NCCN Announces Grants to Enhance Treatments for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Enhancing Metastatic Breast Cancer Care

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is making significant strides towards improving care for patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer (mBC). On December 11, 2025, the NCCN's Oncology Research Program (ORP) revealed a new set of grants to fund transformative clinical research designed to enhance treatment protocols and ultimately patient outcomes. This initiative comes as a crucial springboard for projects that focus on delivering high-quality care to those grappling with stage four breast cancer, an area of serious concern in oncology.

Approximately 10% of breast cancer diagnoses are metastatic at the initial point of diagnosis, and nearly 30% of patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer may develop metastatic disease later on. The necessity for advanced research and dedicated improvement strategies has never been more pressing. The newly funded projects aim to explore varied methodologies tailored to improve treatment accessibility and adherence, quality of life, and overall patient satisfaction.

Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, CEO of NCCN, voiced a critical insight saying, "Treatment options for breast cancer, including metastatic options, are evolving constantly. It's imperative that we ensure every patient has access to high-quality treatments grounded in the latest evidence and expert consensus. By doing so, we can enhance the quality of care that leads to more favorable outcomes."

Among the six projects awarded grants, a diverse pool of researchers and institutions are collaborating to tackle these challenges. Noteworthy projects include:

1. Kristie Bobolis from the National Consortium of Breast Centers focuses on advancing the Accredited Certified Clinical Oncology Navigation Certification (CCON).

2. Claire Conley from Georgetown University aims to implement a multilevel intervention to bolster advance care planning for metastatic breast cancer patients.

3. Lucy De La Cruz from Avident Health is employing an AI-powered platform to improve shared decision-making in treatment adherence and enhance patient engagement.

4. Erin Gillespie from the University of Washington is optimizing evidence-based practices tailored for patients with bone metastases, enhancing their treatment possibilities.

5. Jamie Myers from the University of Kansas is exploring innovative methods to promote treatment adherence through community navigation and financial assistance.

6. Erin Wagner from After Cancer is developing a training program aimed at improving sexual health support for metastatic breast cancer patients and their providers.

All proposals underwent a stringent peer review process by a committee comprising leading oncologists affiliated with NCCN Member Institutions. Each selected project is expected to conclude within a two-year period, thus paving the way for novel strategies to improve healthcare providers’ delivery of care.

In pursuit of improving treatment protocols and fostering collaborative research efforts, the NCCN ORP also ensures resources that facilitate access to shared knowledge on biorepositories and registries, enhancing breakthroughs in cancer treatment methodologies.

Furthermore, it's worth noting that the NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance with a 30-year legacy. Its commitment is unwavering in shaping effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care to uplift the lives of people affected by cancer. The organization’s Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology are widely recognized as the gold standard in cancer treatment, prevention, and support services.

As healthcare professionals continue to work diligently on these fronts, the overarching goal remains clear: ensuring equitable access to high-quality cancer care for all. For more details on this initiative, visit NCCN.org/orp.