National Cancer Institute (NCI) Director Harold Varmus, M.D. described the current state of cancer research and identified obstacles to cancer research progress during remarks at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Sept. 25. In response to questions, Dr. Varmus stressed the importance of the recent Nature article that analyzes and classifies breast cancers into four molecular groups.
That study, he said, provided detailed information about breast cancer that will improve treatment of the disease and inform therapy development. Dr. Varmus also addressed the potential impact of legislation that would target funds to specific types of cancer. In his remarks, Dr. Varmus emphasized the benefits that result when patients agree to share their health care information for research purposes.
