New on NCI’s Websites for April 2024

April 12, 2024,
by Daryl McGrath

NCI Launches Research Network to Evaluate Emerging Cancer Screening Technologies

The Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN) will support studies that investigate new ways to identify cancers earlier, when they may be easier to treat. In late 2024, CSRN plans to launch the Vanguard Study on Multi-Cancer Detection, a pilot study to inform the design of a larger trial of multi-cancer detection tests. Multi-cancer detection tests measure biomarkers, such as pieces of DNA, that cancer cells release into the blood and can potentially be used to detect many kinds of cancer.

For Childhood Cancer Survivors, Inherited Genetic Factors Influence Risk of Cancers Later in Life

Common inherited genetic factors that predict cancer risk in the general population may also predict elevated risk of new cancers among childhood cancer survivors, according to a study led by researchers at NCI.

NCI Launches Virtual Clinical Trials Office

NCI has launched the Virtual Clinical Trials Office, a centralized team of support staff—including research nurses, clinical research associates, and clinical data specialists—who will work remotely to assist NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and community practices with their clinical trials activities. 

Meet the NCI Director Video

During a live social media event that took place February 22, NCI Director Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., Ph.D., introduced herself and answered live questions about the future of cancer research.

President’s Cancer Panel Issues Progress Report on the National Cancer Plan

On February 28, the President’s Cancer Panel released its Initial Assessment of the National Cancer Plan. This report examines the National Cancer Plan as a road map for the National Cancer Program and offers recommendations in five priority areas to accelerate progress toward the plan’s goals. 

Small Business Innovation Research Program

NCI’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs support small businesses across the United States to develop innovative cancer technologies. The SBIR Development Center has a new website that features the center’s SBIR Innovation Lab podcast, highlights success stories, and showcases companies chosen to pitch for funding at investor events. 

Progress in Basic Cancer Research

NCI’s Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) features recent progress in advancing basic cancer research. A new infographic shows progress made in fiscal year 2023, highlights of recent research, and examples of DCB-sponsored research intended to help achieve the goals of the National Cancer Plan.  

Center for Cancer Research Updates

NCI’s Center for Cancer Research (CCR) has added and updated several web pages. CCR’s training page for postdoctoral researchers features a new video explaining the benefits of postdoc training with NCI tenure-track investigators.

CCR also added a new chromosome biology research section to its website. The section includes a new web page for the NCI Center of Excellence in Chromosome Biology, information about specific researchers working on chromosome biology, and related fellowships and jobs in CCR.

CCR also has released its annual Milestones publication. The 10 stories highlighted in this year’s publication illustrate the breadth, creativity, and impact of CCR research.

Why We Love Diverse Data

NCI’s Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology celebrated “Love Data Week!” (February 12–16) with a blog post featuring six scientists talking about why they love diverse data. 

Inside Cancer Careers Podcast

NCI’s Center for Cancer Training has launched the second season of the Inside Cancer Careers podcast. The February 1 episode was a “fireside chat” with NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell, who shared her career journey and the importance of supporting the next generation of cancer researchers. The February 15 episode featured Ophira Ginsburg, M.D., senior scientific officer and senior advisor for clinical research in NCI’s Center for Global Health, who gave her thoughts on the importance of women’s leadership and representation in cancer care.

World Cancer Day 2024 Blog

NCI’s Center for Global Health (CGH) marked World Cancer Day with a blog post by CGH Director Satish Gopal, M.D., M.P.H. Dr. Gopal highlighted important accomplishments and activities in 2023, including CGH’s ongoing NCI Global Cancer Research and Control Seminar Series, NCI support and participation in the November 2023 African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) meeting in Senegal, initiation of cancer health disparities minilabs to develop transdisciplinary approaches to advance scientific progress globally, and leadership and launch of the Lancet Commission on Women, Cancer, and Power. 

NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship – New Resources

The NCI’s Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS) has revamped its Cancer Survivor and Caregiver Stories page. Along with adding caregiver stories, the page also enables readers to filter stories—such as by cancer type and specific populations—to select those that will be most meaningful to them. Also new is a video library that includes videos sharing the words of advocates on survivorship-related topics and an FAQ with OCS Director Emily Tonorezos, M.D. 

