What is the National Cancer Institute (NCI)?
The
National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is one of 11 agencies that make up the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The NCI is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training, working to understand the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
How does the NCI support Pediatric Cancer Research?
The NCI plays a crucial role in
pediatric cancer research by funding and conducting extensive research projects aimed at understanding various types of childhood cancers. The institute supports basic, translational, and clinical research through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. This includes research on rare pediatric cancers that might not receive sufficient attention or funding from other sources.
How Can One Access Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials?
The NCI supports a wide array of
clinical trials tailored specifically for pediatric cancer patients. Families and healthcare providers can access information about ongoing trials through the
NCI’s Clinical Trials Search tool, which provides detailed information on the purpose, eligibility criteria, and locations of clinical trials. Participation in these trials can offer access to new and promising treatments that are not yet widely available.
What Are the Future Directions for Pediatric Cancer Research at the NCI?
The NCI is continually advancing its efforts to improve the understanding and treatment of pediatric cancers. Future directions include the development of more targeted therapies based on the genetic and molecular characteristics of childhood cancers. The institute is also focusing on reducing the long-term side effects of cancer treatments and improving the quality of life for survivors through initiatives like the
Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.
