Fox Chase Cancer Center announced on May 4 that it is leading a new approach to cancer care known as cancer interception, aiming to stop the disease at its earliest stages before it becomes dangerous.
The focus on early intervention could mean simpler treatments and better outcomes for patients. The center’s efforts are led by Clapper, who said, “The earlier we act, the more opportunity we have to change the course of disease. That’s where cancer interception can truly make a difference.”
Cancer interception targets the earliest biological changes that may lead to cancer—sometimes even before symptoms appear. Instead of waiting for tumors to form, scientists look for early warning signs such as pre-cancerous changes or subtle molecular signals in cells. The goal is to interrupt cancer before it becomes invasive so treatment may be less aggressive and more effective.
Fox Chase’s leadership was reinforced when Clapper received a $6 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to launch one of the first Cancer Prevention–Interception Targeted Agent Discovery (CAP-IT) programs in the country. Only three institutions nationwide received this funding, positioning Fox Chase among a select group shaping future prevention and early treatment strategies. Clapper also serves as inaugural chair of the national CAP-IT steering committee.
Clapper said, “Interception allows us to be more precise. We’re focusing on people who stand to gain the most.” She explained that her team is developing new medicines designed specifically for early intervention: “We’re building these treatments with interception as the goal from day one.”
Clapper has presented her work at major conferences such as the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting and has contributed expertise at multiple NCI-led summits focused on advancing this field globally.
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fox Chase Cancer Center was founded in 1904. Its current president is Dr. Robert Uzzo. The hospital reported conducting over 5,000 surgeries and admitting nearly 3,500 patients during its most recent annual report year,according to Fox Chase Cancer Center.
As momentum grows around cancer interception research nationally and internationally, Clapper said: “This is a very exciting time. Cancer interception gives us a real opportunity to change how cancer is treated—and, ultimately, how it affects people’s lives.”
