WASHINGTON, D.C., October 18, 2016 – Leadership from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) participated in an event at the White House yesterday hosted by Vice President Joe Biden, who released a report outlining the Cancer Moonshot Initiative's (CMI) progress to date and roadmap for its four remaining years. Former Chair of ASTRO's Board of Directors Bruce G. Haffty, MD, FASTRO, attended on behalf of the Society following months of encouragement by ASTRO for the initiative to broaden its focus and integrate radiation oncology more fully into the moonshot effort.

"In the past year, the Vice President's moonshot initiative has brought critical attention to the need for greater collaboration and innovation in cancer research, and we are invigorated at the prospect of radiation oncology being an instrumental component of future progress. Moving forward, we must maintain the focus on advancing both the science and practice of cancer care while aligning our efforts to move Congress to authorize the $700 million requested by the President for cancer research initiatives. Substantial, predictable financial support is essential to sustain the fight to eradicate cancer." said Dr. Haffty.

More than half of cancer patients undergo radiation therapy at some point in their treatment, and radiation therapy has been a safe, effective and powerful method of fighting cancer for more than 100 years. Federal funding for research in radiation oncology, however, remains well below the level of funding for other therapeutic modalities. ASTRO, whose members include nearly all practicing radiation oncologists in the United States, supports the CMI goal of working toward an integrated approach to advancing cancer research. Encompassing the full range of multidisciplinary approaches to cancer care is essential to achieve the accelerated progress that hallmark of the initiative's design.
The Cancer Moonshot Task Force report issued today charts the initiative's progress and announces several promising new efforts to support CMI goals, including collaborative research projects to explore the biological bases of cancer and partnerships with industry to increase affordable transportation options for cancer patients undergoing treatment. The report also maps out strategy for the initiative's remaining years, including reforms to financial support structures that would broaden access for non-traditional research approaches and ensure equitable access to the highest quality care across all corners of the socioeconomic spectrum.

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