National Patient Advocate Foundation Launches Project at ASCO

The National Patient Advocate Foundation Foundation (NAPF) is launching its Project Innovation, a national movement to accelerate the pace of cancer medical discovery. The basis of the Project is outlined in its report “Securing the Future of Innovation in Cancer Treatment."

NAPF calls for an expansion on the science of innovation by streamlining logistical obstacles, which include bureaucratic, institutional, and regulatory; bolstering funding opportunities, which includes increased funding for for basic and clinical study, and heightened awareness by all stakeholders of clinical research opportunities; and improved communication and coordination between providers and patients, which focuses on enhancing enrollment of these clinical trials by improving physician awareness of clinical trials and sharing of information with their patients. The report says: "Coordination among oncology researchers, treating oncologists and patients is essential so that all parties are educated about ongoing research."

In addition, the report says regulatory policies must be established to ensure that payers cover clinical trial costs for patients.

Read the full release here.