The Philippine Cancer Center (PCC) has launched its National Cancer Research Agenda for 2024-2028, marking a significant step towards unified cancer prevention strategies and cohesive efforts to combat the disease in the country. The event, held on November 27, 2024, at Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila, aimed to orchestrate a collaborative approach to cancer research and treatment in the Philippines.
The Need for a Unified Focus in Cancer Research
Addressing Fragmented Efforts
PCC Interim Executive Director Dr. Alfonso Nuñez III emphasized the necessity of a unified focus in cancer research. He pointed out that while numerous hospitals and health experts in the Philippines are already involved in cancer research, their efforts lack a collective mindset and principle. Many institutions have conducted significant research individually, but without a unified framework, these efforts may not reach their full potential impact. To address this, the National Cancer Research Agenda was introduced to provide a structured framework for tackling and detecting cancer comprehensively, ensuring all efforts are focused toward common goals and principles.
The implementation of a unified agenda aims to bring cohesion and a sense of direction to the diverse research initiatives scattered across the country. Researchers can avoid duplication of work and instead build on each other’s findings. This coordinated effort will not only streamline the research process but also significantly enhance the potential outcomes. Dr. Nuñez highlighted that the alignment promised by the new framework could lead to groundbreaking discoveries and more effective treatments, ultimately benefiting cancer patients across the Philippines.
Establishing the PCC
The PCC, designated as the country’s center of excellence for cancer care and treatment, was established through Republic Act No. 11215, also known as the National Integrated Cancer Control Act. Signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019, this act underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the fight against cancer. The establishment of PCC signaled a new era in cancer treatment and support, with the government taking concrete steps to integrate and optimize cancer care services nationwide. The newly launched National Cancer Research Agenda aims to serve as a guidance tool for hospitals and organizations engaged in cancer research, ensuring their efforts are aligned and focused on key themes.
One of the core missions of PCC is not just to provide treatment but also to engage in cutting-edge research that can lead to innovative solutions in cancer care. With the agenda in place, the PCC can better facilitate collaboration among local hospitals, universities, and research institutions, both public and private. This strategy is expected to improve resource allocation, reduce patient costs, and increase the overall quality of care provided to cancer patients. Additionally, it sets the stage for the Philippines to become a significant player in the global fight against cancer, contributing valuable insights and discoveries to international research efforts.
The Twelve Essential Themes
Collaborative Formulation
Dr. Nuñez highlighted that the research agenda defines twelve essential themes, meticulously formulated through a collaborative process involving PCC, government agencies, interested groups, and the World Health Organization (WHO). These themes are designed to provide a comprehensive guide for research activities and facilitate contributions to the broader cancer research landscape in the Philippines. The collaborative approach ensures that all stakeholders have a voice, leading to a balanced and inclusive research agenda. This collaborative formulation process is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that research activities are not only relevant but also impactful in addressing the various facets of cancer care and prevention.
The inclusion of diverse perspectives from different sectors ensures that the themes cover the wide-ranging needs of cancer patients and healthcare providers. By aligning the efforts of various institutions, the agenda helps eliminate redundancies and promotes a more efficient use of resources. This strategic focus is expected to enhance the quality of research outputs, ultimately contributing to better cancer treatment protocols and patient outcomes. The WHO’s involvement further ensures that the standards and practices adopted are in line with global best practices, positioning the Philippines as a leader in regional cancer research.
Detailed Themes
PCC Medical Officer V Dr. Carol Villegas-Narra presented the twelve themes of the National Cancer Research Agenda, which include Cancer Treatment Outcome, Health Systems Strengthening, Health Promotion, Prevention, and Early Detection, Data Management and Sharing, Epidemiological Research on Cancer Burden, Multidisciplinary and Holistic Care, Palliative and Survivorship Care, Human Resources for Health, Technological Innovations and Interventions, Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine, Personalized Medicine and Multi-omics Research, and Cancer Biology. Each theme represents a significant aspect of the multifaceted approach required to effectively combat cancer, reflecting the diverse perspectives and priorities within the healthcare and research community.
These themes are crucial in guiding research directions and ensuring comprehensive coverage of all critical areas in cancer care. For instance, the focus on Cancer Treatment Outcome aims to improve the efficacy of existing treatments and develop new therapeutic strategies. Health Systems Strengthening seeks to enhance the infrastructure and capacity of health facilities, ensuring they can provide high-quality care. Health Promotion, Prevention, and Early Detection aim to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer through public education and early intervention. Such a detailed and structured approach ensures that every aspect of cancer care, from prevention to survivorship, is addressed.
Support from the Department of Health
Addressing Cancer Prevalence
Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Ermie Liza Perez-Chiong expressed her support for the agenda, noting its potential to address the prevalence of cancer cases in the country. She emphasized the significance of categorizing research efforts under these defined themes to avoid overlap and ensure that studies align with national priorities. This strategic categorization not only helps in prioritization but also in the effective allocation of resources and efforts. By understanding the prevalence of specific cancers across different age groups, the DOH aims to develop targeted prevention strategies and educate the public on cancer risk factors and prevention methods.
