The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has taken a significant step in the battle against cancer by launching a research network dedicated to evaluating emerging technologies for cancer screening. The Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN) is a key initiative in support of the Cancer Moonshot℠ and will focus on detecting cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, which will have a transformative effect on cancer screening.
In support of the network, eight groups have received funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a part of the NIH, to conduct initial activities. According to Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell, Director of NCI, the early detection of cancers is crucial for more effective treatment. Many cancers are currently not reliably detected until it is too late, creating significant treatment challenges. Emerging technologies, such as multi-cancer detection tests, have the potential to revolutionize cancer screening and improve patient outcomes.
The network will undertake a pilot study in 2024, known as the Vanguard Study on Multi-Cancer Detection, to assess the feasibility of using multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests in future randomized controlled trials. These tests, which can screen for multiple types of cancers, will enroll up to 24,000 people. The data collected will inform the design of a larger trial evaluating the benefits of using MCD tests for cancer screening and early detection to reduce fatalities.
Dr. Lori M. Minasian, Deputy Director of the Division of Cancer Prevention at NCI, states that the goal is to systematically evaluate cancer screening technologies to understand their potential in saving lives. The data from the clinical trials will help develop evidence-based guidelines for cancer screening. The network is dedicated to reaching diverse populations that are receiving routine care in a variety of healthcare settings, including underserved populations.
The initial funding will provide resources for study coordination, communication activities, statistics and data management, and enrolling participants in clinical trials and studies. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle will serve as the network’s coordinating and communications center, as well as the statistics and data management center.
The network aims to recruit from populations historically underrepresented in clinical trials to ensure that the data generated is representative. The involvement of sites such as the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Kaiser Permanente Northern and Southern California, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Inova, Sentara Health, and Washington University School of Medicine is crucial.
In addition, the Department of Defense Uniformed Services University and the Department of Veterans Affairs will also participate as sites funded by their respective agencies.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) leads the National Cancer Program and NIH’s efforts to reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families. Those seeking more information about cancer can visit the NCI website at cancer.gov or call NCI’s contact center, the Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
Furthermore, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research and investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
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