HINTS Brief 53 on Telehealth Use Among US Adults

The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) Management Team has released HINTS Brief 53, “Patterns and Predictors of Telehealth Use among US Adults in 2022.” This brief discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the expansion of telehealth; the prevalence of, and factors associated with, telehealth use; and more. 

Updated: Catchment Areas of NCI-Designated Cancer Centers

NCI’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences updated its page on the Catchment Areas of NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, including designation status and catchment area updates for several cancer enters. 

Co-Use of Tobacco with Alcohol and Cannabis 

The NCI’s Behavioral Research Program has launched a new web page on the co-use of tobacco with alcohol and cannabis. This page, created by program directors in the Health Behaviors Research Branch and the Tobacco Control Research Branch, discusses the importance of addressing co-use of tobacco with alcohol and tobacco with cannabis as targets for cancer prevention and control. 

Smokefree.gov Launches SmokefreeNATIVE

NCI’s Smokefree.gov initiative has partnered with the Indian Health Service to launch a new, free text messaging resource to help American Indian and Alaska Native adults and adolescents quit smoking commercial tobacco. People who smoke and are ready to set a date to quit can enroll online or by texting NATIVE to 47848.

Participate in Cancer Research

NCI has enhanced its information about participating in cancer research studies, including how to join clinical trials or observational studies and how to donate medical data and biological samples. The new Participate in Cancer Research section of NCI’s website includes information about cancer research studies, a clinical trials search tool, personal stories from people who have participated in studies, and more.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema, the buildup of lymph fluid in tissues causing swelling, affects people’s ability to do certain activities and their quality of life. NCI has revised and consolidated its expert-reviewed content about ways to prevent and treat lymphedema.

The ALCHEMIST Lung Cancer Trials

The ALCHEMIST clinical trials are a group of randomized clinical trials for people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors have been completely removed by surgery. People entering the ALCHEMIST study will have their tumor tissue genetically sequenced to determine if one of the drugs being studied targets a specific biomarker, including certain genetic mutations, found in their tumors. This revised and streamlined page describes the different trials and which are currently recruiting participants. 

Updated Fact Sheets

Tumor Markers: This updated fact sheet defines tumor markers and describes how they can be used to help diagnose and treat cancer. This revised and streamlined page also includes a list of tumor marker tests in common use.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans and Cancer: This updated page explains what CT scans are, how they’re used for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and what people can expect during the procedure.

New and Updated Patient Information Summaries

Skin Cancer Prevention: Skin cancer prevention includes avoiding risk factors like ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun, sun lamps, and tanning beds. This updated expert-reviewed summary discusses the risks and possible protective factors for skin cancer.

Childhood Colorectal Cancer Treatment: Colorectal cancer is defined as a cancer that starts anywhere along the colon or rectum. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, and tests to diagnose colorectal cancer in children and how it is treated.

Depression: Depression is a treatable medical problem that can affect adults and children with cancer. This updated page describes symptoms of depression, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment for adults and children with cancer.

Childhood Brain Tumors: NCI’s pages on DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma), childhood ependymoma, and childhood glioma (including astrocytoma) have a new look. The pages cover causes and risk factors, symptoms, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, stages, and treatment.

Spirituality and Cancer Care: Religion and spirituality in cancer care are very personal matters that can affect treatment decisions and the ability to cope. This updated page explains ways a person’s health care team can support their spiritual and religious well-being and how this can lead to improved health and quality of life.

Oral Complications of Cancer Therapies: Mouth and throat problems are common problems of cancer treatment. This updated page explains ways to prevent and manage problems like dry mouth, taste changes, pain, and infection.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that causes the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal cells can replace healthy blood cells, leading to symptoms such as bleeding, anemia, and infection. This recently updated page includes information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for AML.

New Health Professional Summary: Hospice

Health care professionals and health care systems face many challenges when caring for patients at the end of life. This new page offers expert-reviewed information about many aspects of hospice care. 

Chemotherapy and You: Support for People with Cancer

Chemotherapy and You is a booklet for people who are about to receive or are now receiving chemotherapy for cancer. It includes facts about chemotherapy and its side effects and highlights ways people can care for themselves before, during, and after treatment.

Infographic: Chances of Developing Breast Cancer by Age 70 to 80

Women who have harmful changes in certain genes have a higher risk of some cancers. This updated infographic helps explain the risk of breast cancer for women with harmful BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.