On October 25, 2024, the International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC) hosted a high-profile discussion forum in Washington, D.C., as part of its efforts to advance the global cancer agenda. Held as a pre-event to the White House Global Cancer Fund Discussion, the gathering brought together leading experts, policymakers, and innovators to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in cancer prevention, treatment, and care.
The event highlighted ICPC’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation to address global disparities in cancer care. Attendees explored how best practices could be leveraged to improve early detection, diagnostics, treatment, and survivorship care—not just in North America but around the world.
A call to action
The forum opened with remarks from Denis Horgan, Secretary General of ICPC, who underscored the urgency of mobilizing global efforts to combat cancer. He emphasized the Coalition’s mission to bridge inequalities and maximize the potential of new technologies and research to benefit patients worldwide. Dr. Vivek Subbiah, ICPC Board Member and Chief of Early-Phase Drug Development at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, reinforced this vision, sharing his expertise on the transformative role of innovation in cancer care.
“We have the tools, knowledge, and technology to make a difference,” Subbiah noted. “But it will take global collaboration and a commitment to equity to ensure these advancements reach everyone, regardless of geography or economic status.”
Exploring key themes
The forum featured thought-provoking discussions led by an impressive roster of experts, including Asal Sayas, former Senior Advisor for Cancer and Infectious Disease at the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, and Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Vice President of ICPC and a renowned cancer advocate.
Discussions focused on critical areas such as closing the implementation gap in cancer policy, bringing innovation into healthcare systems, and addressing health access inequalities. Christopher McPherson, Head of Global Oncology Policy & Advocacy at AstraZeneca, emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies into healthcare systems to enhance outcomes, while Jeff Allen, CEO of Friends of Cancer Research, highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful change.
The panel also explored the role of translational research and international collaboration in advancing cancer care. Contributions from experts like Dr. Ghassan Abou-Alfa of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dr. Satish Gopal, Director of the Center for Global Health at the National Cancer Institute, underscored the importance of sharing knowledge and resources to build capacity in underserved regions.
A vision for global collaboration
The forum served as a platform to discuss ICPC’s vision for a Global Cancer Fund, a concept aligned with initiatives such as the Biden Cancer Moonshot. By leveraging the collective efforts of governments, private sector leaders, non-profits, and international organizations, the fund aims to expand access to life-saving cancer prevention, detection, and care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Denis Horgan captured the spirit of the event in his closing remarks: “ICPC is dedicated to driving progress by fostering innovation, research, and collaboration. Together, we can create a future where cancer care is equitable, accessible, and effective for all.”
A continuing journey
The Washington, D.C., forum marked ICPC’s first regional meeting since its official launch at the United Nations General Assembly earlier this year. Building on the momentum of these milestone events, the Coalition continues to advocate for a unified global approach to tackling cancer, leveraging the latest advancements in science and policy to transform patient outcomes.
Explore the event
To experience the highlights of this gathering, visit our photo gallery below, where you can see key moments and the distinguished individuals who are shaping the future of cancer care.
