As part of our ongoing National Society Spotlight series, we hear from the Hungarian Society of Oncology (MOT) about the past year’s achievements, the state of cancer research in Hungary, and what’s on the horizon for the community.
Reflecting on the Congress
MOT’s biggest highlight of the past year was its biannual national congress, which brought together more than 800 participants in 2025. The scientific programme spanned basic, translational and clinical oncology, with a strong focus on precision oncology. Renowned speakers from across the field delivered up-to-date overviews of their respective areas, including radiotherapy, surgery, pathology and genetics. Poster presentations and a substantial pharmaceutical exhibition added further value to the event.
This congress is part of a broader rhythm for the society: every other year, MOT alternates its flagship meeting with a congress dedicated specifically to young researchers and clinical oncologists, with the next edition scheduled for September 2026.
Cancer research in Hungary: key developments
Hungary’s cancer research landscape has seen several notable developments recently. Since 2022, the country has operated a centralised national molecular tumour board, through which a multidisciplinary team reviews permissions for comprehensive genetic profiling and evaluates results for targetable treatment options – a mechanism the society considers one of the most important for cancer patients in the country.
The National Tumour Biology Laboratory project also concluded last year after making significant contributions across basic science, translational research and clinical studies. Over its five-year run, the programme generated more than 500 publications. On the basic science side, researchers developed LiPyDau (liposomal pyrrolino-daunorubicin), a novel anti-tumour compound that achieved complete remission in animal models of resistant cancer.
In terms of funding and infrastructure, Hungary’s research landscape has remained largely stable over recent decades, supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office, which funds both basic research and market-oriented R&D programmes involving academic and industrial partners. The Hungarian Academy of Sciences also funds excellence programmes with an oncology focus, and research continues at major universities, HUN-REN network institutions, and larger national health institutes. Looking ahead, changes are expected as university institutions become able to re-enter the HORIZON programmes.
Where does the focus lie going forward?
Hungarian cancer researchers are currently pursuing work across a wide range of areas: the tumour microenvironment (particularly hypoxia), metabolic and redox biological changes, tumour metastasis, and new targets and resistance mechanisms against anticancer drugs. CAR-T and CAR-NK developments are also underway, alongside a priority focus on hereditary tumours using molecular biology methods.
Genetics and genomic profiling of solid cancers, including hereditary cancers, represent another major area of interest. The HUN-REN Oncogenomic Research group is focused on hereditary cancers and their associated molecular mechanisms, and in 2025, Dr. Grolmusz received a prestigious Momentum grant to study the immune phenotype of genetically determined tumours. Hungarian researchers also play an important role in large international consortia studying breast cancer genetics and Lynch syndrome.
What are the challenges and opportunities ahead?
Like many national research communities, Hungary’s cancer researchers face real challenges. Chief among them is an insufficient and poorly diversified level of research resources, compounded by fragmented infrastructure that isn’t sufficiently accessible to academic and industrial partners alike. Recruiting and retaining PhD students is also difficult, particularly given low salaries and an unresolved postdoc system.
Despite these challenges, MOT looks to the year ahead with optimism, hoping for new financing opportunities following a change of government, and for stronger collaborations between academic and industrial partners as the R&D sector and organisations such as the Biotech Association continue to grow. Notably, Hungary currently sees little oncology development driven by Big Pharma. Instead, innovation is largely being carried forward by SMEs, often in partnership with academia.
A message to the EACR community
MOT is especially proud that EACR 2026 was hosted in Budapest, an event the society sees as a milestone for Hungarian cancer research. Hungary is home to many talented young researchers, and the congress offered invaluable opportunities for networking and for bringing Hungarian scientists closer to their European colleagues. As a founding member of EACR, MOT has always been committed to supporting young researchers in attending EACR-organised events.
A message from MOT’s leadership:
“We are proud that the annual meeting of EACR was organised in Budapest. This event demonstrated again our devotion to European cancer science. We thank the EACR for their continued support.”
Visit the MOT website here.
About National Societies affiliated with the EACR
The MOT is one of the 14 National Societies that have chosen to affiliate with the European Association for Cancer Research and give their members EACR membership at no extra cost to each member. Click here to find out more about these affiliated National Societies.