Dr. Perez-Chiong pointed out that a systematic approach to research could lead to identifying high-risk groups and developing personalized prevention and treatment plans. This tailored approach can result in better patient outcomes and a reduction in the overall cancer burden. Education and awareness campaigns, backed by robust research data, can play a pivotal role in early detection and prevention, thus reducing the incidence of late-stage cancer diagnoses. Moreover, the insights gained from epidemiological research could inform policymakers in creating effective and sustainable health policies to combat cancer at the national level.
Cancer Statistics in the Philippines
Perez-Chiong also pointed out that cancer remains the third leading cause of death in the Philippines, with breast cancer being the most prevalent among women and lung cancer among men. These sobering statistics highlight the urgent need for a unified and systematic approach to cancer research and treatment. The unified agenda provides a structured approach to addressing these statistics and improving outcomes. By focusing research efforts on the most common and deadly types of cancer, the agenda aims to develop more effective treatment protocols and public health strategies to reduce mortality rates.
Through concerted efforts, the DOH hopes to make significant strides in early detection, which is vital for improving survival rates. Initiatives under the new agenda are expected to include nationwide screening programs, which can help in identifying cancer at an early, more treatable stage. The integration of data management and sharing among health institutions will further enhance the monitoring and evaluation of cancer cases, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of current interventions and identifying areas for improvement. These coordinated efforts are crucial in building a robust cancer care infrastructure that is capable of responding to the growing cancer burden in the country.
Commitment and Support from Key Institutions
Strategic Policy Initiatives
The article discusses the commitment and support received from various key institutions and officials involved in cancer research. Dr. Villegas-Narra mentioned that these commitments range from strategic policy initiatives and funding to technical assistance and capacity-building activities. Continuous updates on cancer registry, focus on screening and early detection, treatment and management, and investigations into the safety and cost-effectiveness of treatment options are also part of their support. Such widespread and multifaceted support is vital for the successful implementation of the National Cancer Research Agenda.
Strategic policy initiatives are designed to create an enabling environment for cancer research, incorporating regulatory support and incentives for research activities. Funding commitments ensure that researchers have the financial resources to pursue innovative projects and conduct extensive studies. Technical assistance, in the form of training and expertise from international and local experts, helps in building the research capacity of local institutions. Capacity-building initiatives aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals, ensuring they are equipped to carry out high-quality research and provide optimal care to cancer patients.
Financial Grants and Monitoring
Villegas-Narra added that some partners have extended their support through financial grants for research proposals and through monitoring and evaluating cancer research projects. This collaborative and supportive approach is intended to foster a robust and comprehensive cancer research ecosystem in the country. Financial grants provide crucial funding for research projects, enabling scientists and healthcare professionals to explore novel ideas and conduct necessary experiments. Monitoring and evaluation ensure that research projects stay on track, meet their objectives, and contribute valuable data and insights to the field of cancer research.
The grants and financial support from various partners also encourage young researchers and institutions with limited resources to participate in cancer research. This inclusivity promotes diversity in research, bringing in various perspectives and innovative ideas. The continuous monitoring and evaluation process not only ensures the quality and relevance of the research but also helps in identifying successful projects that can be scaled up or implemented on a wider scale. Through this collaborative approach, the PCC aims to build a sustainable cancer research ecosystem that can continuously adapt and respond to emerging challenges in cancer care.
Reception by Health Officials
Health Secretary’s Endorsement
The launch of the National Cancer Research Agenda was well-received by prominent health officials, including Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. Through DOH Undersecretary Perez-Chiong, Herbosa conveyed that the agenda represents a commitment to advancing cancer care, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening healthcare systems in the Philippines. By unifying research efforts and aligning them with national priorities, it aims to create a more effective and efficient response to the cancer burden in the country. This endorsement from high-ranking officials underscores the significance of the agenda and its potential impact on the nation’s healthcare system.
Secretary Herbosa emphasized that the comprehensive approach outlined in the research agenda is crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by cancer. By integrating research, clinical care, and policy development, the agenda aims to create a seamless cancer care continuum that benefits patients at every stage of their journey. This holistic approach has the potential to bring about significant improvements in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship. The support from top health officials also ensures that the agenda will receive the necessary political backing and resources for successful implementation.
A Collaborative and Systematic Approach
The Philippine Cancer Center (PCC) has unveiled its National Cancer Research Agenda for 2024-2028, representing a major milestone in the country’s efforts to standardize and reinforce their strategies for cancer prevention. This initiative symbolizes a leap forward in the battle against cancer, aiming to consolidate research endeavors and treatment approaches throughout the Philippines. The launch event took place on November 27, 4 at the Century Park Hotel, situated in Malate, Manila. It gathered various stakeholders, including government representatives, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates. The goal was to foster a unified, collaborative approach to cancer research and care, promoting innovations in treatment and early detection methods, enhancing patient care, and ultimately, improving cancer survival rates in the Philippines. By bringing all these elements together under one comprehensive agenda, the PCC hopes to drive significant advances in understanding and combating cancer, benefiting present and future generations across the country.
