ONCRPC

ONCRPC is an international consortium dedicated to advancing research, clinical care, and public awareness of rare cancers. Established in 2012 through a partnership between the National Cancer Institute, the European Rare Cancer Initiative, and several leading cancer societies, the organization seeks to bridge gaps in knowledge and treatment options for tumors that affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 individuals annually.

The consortium’s mission is to accelerate the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers, develop targeted therapies, and support the creation of dedicated treatment centers. It accomplishes this through a multi‑phase research pipeline, which includes basic science studies on tumor biology, translational projects that move discoveries into clinical trials, and a registry that consolidates clinical data from participating centers worldwide.

ONCRPC coordinates large, multicenter clinical trials, many of which are adaptive in design to accommodate the small patient populations typical of rare cancers. The organization also funds early‑stage investigators, offers fellowships, and maintains a platform for data sharing that complies with privacy regulations.

Beyond research, ONCRPC runs patient navigation programs and collaborates with patient advocacy groups to improve access to care and clinical trial enrollment. The program’s outreach efforts include webinars, educational materials, and policy briefs aimed at stimulating public and private investment.

Since its inception, ONCRPC has supported more than 30 clinical trials, published over 200 peer‑reviewed articles, and facilitated the regulatory approval of several novel therapeutics for rare malignancies. Its collaborative model is often cited as a benchmark for precision medicine initiatives targeting uncommon cancers.