Metastatic Cancer Engagement Conference

Despite decades of cancer research, cancer metastasis (the spread of cancer from the primary site throughout the body) still causes approximately 90% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide and in the U.S. specifically (American Cancer Society and World Health Organization). There is no cure for metastatic cancer of any type.

Translational metastasis researchers and clinicians of the Metastasis Research Society have partnered with patient advocates of METAvivor Research and Support Inc. and clinicians from the Sentinel Node Oncology Foundation to create a one-of-a-kind conference and webinar series (dates TBD) meant to engage researchers, clinicians, and patients together in metastasis research to improve stage IV metastatic cancer patient outcomes and quality of life. Year 1 of the project focuses on metastatic breast cancer specifically (2017-2018) and year 2 will be expanded to be inclusive of all metastatic cancer types (2018-2019).

The goal of this project is to engage key stakeholders in cancer metastasis to strengthen and advance patient-centered metastasis research from basic translational research through clinical comparative effectiveness research (CER). CER compares the use of existing therapies to improve patient outcomes relatively quickly. We will also educate the metastatic patient community to enable them to make informed healthcare decisions, with the overall goal of improving stage IV patient outcomes and quality of life.