Biden Unveils $150 Million Research Grants in Cancer ‘Moonshot’ Initiative

President Joe Biden is focusing on his key policy objectives as he aims to leave a lasting impact before his term ends, particularly through a significant initiative targeting cancer fatalities. On Tuesday, he will be visiting New Orleans to promote the administration’s ambitious “moonshot” initiative, which seeks to dramatically lower the number of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.

During this visit, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will tour various medical facilities and announce $150 million in funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. This funding will benefit eight research teams across the nation working on innovative ways to enhance surgical procedures for tumor removal in cancer patients.

Among the teams selected for funding are those from prominent institutions, including Tulane University, Dartmouth College, Johns Hopkins University, Rice University, the University of California, San Francisco, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Washington, and Cision Vision in Mountain View, California.

Before concluding his presidency in January, Biden aims to steer the U.S. closer to his goal set in 2022, which aims for a 50% reduction in cancer fatalities over the next 25 years, in addition to enhancing the quality of life for both cancer patients and their caregivers.

Experts in the field believe that this ambitious goal is indeed achievable if supported by adequate investments. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society and its Action Network, remarked on the potential, stating, “We’re curing people of diseases that we previously thought were absolutely intractable and not survivable.”

Cancer currently ranks as the second leading cause of death in the U.S., surpassed only by heart disease. According to estimates for this year from the American Cancer Society, approximately 2 million new cancer diagnoses and about 611,720 cancer-related deaths are expected to occur.

Knudsen highlighted that simply providing access to existing innovations could potentially lead to a 20 to 30% further reduction in cancer mortality rates. This underscores the importance of ongoing investment in research and development.

The issue of cancer policy is deeply personal for President Biden, who, during a recent address in the Oval Office regarding his decision not to run for a second term, reaffirmed his commitment to the “cancer moonshot.” He emphasized his belief that it is possible to make meaningful advancements, asserting, “Because we can do it.”

In that same speech, he identified the cancer initiative as a primary focus for the final months of his administration, alongside efforts to strengthen the economy, secure reproductive rights, combat gun violence, and address what he deems an imbalanced Supreme Court.

Biden and Jill Biden both have personal experiences with cancer, having had lesions removed that were identified as basal cell carcinoma, a treatable form of skin cancer. Furthermore, their eldest son Beau tragically passed away from aggressive brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

Since stepping back from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, President Biden’s public engagements have become less frequent. Thus, his trip to New Orleans stands out as a significant commitment to a cause he holds dear.

Advocates have commended Biden for shining a spotlight on cancer research and treatment, successfully bringing together various stakeholders and securing commitments from private companies, nonprofit organizations, and patient advocacy groups. The administration’s focus on cancer is credited with placing the nation on a trajectory that could lead to a 50% reduction in cancer mortality rates by 2047, potentially preventing over 4 million cancer deaths through improved access to treatment and increased awareness of critical screenings, particularly after setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jon Retzlaff, chief policy officer at the American Association for Cancer Research, emphasized the positive impact of Biden’s passion for this effort, stating, “President Biden’s passion and commitment to this effort has made monumental differences for the entire cancer community, including those who are suffering from cancer.”

Looking ahead, Retzlaff stressed the importance of sustained and predictable funding for the National Institutes of Health. He pointed out that continued support through NIH and the National Cancer Institute is crucial to maintain the momentum gained from the cancer moonshot initiative.

Among the advancements under Biden’s administration is enhanced accessibility of cancer screenings and care. For example, Medicare has begun covering follow-up colonoscopies when initial stool-based tests suggest cancer, and it now offers navigation services to assist patients in managing their cancer treatment paths.

Knudsen has also called for the next administration to explore policies such as banning menthol-flavored cigarettes, estimating that this could potentially save 654,000 lives over the next four decades.

With growing scientific understanding indicating that cancer is not just a single disease but a collection of varied diseases responding differently to treatments, there is hope for future advancements. Dr. Crystal Denlinger, CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, expressed optimism that the national commitment to ending cancer will persist regardless of future leadership.

Source: AP News