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2026 - Cancer Currents Blog

  • A large group of Camp Fantastic participants poses outdoors with a white horse under leafy trees, with one person seated on a mobility scooter.
    • By Linda Wang

    In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, NCI's Dr. Brigitte Widemann discusses recent advances in treatment, shared data, artificial intelligence, research participation, and survivorship. She explains why sustained federal investment and partnerships with patients, families, advocates, and researchers are essential to continued progress.

  • A large group of workshop attendees poses for a photo in a large meeting room. A screen behind them reads, “It’s session break time! We will return shortly.”
    • By Anthony Letai, M.D., Ph.D.

    Functional precision medicine tests drugs directly on living tumor cells to help clinicians identify the most effective, personalized treatments for their patients. NCI Director Dr. Anthony Letai shares his personal journey with the technology and highlights next steps for advancing the field from a recent NCI workshop.

  • Illustration of an immune cell attacking cancer cells, representing checkpoint inhibitor therapy
    • By Linda Wang

    Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment, helping people with advanced melanoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and other cancers live longer, healthier lives. This is the story of how decades of NCI-funded research made these breakthrough immunotherapy drugs possible.

  • Dr. Anthony Letai stands at a lectern on a stage and addresses attendees filling rows of seats in a large conference hall.
    • By Anthony Letai, M.D., Ph.D.

    Following ASCO 2026, NCI Director Dr. Anthony Letai reflects on the pace of progress in cancer research, efforts to accelerate clinical trials, and NCI’s role in supporting the cancer research and care community. He highlights how decades of investment in science are driving progress for patients and creating new opportunities to improve outcomes.

  • About 70 professionally dressed people smiling at the camera and standing in a semicircle in front of the NCI exhibit booth.
    • By Anthony Letai, M.D., Ph.D.

    NCI Director Dr. Anthony Letai shares his reflections on this year’s AACR Annual Meeting, including science that stood out and NCI’s leading priorities.

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