Thread by @ERPlimackMD

While it wasn't the same as being in person, the 2022 @SU2Cscience Scientific Summit Community Gathering was inspiring as always. Excellent talk from @NCIDirector on strides being made, and work yet to be done. A few key points that resonated. 🧵 1/7

Cancer mortality is down. Oncology leads the way in biomedical research that translates to tangible results for patients, with a striking number of new FDA approvals annually. One of the drivers of this success is our growing understanding of cancer biology through basic science

A great example of this is the #kidneycancer drug belzutifan. Building upon the @NobelPrize winning research from @kaelin_lab researchers at @UTSWNews developed this drug, it was further tested and re-formulated by a small biotech (Peleton therapeutics) then bought by @Merck

Belzutifan was @FDAOncology approved for VHL syndrome last year. The data are also strong for clear cell #kidneycancer and we are hoping for a broadening of the belzutifan label soon so we can access it for more of our pts. It's been great to have our pts on trial benefit.

Dr. Sharpless acknowledged that transformative science like this cannot move forward with interim paylines at 9% (target is 15%). They are low in part because these are interim until congress passes a budget.

Bill Kaelin @kaelin_lab commented on this in the zoom chat - noting that low paylines directly impact our ability to develop new treatments. (posted with permission)

Fortunately @SU2C and other organizations are helping fill the funding gap through grass roots donor support and by raising awareness around screening and #clinicaltrials so we can continue our mission and progress @SU2Cscience.