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Every life-saving cancer breakthrough—every treatment, every clinical trial, every early detection tool—starts with one thing: funding.

But today, that foundation is under threat.

In the latest episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with a group of visionary cancer researchers to explore the impact of declining federal support for science—and what it means for the future of cancer research and patient care. The conversation is a powerful reminder that without sustained and flexible funding, tomorrow’s cures could be lost before they ever begin.

Why Funding Matters—Especially Early On

Federal agencies like the NIH tend to favor lower-risk projects with strong preliminary data. While that approach may feel “safer,” it often leaves bold, high-reward research out in the cold—particularly projects led by younger scientists or those working on completely novel approaches. That’s where organizations like NFCR step in.

Dr. Aaron Hata, a physician-scientist at Mass General Hospital, described how NFCR’s support allowed his team to apply cutting-edge technologies to tumor biopsies, leading to new insights on how cancer evolves during treatment. Without that funding, he says, the research wouldn’t have happened.

Dr. Jessica Lin echoed that sentiment. Her team’s work on ALK-positive lung cancer—an aggressive form of the disease that often becomes resistant to treatment—has directly improved patient outcomes. She emphasized how NFCR support enabled them to pursue high-risk, high-reward questions that traditional funders would have likely passed over.

Real People. Real Impact.

For Dr. Wayne Marasco of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the story is deeply personal. Nearly two decades ago, after being diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, he used NFCR’s seed funding to pursue a cure. That research is now on the cusp of clinical trials.

“I was a young father,” Marasco recalls. “That support allowed me to pivot and pursue a path that has since become my life’s mission.”

Similarly, Dr. Susan Horwitz—whose early work on Taxol helped transform it into a drug that’s now saved millions of lives—reflected on the importance of long-term collaboration and consistent support.

“When we started, we had no idea where it would lead,” she said. “Funding gave us the space to find out.”

Adapting to a New Research Landscape

Dr. Alfred Slanetz and Dr. Raju Kucherlapati, both longtime advisors and partners of NFCR, spoke about how the landscape for drug development has evolved. Today, more and more discovery-stage innovation happens in academic labs and biotech startups—not large pharmaceutical companies. That shift demands new models of funding—flexible, nimble, and willing to take risks.

“We have to respond faster,” said Dr. Ba. “Patients can’t wait. And that’s exactly what NFCR is trying to do—remove barriers, support great science, and accelerate the path to impact.”

A Mission That’s Urgent—and Global

As Dr. Kucherlapati pointed out, NFCR’s reach is unique in its global focus.

“You’re not just supporting research in the U.S.—you’re helping build a worldwide network of discovery and collaboration,” he said.

That global reach is critical in a disease like cancer, which knows no borders.

Hope, Milestones, and a Call to Action

Dr. Lin summed up the human side of this work beautifully. She shared how patients have told her they were able to attend a grandchild’s birthday or a daughter’s graduation thanks to treatments her team helped develop.

“It’s those moments,” she said, “that remind us why the research matters.”

But those moments only happen if the research gets funded.

As this episode of All Things Cancer makes clear, when bold ideas lack support, progress stalls—and lives hang in the balance. Private philanthropy has never been more essential.

We invite you to listen to the full conversation and join us in funding the future of cancer research. Because when science moves forward, so does hope.

Listen to All Things Cancer Now on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

About All Things Cancer

Each episode of All Things Cancer will spotlight the most pressing topics in oncology, from cutting-edge treatments and emerging research to personal stories of resilience and hope. More than just a podcast, it’s a platform for raising awareness, advancing cancer education, and fostering a global community of support and collaboration.

Hosted by NFCR CEO, Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., this compelling series will bring together the entire ecosystem of cancer research—including leading scientists, oncologists, doctors, patient advocates, caregivers, biotech innovators, and survivors—for powerful discussions on the breakthroughs shaping the future of cancer research, treatment, and care.

All Things Cancer is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes released biweekly.

Cancer impacts everyone—whether you’re a patient, caregiver, advocate, or researcher, this podcast delivers invaluable insights from those on the frontlines of the fight against it.