NCCN funds four quality improvement projects to close care gaps in metastatic prostate cancer

Many patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCA) aren't getting the full range of life-prolonging therapies they're eligible for — and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is stepping in to change that. Backed by Pfizer Global Medical Grants, NCCN has announced funding for four quality improvement research projects designed to address the systemic barriers driving this treatment gap, including geographic disparities, inconsistent clinical practices, limited patient support, and unequal access to clinical trials.

The four selected projects span institutions across the U.S. and tackle distinct but interconnected challenges in mPCA care — from closing biomarker testing loops at safety-net hospitals to reducing polypharmacy burdens and improving molecular readiness at the time of bone radiotherapy. Projects are expected to be completed within two years.

Key Takeaways:

• Standardizing biomarker and diagnostic testing is a central focus, ensuring all mPCA patients receive appropriate evaluation regardless of care setting
• Multilevel interventions are being tested to improve guideline-concordant care delivery across health networks
• Reducing polypharmacy and improving treatment tolerability is targeted to help patients stay on therapy longer
• Equitable access to germline, somatic, and ctDNA testing is being integrated into routine bone metastasis care pathways

Why it matters: Treatment gaps in mPCA translate directly to worse survival outcomes. By funding scalable, institution-based quality improvement initiatives, NCCN is working to ensure that evidence-based care reaches every patient — not just those at top-tier academic centers.