Joe Biden outlines 5-year plan to accelerate, transform cancer research

DUARTE, Calif. (KABC) -- Vice President Joe Biden presented his ambitious, final plan to transform cancer research and accelerate the search for a cure.

The blueprint for Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative outlines specific targets for research and prevention, including rising drug prices.

At research centers across the country, Biden is calling on scientists and doctors to reach for the moon.

The co-director of City of Hope's Kidney Cancer Program is excited about this latest acceleration of the Cancer Moonshot program. The new plan will help streamline and speed up the search for a cure.

Dr. Monty Pal believes the directive, which include raising more money, expanded access to care and a plan to improve rapid sharing of research, especially in the field of immuno-therapy, will save lives.

"I think he's steering us in the right direction in terms of what we're focused on right now in cancer research," he said. "Vaccines represent a form of immunotherapy, and we have some of those that are now applied to prostate cancer."

Bladder cancer patient Maurice Ray is about to participate in a new immunotherapy drug trial. He's had both his bladder and prostate removed. Despite surgery and chemo, his cancer reappeared, but Ray said he is excited to be part of the new research.

"I feel very encouraged because mine is very, very small," he said.

Doctors will be able to help other doctors customize and personalize treatments for their patients undergoing the same therapy as they share Ray's progress.

Biden announced his idea for a Cancer Moonshot task force almost exactly a year ago. The goal is to double the speed of cancer research in the hope of finding a cure for cancer in the next five years.