Image: Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the Cancer Moonshot Summit at Howard University (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
President Barack Obama introduced his cancer research initiative, the Cancer Moonshot, during his State of the Union address this year. This program is designed to fast forward research for a cure.
Vice President Joe Biden, partnered with leading researchers like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, will lead the program in its quest to deliver better treatments to more patients.
The Cancer Moonshot is a powerful national research initiative made possible by organizations like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The MSKCC’s leadership includes talented board members such as Bill Ford, General Atlantic CEO, who sits on the Board of Trustees.
It’s been estimated that over 600,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Vice President Biden is convinced that the science is ready to produce a cure. His role as advocate, steward, and fixer is a powerful one. Many researchers are hopeful that his leadership will reduce the amount of red tape that delays collaboration, discovery, and innovation.
“I believe we can make much faster progress—as an outsider looking in—if we seek greater collaboration, greater sharing of information. In short, breaking down some of the research that is trapped inside of silos, and share information with drug companies, and drug companies being willing to be more forthcoming in sharing information,” said Vice President Biden.
A variety of research opportunities have been identified as part of the Cancer Moonshot:
Early Cancer Detection
Progress in early detection of cancer has been made over the last few years. The Cancer Moonshot will support the development of new methods for screening patients in less invasive ways that provide more accurate results.
Cancer Vaccine Development
Vaccinating people before they are affected can stop the spread of certain cancers, such as the human papilloma virus (HPV). This research will focus on developing safe cancer vaccines that attack the characteristics associated with specific cancers.
Enhanced Data Sharing
The Cancer Moonshot encourages collaboration and cooperation between research institutions. Data sharing allows NASA to manage complex projects from a variety of stakeholders. Cancer researchers will be encouraged to share their volumes of data to leverage knowledge in search of potential cures.
The Cancer Moonshot is collaborative effort and is expected to produce significant results, thanks to the President Obama’s vision and Vice President Biden’s commitment to clear the way for productive partnerships.