Regional Oncology Research Center (American Eurasian Cancer Alliance Supplement)

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract The American Eurasian Cancer Alliance (AECA) was formed in 2001, originally called American Russian Cancer Alliance (ARCA), representing a unique partnership of scientists and clinicians from Russian Federation and the United States. Based on the successes of ARCA and growing interest from Eastern European and Central Asian countries, the scope and depth of the alliance expanded to the Eurasian region encompassing research, research training, research to policy, and health diplomacy activities. The program was re-branded under the American Eurasian Cancer Alliance (AECA) in 2014 to represent the wider range of national participation, which encompasses the following regions: Russian Federation, Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), Central Europe (Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus), Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia), and Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan). The Alliance aims to pool intellectual and scientific resources to further research and discovery in cancer prevention and treatment strategies. AECA’s programs focus on three main areas: 1. Strengthening Global Cancer Research 2. Promoting Research Training and Education 3. Translating Research into Policy and Programs AECA has formed partnerships with several countries in Eurasia which were formalized through Memoranda of Understanding between Ministries of Health for cooperation in cancer research, prevention, and control. Through continued engagement with high-level stakeholders, AECA facilitates allocation of resources by Eurasian governments and cancer research institutes for the mutual benefit of U.S. and local populations. This engagement results in reduced financial burden to NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, and other U.S.-based institutes to establish and implement their research programs. During the COVID pandemic, AECA has continued its worked uninterrupted, albeit through virtual channels, by continuing to facilitate research, conducting education and public health initiatives. AECA works with NCI personnel in this effort.