
Why Pragmatic Trials Matter
Despite advances in cancer care, many patients – particularly those with rare, hard-to-treat, or pediatric cancers – still face limited treatment options. Pragmatic clinical trials help bridge this gap by testing how existing therapies can be better applied, combined, or adapted to meet patients’ real-world needs. These trials aim to improve outcomes, reduce side effects, and support more personalized care without the long timelines or high costs of traditional drug development.
The Role of Charities
Charities play a vital role in funding research that reflects patient priorities and quality of care. Their close connection to communities allows them to identify overlooked needs and champion meaningful innovation. Through FORCE, cancer charities across Europe are joining forces to support high-impact pragmatic trials – designed for patients, grounded in everyday care, and focused on what truly matters: quality of life and equitable access to better treatments.