Cancer research at a global scale: Key findings from the new Nature Index supplement

The latest Nature Index supplement, on cancer research, was launched in April, taking a look at the global challenge of tackling a disease whose incidence is on the rise. Countries are meeting the challenge in different ways, such as through nationwide action plans and broadening early-detection programs. However, coordinating these efforts to make them accessible, targeted and effective is a balancing act.

The supplement explores the factors that are shaping these first lines of defense and the research efforts that are informing them, and includes editorial articles on

• The costs and benefits of wider cancer screening, particularly for younger people
• Four rising stars shaping the future of cancer research
• How national cancer strategies are being used to coordinate efforts to tackle the disease.

It also includes “branded content” articles, created for partner organizations by our Nature Custom Media team.

• Researchers in Japan are pursuing bold, next‑generation strategies to tackle cancer, aiming to overcome the limitations of today’s treatments and unlock more effective therapies.
• Researchers and engineers are advancing cancer research with a novel cell‑handling device that enhances drug screening using tumor cells and organoids while enabling deeper insights into disease modeling and treatment resistance.
• Researchers in South Korea are bringing together emerging technologies—from AI to next‑generation therapies—to help accelerate the translation of cancer research breakthroughs into real‑world treatments.

There are also rankings of the top institutions and countries/territories for cancer research in the Nature Index and an analysis of the locations specializing in particular areas of the field, as well as almost a dozen articles from partners.

 Interested in showcasing your organization’s cancer research? Get in touch to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities.

About Nature Index supplements:

Nature Index supplements are special features published in Nature using data from the Nature Index database. Organizations are invited to feature in partner articles in the supplements to communicate their prominence on a particular topic.

This year’s topics include:
China, Cancer, Chemistry, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Engineering and Europe.
Discover upcoming topics and how to get involved >>

Upcoming Nature Conference

Explore the conversation further around the same topic: This October, the Next Generation Cancer Therapeutics conference brings together researchers from academia, biotech, and pharma to discuss emerging strategies shaping the future of cancer treatment.

Taking place 6–8 October 2026 in Houston, Texas, the in‑person event will spotlight next‑generation therapeutics, innovative platforms, and the role of AI in drug development.

Register to attend or explore sponsorship opportunities.