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Systems of Excellence

VA is continually evolving to meet the needs of Veterans with cancer, and actively engages in research and partnerships at the forefront of cancer care, as evident through VA's oncology Systems of Excellence. From the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence (BGSoE), which aims to advance and expand women Veterans' access to TeleOncology and potentially lifesaving clinical trials and treatments, to the Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP), a network of medical centers and a range of clinical trials providing state-of-the-art precision oncology care for Veterans with lung cancer, VA is standing shoulder to shoulder with Veterans through every step of their cancer journey.
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Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (POPCaP)

VA has a network of medical centers and a range of clinical trials providing state-of-the-art precision oncology care for Veterans with prostate cancer through a partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Collaborative efforts centralized through the Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (POPCaP) provide tumor and germline sequencing for all Veterans with metastatic prostate cancer. The network also provides Veterans with cutting-edge therapies for prostate cancer through VA-sponsored clinical trials, such as the Prostate cancer Analysis for Therapy Choice (PATCH) program.

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Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP)

To build the Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP) into a System of Excellence for Lung Cancer, VA is prioritizing screening to identify early-stage lung cancer; improving access for Veterans with advanced lung cancer to precision oncology clinical trials; and enabling rapid translation of discoveries into clinical care. To achieve these goals, VA has identified sites across all 18 VISNs to serve as centralized sites that can leverage VA facilities for screening capabilities, radiation oncology, research pharmacists, and equipment.

Learn more about the Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP) here.

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Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence

VA's Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence (BGSoE) provides cutting-edge cancer care for Veterans diagnosed with breast and gynecologic malignancies. Initially launched in late 2020, this System of Excellence is building infrastructure to improve access to cutting edge treatments for breast and gynecologic cancers impacting Veterans.

The BGSoE’s multidisciplinary team includes expertise in medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, clinical oncology pharmacy, oncology nursing and care coordination. The team is developing a system that provides coordinated, integrated and compassionate patient-centered care, particularly for Veterans who need to navigate between VA and other health systems to receive care.

VA is also partnering with national leaders in cancer research and patient care to develop comprehensive, coordinated patient-centered care across the cancer care continuum, from prevention, to treatment and survivorship. Through current partnerships with the National Cancer Institute, Duke University, Huntsman Cancer Institute and Baylor School of Medicine, VA's Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence is uniquely situated to provide care via VA’s National TeleOncology (NTO) and decentralized clinical trials to women Veterans nationwide.

In 2023, the BGSoE launched the Center for Oncology Outcomes Review and Gender Equity (COURAGE), which aims to improve cancer care for women Veterans while addressing sex and gender disparities within care delivery. Additionally, the BGSoE is currently initiating a Peer Support Program that works as a virtual platform for Veterans undergoing treatment for breast or gynecologic cancers.

Learn more about the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence.