More than 80% of pediatric hematology-oncologists in Belgium conduct their research activities outside of their working hours due to a lack of sufficient protected time, according to a study published Wednesday by KickCancer, ahead of International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15th.
The association, which conducted the study with the Belgian Society of Paediatric Haematology Oncology (BSPHO), warns of a fragile model where access to therapeutic innovations largely depends on personal sacrifices. The findings highlight a systemic challenge in balancing clinical duties with the vital operate of advancing cancer treatment for children.
The survey reveals that 42% of respondents dedicate between two and five hours per week to research after patient consultations, while 29% spend between five and ten hours, and 14% devote more than ten hours weekly. KickCancer emphasizes that, in a field where cancers are rare but complex, progress relies heavily on academic research and university clinical trials. According to the organization, 80 to 90% of Belgian pediatric cancer patients are initially treated within the framework of an academic clinical study, which they consider “the standard of care” for ensuring access to the latest treatments and standardizing the therapeutic process.
“When you choose to become a pediatric oncologist, you grasp that it involves long days (…) but accepting a recent project always comes at the cost of our free time. Investing more of that time in research is not really realistic,” stated Professor Barbara De Moerloose (UZ Gent) in a press statement. This sentiment underscores the practical difficulties faced by clinicians attempting to contribute to research alongside their clinical responsibilities.
Despite these constraints, motivation remains high, with 65% of physicians surveyed stating they would recommend the specialty to future colleagues and 64% expressing a desire to dedicate more time to research. Yet, theoretically allocated research time – around 22% of their work schedule – is often consumed by clinical workload, on-call duties, and administrative tasks.
“This survey demonstrated the enormous motivation of pediatric oncologists but also the current fragility of the system. We cannot resign ourselves to a situation where innovation depends on personal sacrifices,” commented Delphine Heenen of KickCancer, advocating for structural support to develop “more effective and less toxic” treatments. KickCancer’s call for systemic change reflects a broader concern about the sustainability of research efforts in pediatric oncology.
The BSPHO also highlighted the organizational complexity of the discipline. “In pediatric oncology, the absolute number of patients is lower than in adults, but the complexity is particularly important. Small teams of 3 to 7 doctors must now specialize in all types of tumors (…) from treatment to relapse. It is hardly sustainable,” explained Pierre Mayeur of the scientific society. This points to the need for greater collaboration and resource allocation to address the specialized demands of pediatric cancer care.
KickCancer announced a new grant program in collaboration with the FNRS and FWO, launching in 2025. The initiative will enable two pediatric oncologists to dedicate 50% of their clinical time to research. The hospital of the laureate will receive €70,000 in compensation to recruit a part-time physician, and up to €10,000 will be allocated for “bench fees” to cover materials or scientific travel. The winners will be announced in late May 2026. A total of €320,000 is being invested over two years, with the possibility of renewal for up to ten years.
KickCancer and the BSPHO have jointly submitted recommendations for the future National Cancer Plan, requesting structural funding for academic trials, recognition of a national multidisciplinary oncology consultation in pediatric oncology, and funding for the BSPHO’s coordination cell. These proposals aim to address the systemic challenges identified in the survey and strengthen the infrastructure for pediatric cancer research and care.
“Anyone who wants to improve the treatments offered to children with cancer cannot rely on the voluntary overtime of doctors. This model is simply not sustainable,” KickCancer concluded.
