# Pragmatic clinical trials to optimise immunotherapeutic interventions for patients with refractory cancers

**Funder:** European Commission
**Budget:** €7M–€8M per grant
**Deadline:** 15 September 2026 (17:00 Brussels time)
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states
**Application:** Single-stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Official call:** https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-03
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Horizon Europe RIA (lump sum) for academic investigator-initiated pragmatic clinical trials on immunotherapeutic interventions for refractory cancer patients. Proposals must include a clinical studies annex, disaggregate data by sex/gender/age, and engage patients in endpoint definition. Applicants must include diverse stakeholders and plan to join the EU Cancer Mission 'Diagnosis and Treatment' cluster. ~3 grants expected.

## Summary

This Horizon Europe RIA funds pragmatic clinical trials testing immunotherapeutic interventions for patients with refractory cancers, with grants of €7-€8 million in lump-sum format. Proposals must be led by academic investigators and include a mandatory clinical studies annex, structured engagement of patients in endpoint definition, and disaggregated outcome reporting by sex, gender, and age. Applicants must assemble a consortium of at least three entities across three EU member states and commit to the EU Cancer Mission 'Diagnosis and Treatment' cluster.

## Who should apply

- Academic investigator-led teams with experience in clinical trial design and oncology
- Consortia spanning at least 3 EU member states with diversity of stakeholders (clinicians, researchers, patient groups, industry partners)
- Teams committed to pragmatic trial methodology and disaggregated outcome analysis by sex, gender, and age
- Applicants with existing or planned engagement pathways for patient involvement in endpoint definition

## Key dates

- Deadline: 15 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time
- Single-stage evaluation
- Approximately 3 grants expected

## Tips for applicants

- The clinical studies annex is mandatory and carries substantial weight, develop it early with your clinical partners; vague protocols will stall review.
- Patient engagement in endpoint definition is scored explicitly; document concrete meetings, feedback mechanisms, and how patient input shaped your primary and secondary endpoints.
- EU Cancer Mission alignment is a gate: confirm your proposal's fit to the 'Diagnosis and Treatment' cluster objectives early and cite relevant strategic partnership documents.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does this Horizon Europe RIA grant for cancer clinical trials offer?

Up to €7-€8 million per grant in lump-sum format.

### Do I need a consortium to apply for this cancer immunotherapy clinical trial grant?

Yes, consortia must include a minimum of 3 entities from 3 different EU member states.

### What is a pragmatic clinical trial in the context of this call?

The call funds real-world, investigator-initiated trials testing immunotherapeutic interventions in refractory cancer populations, with mandatory patient involvement in endpoint design and disaggregated outcome reporting.

### Who can lead a proposal for this cancer clinical trial grant?

Academic investigators must lead proposals; clinicians, researchers, patient representatives, and industry partners may participate as consortium members.

### How many grants will be awarded in this call?

Approximately 3 grants are expected.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/european-commission-pragmatic-clinical-trials-to-optimise-immunotherap-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.