Biden-Hosted Conference Targets Cure For Cancer
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (CBSMiami/AP) — Scientists, oncologists, survivors and patients gathered in Sioux Falls to participate in a cancer research conference remotely hosted by Vice President Joe Biden.
Those gathered at Avera Health's cancer center have connected via video conference to what has been dubbed the "National Cancer Moonshot Summit." It's intended to strengthen Biden's final-year push to double the pace of research toward curing cancer.
Biden says he believes "exponential progress" can be made in the fight against cancer over the next five years.
"Time matters. Days matter, minutes matter," said Biden, who outlined several initiatives, including expanding patient participation in clinical trials and improving data sharing among researchers
After Biden's remarks, those gathered in Sioux Falls will hold a discussion that will address how to engage more patients in research, how to increase research funding and how to improve access to rural cancer care.
Hospitals and other facilities around the country also participated in the summit.
Many who took part hoped the meetings lead to better access to treatment for everyone.
"Some places some patients really do get great care and access to the newest drugs but frequently they don't," said Dr. David Nanus from New York Presbyterian Hospital.
20-year cancer survivor Kathy Giusti attended an event at Washington, D.C.
"I believe the more info we share, the more cures we'll see in all of our lifetimes," she said.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)