European charities uniting
for better cancer care
Turning patients needs into research priorities
FORCE Joint Call for Proposals Now Open
Quality of life–integrated approaches to improve treatment of rare and/or hard-to-treat cancers through pragmatic clinical trials
Open for submission: 29th June 2026
More info →
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 EU Cancer Mission and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
FORCE contribution to the EU Cancer Mission and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan
FORCE project timeline
Recent posts
FORCE Consortium Launches Its First Joint Call for Proposals
The FORCE consortium is pleased to announce the launch of its first Joint Call for Proposals 2027, supporting international pragmatic clinical trials for patients with rare and/or hard-to-treat cancers. The call is open under the theme "Quality of...
FORCE Webinar Series Starts Today
The FORCE consortium launches its webinar series today at 12:00 PM (CEST), ahead of the upcoming 1st FORCE Joint Call for Proposals. The call will support transnational, pragmatic clinical trials aimed at improving treatment strategies for patients with rare and/or...
FORCE Consortium Meeting | Warsaw | 26 –27 May 2026
On 26–27 May 2026, the FORCE consortium gathered in Warsaw for a two-day working meeting focused on the presentation of the Pragmatic Clinical Trial Programme and the launch of the first FORCE Call for Proposals. The meeting brought together FORCE partners, Advisory...
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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.