The INCTR has part-time and full-time staff and consultants dedicated to the accomplishment of its goals. Its headquarters are located in Brussels; Branches and Offices are located throughout the world. The INCTR develops and manages research projects, and coordinates education and training programs. An important aspect of its work is to encourage the formation of consortia among a variety of organizations and corporations with complementary expertise and an interest in cancer in developing countries.

Resource development, administration and programs are supervised by an Executive Committee, consisting of the Officers of the INCTR (President, Vice-Presidents and Treasurer/Secretary) and senior staff members, namely the Directors of the Clinical Trials Office, Education Program, and Translational Research Program. The Executive Committee is ultimately responsible to the Governing Council of the INCTR. Programs and projects are developed with the advice and participation of various INCTR committees and strategy groups as well as independent scientific advisors. In particular, the Special Panel of the INCTR Advisory Board, comprised of distinguished oncologists and pathologists from developing countries, plays an active role in many aspects of INCTR work, and is responsible for the selection of recipients of INCTR's annual awards. Programs are conducted in institutions involved with cancer research, treatment and education in the developing world, in each of which necessary support is made available through an INCTR Collaborating Unit located within the institution.