Overview
The Division of Cancer Control and Population Science (DCCPS) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will sponsor a virtual meeting to discuss gaps in the knowledge and areas of unmet needs for individuals living with metastatic and advanced cancers. This meeting will bring together experts in research and clinical care, as well as cancer survivors and advocates, to explore areas of high priority for metastatic and advanced cancer survivorship research. The meeting will include engaging presentations and participatory discussions on research gaps and opportunities within this scientific area.
Background
Advances in diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care have resulted in a growing population of survivors with advanced or metastatic cancer. Many have experienced an extended positive response to treatment, disease stability, and/or improvement of disease burden, and may cycle on and off treatment. This survivor group includes, but is not limited to, individuals with advanced or metastatic disease receiving newer therapies, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, as well as individuals living with chronic, low-grade cancers, including certain forms of leukemia and lymphoma.
Individuals diagnosed with metastatic or advanced cancer may have significant unmet needs in several areas of survivorship, including symptom management, psychosocial support, comorbidity management, caregiver support, care coordination, and communication around goals of care. It is important to understand the extent of these needs and to identify how best to address them.
Goals
The goals of this meeting are to bring together researchers, clinicians, survivors, and advocates representing a broad range of expertise and experiences to:
- Define the current state of metastatic and advanced cancer survivorship research
- Identify unmet needs among this population
- Discuss research gaps and opportunities in the areas of epidemiology, healthcare delivery, behavioral sciences, and symptom management
Please visit https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/ocs/metastatic-survivorship-meeting for additional information on this year’s Virtual Meeting on Survivorship Needs for Individuals Living with Advanced and Metastatic Cancers.