Envisioning the Future of Cancer Science and Medicine Advances against cancer are driven by research, which provides the foundational knowledge of cancer onset and progression. This knowledge is essential to develop better ways to predict, prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, as well as to enact evidencebased policies that improve public health. As we envision a future where the success of treating all cancers is higher, and where the likelihood of a cure is possible, researchers, including AACR President, 2023-2024, Philip D. Greenberg, MD, FAACR, p. 104, are excited that the advances in discovery science, and the technologies that enable it, are opening exciting new frontiers in cancer science and medicine that will continue to benefit patients with cancer. Researchers are using applications of powerful new technologies—such as the ability to study molecular changes in every cell of the tumor, the ability to visualize single molecules inside the cancer cell through simple chemical reactions, the ability of AI to analyze large datasets, or the ability of wearables to aid patient reported outcomes—to classify tumors at a molecular level, understand tumor heterogeneity, diagnose primary and metastatic cancers, develop better and more specific drugs, characterize treatment responses, track how cancer evolves over time, and predict overall survival. Another frontier in cancer research is developing successful treatment for currently intractable cancers, such as pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma. Clinical studies are evaluating the potential of innovative anticancer therapeutics in treating cancers that have been difficult to tackle. Similarly, contributions of the human gut microbiome in modulating the response to cancer treatment, as well as findings that the human gut microbiome may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, are being investigated in multiple clinical studies, findings of which have the potential to revolutionize future cancer treatment and care. Advancing the Future of Cancer Research and Patient Care Through the Adoption of Evidence-based Policies Continued investment in medical research through NIH and NCI is essential for making progress against all aspects of cancer, including prevention, early detection, and treatment. These investments are not possible without the support of key members of Congress, whose efforts have ensured eight consecutive years of funding increases for NIH. While these additional investments have led to great strides in cancer research, many unmet needs remain. For the medical research enterprise to reach its full potential, additional resources for NIH and NCI are necessary to support early-career researchers and to include patients from diverse backgrounds in clinical trials, which could help address cancer disparities. Further federal investments are necessary for cancer screening and prevention programs because approximately 40 percent of cancer cases in the U.S. can be attributed to preventable risk factors, such as tobacco use and exposure to UV radiation. In particular, the increasing use of e-cigarettes among adolescents demands greater understanding of the tobacco marketplace and stronger restrictions on tobacco products. Additionally, because patients are living longer due to advances in treatment, it is also taking longer to determine if these new drugs are safe and effective; FDA has recently published new guidance to improve the quality of clinical trials and timely drug development. FDA is also responding to record levels of drug shortages to ensure that approved drugs remain available to patients. AACR Call to Action Eight consecutive years of funding increases for medical research have contributed to the development of breakthrough therapies, as well as improvements in cancer prevention and screening, leading to a steady decline in U.S. cancer death rates for both men and women. With the number of cancer survivors continuing to grow, Congress cannot afford to reduce investments in cancer research and support for patients with cancer. Lawmakers must enact legislation to improve the quality of life for survivors by supporting patient navigation services and aiding in survivors’ transition back to primary care. Furthermore, an increase in investments in medical research will expand access to a new generation of therapies that can transform cancer treatment and help patients with cancer live longer, healthier lives. Policymakers must continue to provide robust, sustained, and predictable funding increases for NIH to ensure greater availability of promising cancer treatments and to amplify cancer prevention and screening measures. Therefore, AACR urges Congress to: • Increase the FY 2024 base budgets of the NIH and NCI by at least $3.465 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively, for total funding levels of $50.924 billion for NIH and $9.988 billion for NCI. • Provide $1.7 billion in dedicated funding for Cancer Moonshot activities in FY 2024 across NCI, FDA, and CDC with the assurance that Moonshot funding will supplement rather than supplant NIH funding in FY 2024. AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023 Executive Summary 8
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