Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

Why the cancer moonshot is already off course

Matthew Katz, MD
Conditions
April 25, 2016
566 Shares
Share
Tweet
Share

The cancer moonshot initiative raised skepticism because of the limited funding to end cancer. Unfortunately the recently announced panel membership confirms that while the project may launch, skewed representation may tilt the mission off course.

It is no surprise that the panel heavily tilts toward immunology, medical oncology, surgery and big science. But three core specialties you would find at any tumor board are missing: pathology, radiology, and radiation oncology. Pathologists are “the doctor’s doctor,” applying basic science to clinical medicine to establish the vast majority of cancer diagnoses. Radiologists provide images to help us establish cancer stage, interpret treatment effectiveness, and can use interventional approaches of minimally invasive therapy. Radiation oncologists treat over 50 percent of all cancer patients at some point during the cancer experience in the U.S., with increasingly targeted ways to cure and alleviate suffering. All could play key roles in ensuring targeted immunotherapy research is on the right course.

Any community cancer program, such as mine, would be deficient if these cancer specialists didn’t show up. Why should we feel differently in this case? Were these specialties excluded accidentally? I’m sure there are some excellent people in these fields to provide balance to the panel.

Speaking of community medicine, every single panelist is an academic or in industry. There will be a heavy bias toward researchers and big business. Where are the community doctors and cancer centers? We treat the majority of cancer patients. Any advances in cancer care should be able to help all Americans, not just those close to major academic medical centers. If the initiative has frugal funding, it’s essential to ensure the research funding is pragmatic, not just scientifically sound. A daily practitioner or two might curb some of the irrational enthusiasm and press to keep the project’s aim centered on its true goal: Helping cancer patients, everywhere.

Patients and caregivers deserve direct representation, too. People with the personal experience of the diseases targeted for progress. Increasingly, patients participate in hospital boards, scientific meetings, and clinical trial design. Yes, the science is important. But people without scientific or medical backgrounds can add value to the project. Why not include the people most affected by the disease and the financial toxicity of trying to pay for treatment?

Finally, we can’t measure success without the help of biostatisticians. Quality evidence from clinical trials requires rigorous design. At least one expert in data analysis deserves a position on the panel itself rather than being considered support staff.

The cancer moonshot may have launched, but it’s already taking off on a potentially unbalanced trajectory. Hopefully, the panel will get all necessary hands on deck before this latest mission to improve cancer care hits escape velocity rather than reaching its goal.

Matthew Katz is a radiation oncologist who blogs at ASCO Connection and Radiation Nation. He can be reached on Twitter @subatomicdoc. 

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Prev

Choose your own ER adventure

April 25, 2016 Kevin 2
…
Next

The key to physician happiness: Be you as a doctor

April 25, 2016 Kevin 6
…

Tagged as: Oncology/Hematology

Post navigation

< Previous Post
Choose your own ER adventure
Next Post >
The key to physician happiness: Be you as a doctor

More by Matthew Katz, MD

  • A community-based program that brings patients and pathologists together

    Matthew Katz, MD
  • 6 steps to stop your smartphone from going viral. Literally.

    Matthew Katz, MD
  • a desk with keyboard and ipad with the kevinmd logo

    E-patients need e-doctors. Here’s why.

    Matthew Katz, MD

Related Posts

  • Hormone replacement therapy is still linked to cancer

    Martha Rosenberg
  • We have a shot at preventing cervical cancer

    Lisa N. Abaid, MD, MPH
  • Obstruction of medical justice: How health care fails patients with cancer

    Miriam A. Knoll, MD
  • Despite progress in cancer care, cost and equity challenges still must be addressed

    David M. Aboulafia, MD
  • Using the Avengers to explain how cancer treatments work

    Jennifer Lycette, MD
  • Is social media a friend or foe of science?

    Michael Joyce, MD

More in Conditions

  • Overcoming Parkinson’s: a journey of laughter and resilience

    Cynthia Poire Mathews, FNP
  • The untold struggles patients face with resident doctors

    Denise Reich
  • Maximize sleep efficiency with stimulus control

    Pedram Navab, DO
  • The endless waves of chronic illness

    Michele Luckenbaugh
  • Surviving and thriving after life’s most difficult moments

    Rebecca Fogg, MBA
  • The surprising power of Play-Doh in pediatric care: How it’s bringing families together

    Alexander Rakowsky, MD
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • What is driving physicians to the edge of despair?

