Friends of Cancer Research

Acting @FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas and @NCIDirector Anthony Letai will join an opening keynote fireside chat at our Annual Meeting on Nov 10, 2026. Discussions will focus on innovation, U.S. competitiveness, and FDA modernization. Register today: bit.ly/4d4ShfE.

For 30 years, Friends of Cancer Research has had a partner and champion in Janet Woodcock—former Acting FDA Commissioner, now a member of our Board. Her perspective from both sides of drug development has helped shape our mission. #Friends30 youtube.com/watch?v=jvzVNlmH…

Panelists announced! Join us for our 19th Annual Meeting on November 10. Experts will explore risk-based nonclinical strategies, first-in-human study expectations, and AI-enabled oncology dosing. Register in-person or virtually: bit.ly/464kdfT. #FriendsAM2026

On Friday, October 23, Jeff Allen will join the "PDUFA VIII Demystified" session at @IAmBiotech's Patient Advocacy Changemakers Event to discuss why PDUFA reauthorization matters to patient advocates and how they can help shape the process. #BIOPACE26 #patientadvocacy

Since Ellen Sigal and Marlene Malek founded Friends of Cancer Research, our mission has stayed the same: making sure every scientific breakthrough reaches the patients who need it. Thank you to our partners, collaborators, and supporters. #Friends30

On October 19, Bernat Navarro will present at @DrugInfoAssn's 2026 Real-World Evidence Conference, sharing lessons from our ECA Pilot on applying a common analytical framework across external data sources and informing future regulatory use. #RWE

Our collaborative work has helped drive everything from breakthrough therapy designation to advances in ctDNA, making clinical development faster and more efficient for patients. Thank you to partners like @susanmgalbraith and @AstraZenecaUS for 30 years of progress. #Friends30

Regulatory uncertainty, a stage-based structure, extended timelines, and limited incentives have constrained biomarker qualification through the FDA's BQP. Our white paper outlines how the BQP can be modernized to better support drug development: bit.ly/4u8ZdO8.

Join us on November 10 for our 2026 Annual Meeting! Sessions will explore modernizing nonclinical strategies, first-in-human trial expectations, and model-informed approaches to oncology dosing. Register to attend in person or virtually: bit.ly/464kdfT. #FriendsAM26

For 30 years, Friends of Cancer Research has brought together experts across fields to advance cancer research and care. Dr. Crystal Mackall, @StanfordMed professor, highlights our unique role connecting leaders to generate evidence and advance solutions for patients. #Friends30

Jeff Allen will join the Alliance for a Stronger FDA 2026 Summit on Sep 30, speaking on the "FDA Priorities for 2027" panel, and #GCRIS on Oct 6, where he'll moderate two sessions on cancer research and regulatory pathways. We look forward to connecting with colleagues. #AVBCC

An FDA panel voted in favor of a multi-cancer screening test's safety, effectiveness, and benefit-risk profile but urged use as an adjunct to guideline-recommended screening, with post-market data to build confidence. Read our Stakeholder Connect: bit.ly/3VcNGlq.

How can RPT dosage optimization support effective treatment while maintaining patient safety? RPT development should generate sufficient evidence to support dosage selection while minimizing unnecessary burden on patients. Watch the full webinar: bit.ly/4hfLT6y.

We thank the @FDA for the opportunity to comment on their draft guidance on demonstrating substantial evidence of effectiveness. We offer three considerations for the guidance's application in oncology development. Read our full comments: bit.ly/4xNViZj.

Mark Stewart will join a panel at the @DrugInfoAssn Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics Conference on Sept 24, exploring recent FDA CMC programs and strategies for applying them to oligonucleotide therapeutics. Register today: diaglobal.org/en/conference-….

Mark Stewart will join the "Future Vision for Patient-Centered Drug Development" panel at ACRO 2026 Global Clinical Trials Regulatory Summit on Sept 23, highlighting our work modernizing clinical trial eligibility criteria. Learn about this work: friendsofcancerresearch.org/….

Our Q3 Advocacy Newsletter is out! Catch up on our RPT dosing webinar, an advocate’s perspective on AI in oncology from Donna Short, and what will be explored at our Annual Meeting. Read the latest issue: bit.ly/4xTxhk5. #patientadvocacy

For Board Member Margaret Anderson, our mission is personal. After losing her father to leukemia, she now supports her husband through lung cancer, seeing firsthand how science advances can change lives. As we celebrate #Friends30, we thank Margaret for sharing her story.

The PDUFA Agreement Letter for reauthorization funds key processes but does not enhance the BQP. Jeff Allen spoke at today's @FDA public meeting; we hope PDUFA VIII addresses this so the BQP can function as intended. Learn more about strengthening the BQP: bit.ly/4u8ZdO8

In June 2026, HHS launched Operation TrialBlazer, under which FDA will lead efforts to speed up early- and late-stage clinical trials. While this offers sponsors new flexibilities, the challenge will be applying it in practice. Learn more: bit.ly/4dmk6Qq. #healthpolicy