ASCO President, Dr. George W. Sledge, was among the clinician, government and industry leaders selected to testify before the President’s Cancer Panel in Boston on September 22, 2010. The meeting, titled, “The Future of Cancer Research: Accelerating Scientific Innovation,” focused on assessing the past 40 years of cancer research and exploring potential future enhancements and advances in biomedical science.

In his testimony, Dr. Sledge addressed the need to reinvigorate the National Cancer Institute Cooperative Group Program; health information technology’s potential to drive cancer research; and the projected oncology workforce shortage. The Panel is expected to compile the testimony and insight from the September 22 meeting in a report to be submitted to President Barack Obama.

The President’s Cancer Panel was formed in 1971 by the National Cancer Act for the purpose of monitoring and appraising our nation’s cancer program and reporting to the President. The Panel consists of three members, all of whom are appointed by the president to serve three-year terms.

Read Dr. Sledge’s blog post on ASCOConnection

— Reposted in whole or in part from the ASCO newsletter

Hoosier Cancer Research Network (formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group) conducts innovative cancer research in collaboration with academic and community physicians and scientists across the United States. The organization provides comprehensive clinical trial management and support, from conception through publication. Created in 1984 as a program of the Walther Cancer Institute, Hoosier Cancer Research Network became an independent nonprofit clinical research organization in 2007. Since its founding, Hoosier Cancer Research Network has initiated more than 150 trials in a variety of cancer types and supportive care, resulting in more than 300 publications. More than 4,400 patients have participated in Hoosier Cancer Research Network clinical trials.