The ACF for clinicians
We at the ACF acknowledge and deeply respect the vital importance of clinicians as primary caregivers. Although we are not a clinical player, we strive to support the work of clinicians by collaborating on trials and enhancing the impact of their work.
We value clinicians' effort and expertise
Our overarching goal is to provide patients with access to more treatment options and benefits. Every professional active in the clinical world (doctors, oncologists, general practitioners, nurses, medical staff, etc.) is involved in the daily care of cancer patients. Their role is essential, and we find it important to note how much we value this crucial work.
All of us want what is best for the patient. The Anticancer Fund is a player in the field of cancer research and cancer care by disseminating knowledge, identifying and harnessing untapped potential and benefitting patients by treating cancer. We seek strong connections with clinicians and view support from the clinical field as an important element of our approach.
We’re here to help
A cancer diagnosis is an emotional journey for every patient. Every patient wants hope and often questions elements of their care protocol. A patient may want to understand every detail about a treatment, including new findings and information about currently running trials. The internet is a great source of information, but as a clinician, it may also mean being confronted by an extensive demand for ever more information. Even more, if they find clinical answers insufficient, patients often perform their own research. Pseudoscience, hearsay and the advice of family and friends are often unhelpful in empowering patients to make informed treatment decisions.
End-of-treatment care
Particular pressure is placed on practitioners when a prognosis is poor and standard care has reached its conclusion. The ACF can be suggested to a patient for a review of their options, including participation in clinical trials. This is always presented as information and never as advice. We see in practice that doing so can help patients find closure in exploring every single option available. Busy clinical practices can benefit from delegating this task to the ACF. The patient is never charged for this service, and all personal or medical patient information remains strictly confidential. Our way of working with patients is explained in more detail on our 'the ACF for patients' page.
We can be clinicians' sounding board
Every clinician wants the best for each patient.
At the ACF, we think outside the box and are open-minded to all suggestions and input. Part of our core mission is to explore further options for patients within the context of evidence-based research. We can be an additional source of information, and we can assist in organising or facilitating clinical trials at any stage.
We are here to help. We serve as a bridge and a facilitator, offering every practice, clinic, centre and hospital that collaborates with us a greater opportunity to maximise their service delivery, use of limited resources and positive impact on patients.
We offer our expertise
Clinicians are in the unique position to identify new research leads and potential drug repurposing options. The ACF has the resources and the expertise to pursue and evaluate such potential. Building on the outcomes of clinical observations by collaborating to connect the dots is a key pathway to progress in cancer treatment.
We would be honoured to visit clinicians to share knowledge, present general information or dive deeper into our areas of expertise, such as drug repurposing, combination therapies, recurrence prevention and less common or rare cancers.
We seek, distil and spread evidence-based research
To bring the most current information to patients and identify new research opportunities, we constantly scan relevant scientific literature and attend medical conferences. Even more, we also contribute to publications where appropriate, and release our own literature, covering trial results and research findings to information about new therapeutic opportunities.
We need the support of clinicians
Our team is small, and the opportunities are vast. As a result, we rely on the support and input of clinicians to cover key topics and stay on top of evolutions in the diverse fields of oncology. Our panel of scientific advisors contributes heavily to our mission, and we proactively seek new contact with experts and practitioners around the world to supplement our expertise.
We support clinical trials
Supporting and investing in clinical trials to expand treatment options for cancer patients is the Anticancer Fund’s core activity. We screen, select and zoom in on valuable research, aiming for the best use of research funds and the greatest benefits for patients.
DISCLAIMER: we only give objective information to patients – never personal advice. We express this fact every time we come in contact with a patient, and refer to a patient’s doctor for follow-up and medical advice. However, we do realise that there is a thin line between informing and advising, and cannot exclude interpretation.
NOTRE PROMESSE
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Nous investissons dans la recherche scientifique la plus prometteuse pour réaliser des progrès certains dans la lutte contre le cancer. -
Améliorer et prolonger la vie des patients est notre seule cible. Le retour financier ne fait pas partie de nos objectifs. -
Nous identifions des potentiels inexploités dans la recherche sur le cancer qui amèneront des solutions pragmatiques pour les patients dans le besoin. -
Nous cherchons à obtenir un impact et pour ce faire, nous investissons nos ressources là où nous pensons pouvoir réaliser rapidement des progrès. -
Chaque cancer mérite la même attention, indépendamment de critères de prévalence ou de rentabilité.
