New Report Outlines Roadmap to Deliver on Cancer Moonshot Initiative

Dec 20, 2017

The Lancet Oncology Commission on Future Research Priorities in the USA recently released its report on the Cancer Moonshot Initiative. The report, Future Cancer Research Priorities in the USA, outlines 13 key priority areas for research, as well as metrics designed to be achievable over the next 6 years. The report was authored by more than 50 leading oncologists, including ASCO CEO Clifford A. Hudis, MD, FACP, FASCO.

The Commission was established to build on the work of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP). In fall 2016, the BRP identified 10 recommendations and three demonstration projects to leverage new advances in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. By expanding on the list of priorities included in the BRP report and providing additional guidance on how to implement the Moonshot over the next several years, the Commission’s report gives stakeholders a more detailed work plan to track and measure progress against cancer. (Visit ASCO.org to read the full report.)

Dr. Hudis spoke during the official launch of the report on Capitol Hill on November 1, 2017. “The blueprint laid out by the Blue Ribbon Panel and this Commission should help us prioritize our efforts to accelerate meaningful clinical advances in the next 4 to 5 years,” said Dr. Hudis. “The provisions provide an opportunity for cancer investigators, federal agencies, universities and research institutes, and private philanthropic supporters worldwide to direct their investments and help the global community meet the ambitious goal of delivering 10 years’ progress in half that time. We have a rare moment now of unity, with our political forces and our general public aligned behind the goals of the Moonshot effort. What we have to do is deliver.”

The report includes recommendations on the following topics:

  • Cancer prevention, including precision-based and immune-based strategies
  • Early cancer detection, population sciences, and public health
  • Drug discovery, development, and delivery
  • Genomic and immune analysis of tumor cells
  • Expedited access to cancer drugs for research and patient access to clinical trials
  • Applying advanced technologies to catalyze cancer breakthroughs
  • Cancer immunotherapy, combination therapy, and precision oncology
  • Pediatric oncology, including research on survivorship, cancers in adolescents and young adults, reductions in health disparities, and global oncology
  • Supportive care, including symptom management, survivorship, palliative, and end-of-life care
  • Radiation oncology
  • Nuclear medicine and imaging
  • Surgical oncology
  • Big data and enhanced data-sharing
  • Health disparities, health system reform, and regulation

The United States has continued its commitment to the Cancer Moonshot Initiative by providing more than $300 million in supplemental funding to the National Institutes of Health for cancer research.

Read the full Commission report. Stay tuned to the latest cancer-related reports and updates at ASCO.org


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