About the National Cancer Institute's Progress Review Groups
Background: The National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) supports basic, clinical, and population-based research to identify and study the causes, biology, prevention, early
detection, and treatment of cancer. Through years of dedicated research, we have amassed an enormous knowledge base about cancer, and this knowledge,
coupled with new technologies, is providing a wealth of new scientific opportunities. At the same time, our increasing research needs and scientific opportunities
require that we determine the best uses for our resources. We need to identify clear scientific priorities, both to provide guidance for the scientific community
and to create a benchmark against which we can measure our own progress.
Progress Review Groups
The NCI convenes Progress Review Groups (PRGs) to assist in setting priorities for organ site-specific research. Each PRG is composed of between 21 and
30 prominent members of the scientific, medical and advocacy communities and is charged with outlining and prioritizing a national research agenda for a
particular cancer site. Using the NCI's current research program as a baseline, the PRG identifies priority areas for research. The final product of a PRG is a
report listing research priorities and the resources that we need if we are to achieve them.
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The PRG Report: A National Research Agenda
The priorities identified by each PRG in its Report have a real and proven impact on the NCI's scientific plans and priorities, both within the Institute and
throughout our Extramural Program. PRGs provide a framework within which we can determine whether our existing initiatives and programs are sufficient to
aid the research community in addressing priority areas, and help us identify areas in which new or additional support is required. PRG reports, by highlighting
key research priorities, galvanize the research community to undertake projects in specific areas of scientific need. Because of this influence on researchers and
research programs at the NCI and across the Nation, each PRG report can be considered a truly "national" plan.
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