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U.S. National Institutes of Health
Last Updated: 05/17/13

International Collaborations

Contact Information:
Bhadrasain Vikram, MD, 240-276-5726, vikramb@mail.nih.gov
Maithili Daphtary, PhD, 240-276-5696, ccoleman@mail.nih.gov
C. Norman Coleman, MD, 240-276-5679, ccoleman@mail.nih.gov

The RRP and its members have long-standing interest and experience in global cancer networking and research. The experience includes Dr. Vikram's 5 years at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) helping establish the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) for assisting underserved countries develop radiation oncology programs. Dr. Coleman has helped develop collaborative programs including the All-Ireland Cancer Consortium (coordinated by the NCI Office of International Affairs), the Singapore Cancer Syndicate and advisory roles to other countries while at Harvard Medical School and the National Cancer Institute. The RRP radiation biology and medical physics members are all involved in international collaboration for scientific education and clinical trials.

While it is not a NCI activity, the RRP and other oncology experts at the NCI and internationally are working on a concept called the Medical Expert Corps (MEC) for which the Cancer Expert Corps (CEC) would be a pilot. The model is that of a global initiative to improve the quality of life by bringing education, collaboration and protocol-based treatment (and ultimately the possibility for participation in clinical trials). The model is for sustainable mentoring to underserved populations in the U.S. and worldwide. The CEC pilot would be a "Peace Corps for Cancer."

The three components of the MEC/CEC are:

  • Associates: Medical facilities/locations serving underserved populations who are interested in participating and investing in improving the quality of care/life for their affected citizens.
  • Experts: Expert Panels comprised of international experts from a broad range of disciplines and healthcare delivery services that provide the mentoring for the Associates based on long-term, person-to-person connectivity.
  • Hubs, or infrastructure, located worldwide to coordinate the Recipient-Expert linkage so that their time is spent on mentoring and education.