1A The Future Of Cancer Research In The US
Sep 25, 2025
In this discussion, Rachana Pradhan, a health policy correspondent, highlights the significant cuts to the National Cancer Institute and their implications. Jennifer Guida, a former NCI program director, sheds light on the specific grants terminated and their impact on training and research. Dr. Otis Brawley, an oncology expert, warns about the long-term consequences of these cuts on patient care and cancer research progress, emphasizing the risks to vulnerable populations and the future pipeline of scientists.
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Sudden Federal Cuts Threaten Research Momentum
- The Trump administration directed the National Cancer Institute to slash contract spending by about a third, terminating grants.
- That move threatens continuity of government-funded cancer research and patient access to trials.
Program Director Quit Over Targeted Terminations
- Jennifer Guida described being instructed to flag grants tied to diversity, COVID, and environmental justice for termination.
- She left NCI because targeted terminations conflicted with her scientific integrity and values.
Stopping Grants Breaks Research And Care
- When grants terminate, experiments and clinical trials stop immediately and can't be restarted instantly.
- Terminations ripple through training pipelines, patient care, and long-term innovation.