Biden Cancer Moonshot will announce up to $150 million for tumor-removal surgeries

More than two years ago, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden reignited the Cancer Moonshot, aiming to cut the U.S. cancer death rate in half and prevent over 4 million cancer deaths by 2047, while also improving the experience for those affected. To support this goal, they helped establish the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), which is focused on breakthroughs in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. In its first two years, ARPA-H has invested over $400 million to speed up progress in these areas.

On August 13, in New Orleans, the President and First Lady announced up to $150 million in new ARPA-H funding to develop technologies for better tumor-removal surgeries. This funding will support eight research teams nationwide working on innovative ideas under ARPA-H’s Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) program, aimed at enhancing surgical success for cancer patients.

Lisa A. Lacasse, President at American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, shared a post by American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, on LinkedIn:

“We commend President Biden and his administration for prioritizing accelerated progress against cancer through the National Cancer Moonshot. We know that a national commitment to robust cancer research funding, including ARPA-H, and passing other cancer related policy priorities will save lives.”

Quoting American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network‘s post:

“Excited to see President Biden and the First Lady announce the next step in the Cancer Moonshot today! Up to $150 million for Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) awards will be funded to develop technologies that will allow surgeons to provide more successful tumor-removal surgeries for people facing cancer.

‘Cancer cases are estimated to hit an all-time high this year, and we cannot relent in driving forward public policies that will address this. Funding more researchers across the country focused on more effective and innovative treatments will bring us closer to future cancer breakthroughs and ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.’ –Dr. Karen Knudsen MBA PhD, CEO of the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

“We know that a national commitment to increased cancer research funding, and passing other cancer-related policy priorities, will save lives. ACS CAN and our thousands of advocates across the country look forward to continuing our work with the administration – and elected officials at all levels of government – to ensure this commitment remains steadfast.” –Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS CAN.”

Bea Bakshi, CEO and Co-Founder of C the Signs:

“Still buzzing from the incredible experience of presenting at the inaugural CancerX Moonshot Accelerator Graduation last week! Being part of a community that’s not just talking about change but actively driving it has been truly inspiring.

The CancerX Accelerator brought together brilliant minds, game-changing ideas, and a shared passion for making a real difference. Together, we’ve proven that when we unite the impossible becomes possible. This accelerator has been our chance to stand on the shoulders of giants and push the boundaries of what’s possible in oncology.

We’re beyond excited to launch C the Signs in the US. With CancerX’s support, we’re set to transform early cancer detection and patient care on a whole new level!

A huge thank you and shoutout to our sponsors and champions in the programme — Atrium Health, Debiopharm, Dell Technologies, Intel Corporation and Oncology Ventures. Your support fuels innovation. And to the powerhouse organisers— MassChallenge, Moffitt Cancer Center, Digital Medicine Society (DiMe), ONC, OASH and HHS —thank you for your unwavering leadership and guidance.

For anyone considering the next cohort—don’t hesitate! This is where innovation meets impact!”

Danielle Carnival, Deputy Assistant to President Biden for the Cancer Moonshot, shared a post by White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, on X:

“Today in New Orleans, as part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, President Biden and Jill Biden will announce up to $150 million in ARPA-H awards to develop technologies allowing surgeons to provide more successful tumor-removal surgeries for people facing cancer – saving and extending lives.”

Quoting White House Office of Science and Technology Policy‘s post:

“Solid tumors make up about 90% of cancer cases. The Biden-Harris Administration announced $150M from ARPA-H to develop technologies that provide more successful tumor-removal surgeries to help meet the Biden Cancer Moonshot’s goal of saving lives.“