KQED's Forum Federal Funding Cuts Hit Cancer Research
Apr 7, 2025
Angus Chen, a cancer reporter for Stat News, joins oncologist Dr. Adil Daud from UCSF to discuss alarming federal budget cuts affecting cancer research. They explore how slashes to the NIH budget threaten decades of progress in treatment and patient care. Personal anecdotes illustrate the emotional turmoil faced by patients relying on clinical trials, as well as the impact on crucial research initiatives for high-mortality cancers. The conversation emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and funding to sustain vital advancements in cancer treatment.
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Natalie Phelps' Story
- Natalie Phelps, a stage four cancer patient, faces clinical trial cancellations due to federal funding cuts.
- She fears her cancer will progress too far before she can access another life-saving trial.
Cancers Most Affected
- The Defense Department's cancer research program (CDMRP) has cut funding across various cancer types.
- Kidney, pancreatic, lung cancers, and glioblastoma are among the hardest hit by these funding cuts.
Importance of Clinical Trials
- Clinical trials are crucial for developing new cancer treatments and require significant funding and staffing.
- Cuts impact administrative support, research nurses, and clinical research coordinators, hindering safe trial execution.