Voices of the Community

“The 21st Century Cures Act created a national mandate to modernize clinical evidence development in partnership with patients. Now we must transition from mandate to action. Patient-centered goals must be incorporated early in drug development and study design, and new clinical evidence must be quickly applied to the care of patients who will benefit.” Amy Abernethy, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Chief Scientific Officer, Vice President, Oncology, Flatiron Health, Inc.

“Personalized medicine presents new opportunities to develop targeted treatment and prevention strategies based on each individual’s history, circumstances and values. Patients deserve nothing less.” Edward Abrahams, Ph.D., President, Personalized Medicine Coalition

"The time is now for leaders from across the oncology community to make a shared commitment to real change for cancer patients and their families. We are entering an exciting new era in cancer research, leading to major treatment advances. We need policy solutions as innovative as the science itself. We invite stakeholders to join us in advancing a cancer care system that is innovative, affordable and patient-centered." Randy Burkholder, Vice President of Policy and Research, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

“We are making major strides in preventing and treating cancer, which is the result of decades of dedicated efforts on the part of policymakers, laboratory and translational cancer researchers, physician-scientists and patient advocates. Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), Chief Executive Officer, American Association for Cancer Research

“Despite the current turmoil in national and local health care policy and funding, it is critical to maintain the momentum, built in part by the Cancer Moonshot that is driving collaboration and discovery, while keeping patients at the center of all our efforts. The treatments that will deliver the most value are those that optimize safety and efficacy, while also meeting patients’ expectations regarding their personal preferences and priorities.” Patricia J. Goldsmith, Chief Executive Officer, CancerCare

“The pace of life science discovery in our time is unprecedented, and can lead to a previously unimaginable era of human health and wellness. To ensure that the true impact of this progress can reach every individual in a way that reflects their values and priorities, it’s incumbent on us today to address the key issues at the intersection of value, science, and patient access. Turning the Tide is all about bringing all stakeholders together to do just that.” Marcia Kean, M.B.A., Chairman, Strategic Initiatives, Feinstein Kean Healthcare

"Our advancing knowledge is creating cancer treatments that are improving the quality and duration of patients’ lives in ways not possible even a few short years ago. Now we must address the questions of access and appropriateness of care nationwide in all of our communities while continuing to provide the funding for basic research and supporting innovation. This is no small task, and I remain convinced that we now have both the will and the way to meet these challenges." Len Lichtenfeld, M.D., MACP, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, American Cancer Society

“Patients, advocates, researchers and clinicians should all refer to cancers in the plural. We must find biomarkers and therapies and design clinical pathways specific to many kinds of cancers. We have many successes to celebrate without waiting for the cure of all cancers!” Gil Omenn, M.D., Ph.D., Chair, American Association for Cancer Research Health Policy Subcommittee; Professor of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, University of Michigan

“The future of oncology innovation will be headed in the right direction if we help the new Administration and lawmakers understand the needs and benefits of continued rational biomedical research. As new value-based care models emerge, it is critical that patients be involved in the development of those models adding their unique patient perspective and real-world experiences to help develop safe and effective guidelines.” Jack Whelan, Research and Legislative Advocate, AACR Scientist↔Survivor Patient Advocate, Rare Blood Cancer Survivor, Prostate Cancer Patient

“This is an exciting time for patients, a time of new hope, as science is taking us from a “one-size-fits-all” trial and error approach to a “one-size-fits-one” treatment and prevention mode. Science can deliver on the promise of precision medicine more rapidly if our elected officials increase federal investment and support policies to advance public and private sector research. When research for health becomes a higher national priority, we will find solutions to cancer and other deadly and disabling diseases.” Mary Woolley, President and Chief Executive Officer, RESEARCH!AMERICA