The Future of Brain Cancer Research: What Funding Was Cut, What Remains and What is Up in the Air
In the Department of Defense’s (DoD) budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), 100% of the funding allocated specifically for brain cancer research was eliminated. This means that federal dollars once directed to groundbreaking studies on glioblastoma (GBM) through the DoD’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) are now gone.
But does this mean all government funding for brain cancer research has disappeared? Not entirely. There are still other sources of federal funding, including grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Note that the NIH is the largest funder of brain tumor research in the U.S. and the world (NBTS). The CDMRP is an important secondary stream of funding that brain tumor advocates have worked hard to make happen, but again, the NIH is by far the larger and more significant funder of brain tumor/brain cancer research.
So, what are we so worried about? Well, It Sets a Dangerous Precedent. If the DoD can eliminate its funding for brain cancer research, what’s stopping the NIH or NCI from doing the same? Once one major federal agency backs out of funding brain cancer research, others might follow. It’s kind of like well, if the DoD isn't funding this, maybe the NIH or NCI doesn't need to either. Cutting 100% of its brain cancer funding through CDMRP suggests that research on one of the deadliest forms of cancer is no longer a priority for them, which is deeply concerning and this decision opens the door for more funding cuts in the future.The bottom line is that yes, there are still some federal dollars available for brain cancer research, but this decision signals a major shift in priorities that could have long-term consequences.
But, it is important to remain hopeful. We want to prevent these long-term consequences from occuring and YOU can help. Fiscal Year 2026 begins in September, presenting an opportunity to restore this funding. If we can raise awareness and make the appropriate decision-makers understand the impact of these cuts, we have a chance to bring back this critical support for brain cancer research in the next fiscal cycle. Now is the time to speak up, take action, and ensure that brain cancer research remains a priority, because IT IS COOL TO SUPPORT BRAIN CANCER RESEARCH!!!!!!!
So, How Can You Directly Help?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), and its National Cancer Institute (NCI), are the largest funders of brain tumor research in the world. Additionally, the NIH/NCI Clinical Center provides important access to second opinions and clinical trials for patients with brain tumors. Together, these agencies serve as the backbone for scientific and medical innovation in the brain tumor field, funding discovery research that serves as the foundation for breakthroughs in therapeutic strategies as well as supporting clinical research that helps develop, evaluate, and provide access to cutting-edge treatments.
Members of Congress will start negotiating the next budget bill soon and bigger cuts could be on the table: cuts to research funding, workforce reductions, and spending freezes all jeopardize progress.
Cancer advocates are calling on you to oppose cuts to cancer research funding and prioritize the fight against cancer in your next budget bill.
Take 45 seconds to stand up for brain tumor research by urging your members of Congress to ensure NIH funding remains robust and reliable, so that it can support efforts to advance innovative brain tumor research, discover the next generation of better treatments, and give patients every opportunity for survival and quality of life through clinical trials and second opinions.
Via the National Brain Tumor Society
