As we follow the actions of the new presidential administration and await more announcements about healthcare leadership and cancer research initiatives, it’s a good time to reflect on the past four years and how far we’ve come.
Under the previous administration, the Cancer Moonshot was an initiative that made remarkable strides in improving the lives of cancer patients through its commitment to innovation and equitable access to care. This effort was launched with the goal of accelerating cancer research and treatment breakthroughs, and although discontinued, created a legacy of collaboration and progress that continues to inspire all of us in the cancer care community.
At NAPT, we were been honored to support the Cancer Moonshot’s efforts over the last several years. On behalf of NAPT, a patient advocate, a NAPT physician leader, and I had the privilege of meeting with Cancer Moonshot leadership to advocate for patient access to proton therapy, foster innovation, and emphasize the critical role of patient navigation in ensuring that all patients can access the care they need. Ensuring access to the most advanced cancer treatments like proton therapy is a critical initiative to improve patient outcomes.
We are especially proud that NAPT was recognized in the Cancer Moonshot’s final summary report by the White House. This acknowledgment highlighted our collaboration with NASA and Fred Hutch to develop MISSION: All Systems Go! for children undergoing proton therapy. The program’s goal was to address the unique needs of pediatric cancer patients and their families, providing resources and support during what is often one of the most challenging periods of their lives. This partnership demonstrates the power of innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration in driving meaningful change.
While the recognition is a milestone for NAPT, it also serves as a reminder of the work still to be done. Advanced cancer treatments, like proton therapy, hold tremendous promise in improving patient outcomes and reducing treatment-related side effects. However, barriers to access persist, and addressing these challenges requires a sustained commitment to advocacy, education, and collaboration across sectors.
The importance of stakeholders coming together cannot be overstated. Initiatives like CancerX exemplify how cross-sector partnerships can foster innovation and accelerate progress in the fight against cancer. By bringing together diverse expertise from technology, healthcare, and policy, CancerX and similar efforts underscore the value of collective action in overcoming barriers and fostering innovation to advance the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
At NAPT, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that all patients have access to advanced cancer treatments such as proton therapy. The Cancer Moonshot initiative reinforced the importance of uniting stakeholders—patients, providers, researchers, and policymakers—to achieve this shared goal. By working together, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in cancer care.
As we look to the future, NAPT is committed to building on the progress made under the Cancer Moonshot, and we will encourage the new administration to dedicate time and resources to any effort that pursues similar goals. We will also continue to advocate for policies that support innovation and improve access to care. We will also expand our efforts to collaborate with organizations that share our vision of a world where every cancer patient receives the best possible treatment tailored to their needs.
The Cancer Moonshot proved that collaboration drives progress. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, we can tackle the most pressing challenges in cancer care and create a brighter future for patients and their families. NAPT is proud to be part of this journey, and we look forward to continuing our work to advance the fight against cancer.
