Advancing the Future of Cancer Research and Patient Care Through the Adoption of Evidence-based Policies The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest source for medical research funding in the United States and the world (744). Its goals are to promote innovative research, develop scientific resources, expand the knowledge base in science and medicine, and foster the highest levels of scientific integrity (745). Within NIH, approximately 1,200 Principal Investigators perform medical research including behavioral research with the goal of changing lives and advancing medical research. Additionally, NIH awarded 58,368 grants to outside organizations in fiscal year (FY) 2022 for projects that have the potential to transform medical research and deliver lifesaving medical breakthroughs (746). The National Cancer Institute (NCI) plays a pivotal role in driving progress against cancer. NCI conducts and supports research, training, and other activities related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, while furthering basic science to advance our knowledge on cancer-causing factors like cell growth and differentiation. Furthermore, NCI-designated cancer centers across the United States serve as a model for advancing research from the laboratory to the clinic and introducing cutting-edge discoveries to patients and the greater community. Both NIH and NCI rely on robust, sustained, and predictable funding for medical research from Congress to carry out their missions. Support from key members, most specifically the Chair and Ranking member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies in the House [Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut), respectively] and Senate [Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia)], respectively,] is vital to ensuring predictable funding increases for medical research. Another federal entity that shares NIH’s commitment to advancing cancer research is the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Officially formed in March 2022, ARPA-H is the nation’s newest medical research agency that functions as an independent entity within the organizational structure of NIH. Unlike other federal agencies involved with medical research, ARPA-H focuses on advancing high-potential, high-impact research that cannot be achieved through traditional research or commercial pathways. Cancer is one of three diseases the new research agency will initially prioritize, and in July 2023, ARPA-H launched a first-of-its-kind program to develop new technologies to help surgeons to remove tumors with greater precision and accuracy (747). While the future of ARPA-H holds potential, we are united in asking that its funding supplement, rather than supplant the core investments that are provided to NIH and NCI. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a key federal agency in our nation’s efforts against cancer. For example, the FDA Oncology Center for Excellence leverages the skills of regulatory scientists to support the approval of safe and IN THIS SECTION, YOU WILL LEARN: ⚫ Continued investment in medical research through NIH and NCI is essential to making progress against all aspects of cancer, including prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship care. ⚫ FDA’s leadership and many innovative initiatives are ensuring that patients are receiving safe and effective treatments in an expedited time frame. ⚫ Expanded insurance coverage for cancer screening and newly proposed standards to reduce tobaccorelated illness are important steps to preventing cancer burden. ⚫ Legislation that reauthorizes essential research and data collection programs is important to improve outcomes for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023 152 Advancing the Future of Cancer Research and Patient Care Through the Adoption of Evidence-Based Policies
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