The Academy strongly supported the President’s effort to advance cancer research and cures through a proposed investment of $1.0 billion that will be used to “accelerate progress in preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer,” by supporting research and infrastructure. Scientists from the imaging research community were called upon to use their extensive expertise and experience to help inform and facilitate the Administration’s efforts. Our Policy Statement on the Cancer Moon Shot articulated how imaging experts can contribute to this endeavor:
- Role of imaging in cancer research and treatment.
- Computational science and big data.
- Supporting educational pathways for young researchers to improve research and treatment outcomes.
- Role of the Interagency Working Group on Medical Imaging (IWGMI) to advance cancer research.
- Imaging research integral to FDA efforts on novel products.
The Academy met with Vice President Joseph Biden’s staff, other senior administration leaders and NIH leadership to discuss the vital role of imaging to cancer research. As a result of these meetings, the Academy was invited to send a representative to attend the Cancer Moon Shot Summit in Washington DC held on June 29, 2016. Academy leadership chose Etta Pisano, MD to represent the Academy and the broader imaging community. Academy board member Sanjiv Gambhir, MD, PhD holds a position on the Precision Prevention and Early Detection Working Group. The Blue Ribbon Panel report describes recommendations by seven working groups, each identifying the scientific gaps and opportunities. Imaging is mentioned between pages 48-53.
21st Century Cures Act
The 21st Century Cures bill passed the Senate by 94-5. The House held their signing ceremony on December 8. The bill was signed by the President on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the White House.
- It provides $4.8B over 10 years to NIH (through the Office of the Director) that will be for the Cancer Moonshot ($1.802bil), the BRAIN Initiative ($1.564bil) and the Personalized Medicine Initiative ($1.4bil) which is allocated annually. Funding will be from the Prevention and Public Health Fund ($3.5bil) and the rest from drawing down from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.