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Patient group releases cancer innovation ‘blueprint’
The National Patient Advocate Foundation has released what it calls a “blueprint to accelerate the delivery of promising new treatments” through a grassroots effort called Project Innovation.
The group issued a report after consulting with biomedical researchers, patient advocates, medical developers, clinicians and policymakers to identify obstacles which may slow the pace of innovation in cancer research and the implementation of new treatments. The report outlines “logistical, bureaucratic, institutional and regulatory obstacles” and “inefficiencies” in clinical trials along with other factors that impede discover and the development of new drugs.
“This report represents a wakeup call for all Americans and is intended to spark a national movement to make cancer innovation a national priority,” Nancy Davenport-Ennis, NPAF’s founder and chairman, said in a press release. “Cancer kills 1,600 Americans every day and this number will only increase in the years ahead unless we commit as a nation to hasten the pace of medical discovery. It is time to put cancer innovation on the national agenda and press for solutions that will save lives instead of continuing a one-sided conversation on the cost of treatment.”
Three key areas have been targeted by the NPAF report, called the “Three Pillars of Innovation.” One goal is to “expand the science of innovation by reducing logistical obstacles.” The group said that cancer research is slowing and private investment into drug development is decreasing, and clinical trials have been increasing in complexity to conduct. The group is calling for a more standardized approval process and allowing patients expedited access to therapies before approval.
A second pillar is to “improve the value of innovation by bolstering funding opportunities” through increased governmental funding and policies to allow “high risk investments in next-generation cancer therapies.”
The third and less controversial area the group wishes to target is to “enhance the delivery of innovation through improved communication and coordination between providers and patients.” The group said that only 2% to 5% of adult patients are enrolled in clinical cancer trials, and would like to see the regulatory environment changed to accommodate more patients in trials.