Last November, I had the chance to attend the Milken Institute’s Future of Health Summit, an event which brought leaders in health-related fields together to share ideas on how to innovate health outcomes. The Milken Institute, with its mission to increase global prosperity by connecting the ideas, brought together leaders in health-related fields at its Future of Health Summit to explore transformative solutions for improving health outcomes. This summit was a transformative experience that led me to think deeply about the future of healthcare and the strategies needed to alleviate diseases, such as cancer, on both personal and structural levels.

After engaging in conversations, hearing from panels and speakers, my overarching takeaway was the following: when it comes to treating diseases, it is crucial to consider all aspects of the disease–from the scientific, financial, and social angles.

One speaker, Harlan Levine, President of the Health Innovation and Policy at the City of Hope proposed a structural approach that addresses the divide between patients, academic institutions, and clinical institutions. By reforming the network of oncology and creating an ecosystem of cancer centers, we can increase communication between systems and propel cancer research. This session expanded my understanding of improving health outcomes and allowed me to view the interdependence between scientific research and the systems that support that research. Similarly, I had the chance to hear from Helmy Eltoukhy, the co-CEO and co-founder of Guardant Health who announced the collaboration between the Milken Institute’s FasterCures and Guardant Health, which is involving the latest technological innovations such as cancer screening and AI to their tools of cancer diagnostics [1].

Inspired by the summit’s discussions on innovation and collaboration, I embarked on a journey to London, a city renowned for its pioneering work in cancer research and treatment. What I discovered there led me to reimagine the future of cancer care. London’s approach to cancer research is a testament to the power of collaboration, uniting public institutions, charities, and the private sector in a shared mission to combat the disease.

For instance, Cancer Research UK, the owner of the charity shop, is one of the UK’s leading independent cancer charities in the UK. Their slogan “together we can beat cancer” perfectly encapsulates their approach to mobilizing the public, where they create a culture of participation through charity runs, charity shops, and awareness campaigns [2]. Through programs such as their Cancer Awareness Roadshow and their Be Clear on Cancer campaigns, they have reached significant efforts to reduce the social stigma of cancer and have supported patients throughout their journeys [3]. Cancer Research Uk’s model demonstrates how grassroots efforts can complement institutional research, creating a holistic system that addresses cancer from all angles.

Another institution I had a chance to visit was the Francis Crick Institute, a biomedical research center that partners with academic institutions such as UCL, Imperial and King's College London. The institution was built with multidisciplinary partnerships in mind, originally a merger between Cancer Research UK’s London Research Institute and the National Institute for Medical Research [4]. What makes Crick special in their fight against cancer is that they bring together experts in cancer biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and clinical research. I especially loved that they had a free exhibit suitable for families and children about the nervous system, and have had previous exhibits on the ethics of genome editing and innovative new cancer treatments at the institute. The institute’s close ties with hospitals and cancer centers, such as the Royal Marsden and University College London Hospitals was no accident, its location was intentionally chosen to foster collaboration between researchers and clinicians, which ensures that research benefits patients [4]. The Milken Family Foundation is committed to discovering and advancing innovative approaches that empower individuals and communities to lead productive and fulfilling lives, a mission that resonates deeply with the public education and community engagement efforts I observed at institutions like the Francis Crick Institute.

In addition to the Francis Crick Institute, my final stop was a tour at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in Chelsea. The Institute of Cancer Research, known for its groundbreaking drug discovery, cancer genetics, and precision radiotherapy, partners with the Royal Cancer Hospital and the Royal Marsden Hospital, hospitals that specialize in treating cancer [5]. As I was walking toward the lab, I ran into the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, where they raise money for the Royal Marsden Hospital through community fundraising events, corporate partnerships, and awareness campaigns [6].

My visit here deepened my appreciation for the interconnectedness between research and patient care. During my visit, I had the chance to tour the lab of Dr. George Poulogiannis, the head of the Signalling & Cancer Metabolism Team. His lab’s research focuses on unraveling the complex signaling and metabolic networks that drive cancer progression, and he bridges the gap between science and clinical application, offering insights to how cells can reprogram their metabolism to fuel their growth and evade treatment [7]. One of the most striking aspects of Dr. George Poulogiannis’s lab is its close collaboration with the Royal Marsden Hospital, a partnership that exemplifies the seamless integration of research and clinical practice. Dr. Poulogiannis explained that his lab frequently uses patient samples from the hospital to study the signaling pathways driving cancer progression. But this symbiotic relationship works both ways: the hospital provides the lab with patient samples that fuel groundbreaking research, and the lab, in turn, delivers findings and insights that enhance patient care. Dr. Poulogiannis emphasized the idea that the collaboration is not only about advancing science, but also improving outcomes for cancer patients. This approach, where research and patient care are intertwined, underscores the importance of creating systems that prioritize innovation and humanity. It is the same spirit of integration and care that I witnessed in broader efforts across London, where community-driven initiatives and scientific research come together.

London’s unique blend of cutting-edge research, public health initiatives, and community-driven advocacy showed me that the fight against cancer is not just about curing a disease, but about transforming lives. From the charity shops of Portobello Road to the labs of the Francis Crick Institute and the ICR, the city has created a model that integrates science, collaboration, and community. Inspired by what I saw, I left London with a renewed sense of hope and a deeper understanding of what it will take to defeat cancer. As the Milken Summit reminds us, the future of healthcare lies in our ability to innovate, collaborate, and care—not just for the disease, but for the people it affects.

References

[1]  Clinton, Chad. “Business Leaders and Industry Experts Join Top Policymakers to Address Pivotal Issues in Health Globally at the Milken Institute 2024 Future of Health Summit.” Milken Institute, Milken Institute, 13 Nov. 2024,