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Official call identifier: HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-03
Objective of the call
This topic supports pragmatic clinical trials to optimise immunotherapeutic interventions for patients with refractory cancers across Europe. The aim is to generate robust clinical evidence in real-world healthcare settings to improve survival, quality of life and affordability of immunotherapy treatments.
The call contributes to the implementation of the EU Cancer Mission by enabling access to tailored and cost-effective immunotherapeutic interventions, strengthening evidence-based clinical practice, and supporting healthcare systems in reimbursement and deployment decisions.
Scope of activities
Proposals must conduct randomised or cluster-randomised academic investigator-initiated pragmatic clinical trials focused on patients with refractory cancers, at any stage of disease, for any cancer subtype and age group.
Trials should:
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Evaluate immunotherapeutic interventions in routine healthcare settings.
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Focus on overall survival, patient-reported outcomes and quality of life as primary and secondary endpoints.
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Involve patients and caregivers in defining relevant endpoints using participatory research approaches.
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Ensure data disaggregation by sex, gender, age and other relevant socio-demographic variables.
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Include translational research limited to biomarker-informed patient stratification and trial analyses.
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Adapt treatment interventions to local, regional and national healthcare contexts, considering affordability and accessibility.
Proposals must include a multidisciplinary consortium and provide detailed information on the clinical study in the dedicated annex template. Successful projects are expected to collaborate within the EU Cancer Mission “Diagnosis and Treatment” cluster and allocate budget for networking and joint activities.
Eligible applicants
- Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness
- Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact
- Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge
- Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation
- Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
- Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries
Specific consortium we are looking for:
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Clinical researchers and academic medical centres
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Hospitals and healthcare providers
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National and regional health authorities
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Research organisations and universities
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Patient organisations and caregiver representatives
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SMEs and companies developing health technologies
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Behavioural scientists and engineers
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Insurance bodies, charities and civil society organisations
Eligible costs
Eligible costs are defined under the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Grant model and may include:
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Personnel costs
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Travel and subsistence
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Equipment
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Other goods, works and services
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Internally invoiced goods and services (if applicable)
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In-kind contributions from third parties (if applicable)
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Research and Innovation Action (RIA)
Funding rate:
100% (lump sum funding)
EU contribution per project:
Around EUR 7-8 million
Number of funded projects:
3 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
Activities may start at any TRL
*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9).
Deadline for submission
15 September 2026