      Edward T. Creagan, MD | Physician
    • The untold struggles patients face with resident doctors

      Denise Reich | Conditions
    • The psychoanalytic hammer: lessons in listening and patient-centered care

      Greg Smith, MD | Conditions
    • Breaking free from a toxic relationship with medicine [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Revolutionizing COPD management with virtual care solutions [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
  • Past 6 Months

    • The real cause of America’s opioid crisis: Doctors are not to blame

      Richard A. Lawhern, PhD | Meds
    • The fight for reproductive health: Why medication abortion matters

      Catherine Hennessey, MD | Physician
    • The vital importance of climate change education in medical schools

      Helen Kim, MD | Policy
    • Nobody wants this job. Should physicians stick around?

      Katie Klingberg, MD | Physician
    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • Resetting the doctor-patient relationship: Navigating the challenges of modern primary care

      Jeffrey H. Millstein, MD | Physician
  • Recent Posts

    • Breaking free from a toxic relationship with medicine [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Tom Brady’s legacy and the importance of personal integrity in end-of-life choices

      Kevin Haselhorst, MD | Physician
    • The hidden truths of hospital life: What doctors wish you knew

      Emily Stanford, DO | Physician
    • 10 commandments of ethical affiliate marketing for physicians

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Amy Bissada, DO | Finance
    • The heart of a Desi doctor: Balancing emotions and resources in oncology

      Dr. Damane Zehra | Physician
    • Safe sex for seniors: Dispelling myths and embracing safe practices [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

View 13 Comments >

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

CME Spotlights

From MedPage Today

Latest News

  • Journal Shows Its Commitment to Exploring AI in Medicine
  • Do Away With 'Lockout' Period in iPLEDGE, FDA Advisors Urge
  • Cluster Headache, Migraine Linked to Circadian System
  • Smaller Liver Transplant Candidates Wait Longer, Less Likely to Receive Organ
  • A 'Double Whammy' for Gastric Cancer Risk

Meeting Coverage

  • Oral Roflumilast Effective in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis
  • Phase III Trials 'Hit a Home Run' in Advanced Endometrial Cancer
  • Cannabis Use Common in Post-Surgery Patients on Opioid Tapering
  • Less Abuse With Extended-Release Oxycodone, Poison Center Data Suggest
  • Novel Strategies Show Winning Potential in Ovarian Cancer
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • What is driving physicians to the edge of despair?

      Edward T. Creagan, MD | Physician
    • The untold struggles patients face with resident doctors

      Denise Reich | Conditions
    • The psychoanalytic hammer: lessons in listening and patient-centered care

      Greg Smith, MD | Conditions
    • Breaking free from a toxic relationship with medicine [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Revolutionizing COPD management with virtual care solutions [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
  • Past 6 Months

    • The real cause of America’s opioid crisis: Doctors are not to blame

      Richard A. Lawhern, PhD | Meds
    • The fight for reproductive health: Why medication abortion matters

      Catherine Hennessey, MD | Physician
    • The vital importance of climate change education in medical schools

      Helen Kim, MD | Policy
    • Nobody wants this job. Should physicians stick around?

      Katie Klingberg, MD | Physician
    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • Resetting the doctor-patient relationship: Navigating the challenges of modern primary care

      Jeffrey H. Millstein, MD | Physician
  • Recent Posts

    • Breaking free from a toxic relationship with medicine [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Tom Brady’s legacy and the importance of personal integrity in end-of-life choices

      Kevin Haselhorst, MD | Physician
    • The hidden truths of hospital life: What doctors wish you knew

      Emily Stanford, DO | Physician
    • 10 commandments of ethical affiliate marketing for physicians

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Amy Bissada, DO | Finance
    • The heart of a Desi doctor: Balancing emotions and resources in oncology

      Dr. Damane Zehra | Physician
    • Safe sex for seniors: Dispelling myths and embracing safe practices [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today iMedicalApps
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

Why the cancer moonshot is already off course
13 comments

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...