DMH nominates participant for scientific peer review of breast cancer research proposals for the department of defense

Breast cancer advocate, Lori Kerans, Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Millikin University, and six year cancer survivor, recently participated in the evaluation of research proposals submitted to the Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) sponsored by the Department of Defense. Kerans was nominated for participation in the program by Dr. James Wade, Decatur Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Institute.

As a consumer reviewer, Kerans was a full voting member, along with prominent scientists, at meetings to determine how Congress’ appropriation of $150 million will be spent on future breast cancer research. This funding program is managed by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command (USAMRMC) Congressional Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at Fort Detrick, Frederick MD. Since 1997, Congressional appropriations for the BCRP have totaled $1,673,800,000.

Kerans and other consumer advocates represented the collective view of breast cancer survivors and patients, family members, and persons at risk for the disease. The consumer reviewers assessed the research proposals for relevance to issue such as disease prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life after treatment. Three review sessions, each of them lasting three days, were held recently in Reston, VA. She returned home after providing comments and voting on the research proposals. Commenting on her role as a consumer reviewer, Kerans said, "What an honor and privilege to serve as a consumer reviewer on the Breast Cancer Research Program panel. I learned so much and met so many wonderful people. It was with great respect and admiration that I sat in a conference room, able to put names and faces with the passionate researchers who I believe WILL be successful in finding a cure!"

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the scientific merit of breast cancer research proposals since 1995. This year, approximately 70 consumer reviewers joined more than 350 scientists in the review process. Colonel Kenneth Bertram, M.D., an oncologist and Director of the CDMRP, expressed his appreciation for the consumer advocates’ perspective in the scientific review sessions. "They have provided valuable insight into funding decisions and helped the scientists understand the consumers’ perspective of innovative research. Likewise, the consumer advocates have been enriched by learning more about breast cancer through discussing proposed research with scientists and seeing the future hopes of successful research."

More than 1200 research proposals were submitted to the 2004 program cycle. Proposals were received in response to a program announcement that encouraged innovative multidisciplinary breast cancer research aimed at the elimination of breast cancer. Proposals were solicited across all disciplines, including the basic, clinical, social, and psychosocial sciences, as well as public health, economics, quality of life, alternative therapies, occupational health, nursing research, and environmental concerns.

Following scientific merit review by consumer advocates and scientists, the proposals then move to programmatic review. Proposals judged scientifically meritorious are evaluated by an advisory council of researchers and consumer advocates to determine their programmatic relevance. This process provides a priority list of breast cancer research proposals recommended for funding that is submitted to the Fort Detrick Command staff for final approval. The entire review process will be completed by November 2004.

Through this beneficial partnership between the consumer advocacy and scientific communities, the Department of Defense serves as an effective vehicle for responsible progress in the application of science to our national health concerns.

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