Background and Context:
Progress in treating solid tumors is usually achieved by step-wise increases in knowledge and modest gains of survival time. Moving forward at maximum speed while keeping treatments affordable will require strategies that can manage costs while stimulating continuous innovation. There is, however, a lack of publicly available information regarding step-wise progress toward better treatments. To ensure that scientific innovation is adequately considered in policy decisions, the field needs new tools that provide accurate information about current momentum in cancer research.
Aim:
The Innovation Indicators provide objective, scientifically rigorous, and forward-facing measures that permit the measurement of innovation progress across different cancer types.
Strategy/Tactics:
We developed a flexible value model for innovation in cancer research, which allows for variable definitions of “success” and treatment priorities. Our tool further provides full accountability with regard to the underlying data. The user can compare progress over time or across diagnoses based on easy-to-understand metrics.
Programme/Policy Process:
As part of its Patient Access to Cancer care Excellence (PACE) initiative, Lilly Oncology convened a Global Council of opinion leaders in cancer research, care, and policy in November 2012 to identify specific strategies to address barriers to innovation in oncology research and remove obstacles to improved cancer care. As a result of this meeting, PACE decided to increase understanding among patients, researchers, and policymakers of continuous innovation in cancer care. We presented a prototype of our tool in November 2013 and have been incorporating refinements since then based on feedback by professional organizations and cancer advocacy groups.
Outcomes/What was learned:
This represents the public introduction of the Continuous Innovation Indicators to a cancer policy/advocacy audience. We present Evidence Scores and Research Momentum Scores based on the analysis of 12 solid tumors. Feedback from this presentation will guide future developments of this new tool.