Making Partnerships Work for All: The SPARC Metastatic Breast Cancer Challenge Example

Abstract

Background: With an increasing global cancer burden governments and NGOs alike are struggling to meet current and future cancer patient needs. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are suggested as a way to improve outcomes but receive a mixed welcome due to differing working practices between partners and conflict of interest concerns. While Pfizer is a long term Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) supporter, the two organizations had not developed a large project together until inception of the Seeding Progress and Resources for the Cancer Community (SPARC) Metastatic Breast Cancer Challenge. SPARC is an example of how a carefully managed PPP can avoid major issues and deliver positive benefits for all involved. Aim: SPARC is a global program created to address gaps in the services and support available to women and men with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) by offering grants to local organizations initiating novel ways to address unmet patient needs. Strategy: The program leverages UICC's strong history of grant making, capacity building, and diverse network of members and experts. As well as funding, Pfizer provided in-kind support for grant promotion and event coordination. Process: Prior to launch, UICC and Pfizer agreed on the program concept, support gap types, and selection advisory group (SAG) leadership. UICC ran the application process with an independent SAG to select grantees and managed postaward activities. Public communications and events were coled. Pfizer compliance approval for joint communications required sharing knowledge of selected awardees before public announcement. This stage needed careful discussion to maintain UICC's independent processes. Outcomes: Forty organizations from 30 countries have received SPARC grants since 2015. Grantees benefited from UICC's close monitoring and support, dedicated mentors and unparalleled access to UICC, Pfizer, and MBC advocacy communities. Pfizer was able to increase MBC patient engagement, and expand their commitment to patients and organizations globally. Through this PPP, UICC offered a holistic capacity building program for awardees to increase their project success, and share knowledge gained with the UICC community at the World Cancer Congress. What was learned: UICC has had a relationship with Pfizer for many years. SPARC enabled both parties to understand each other more fully and develop shared project goals. The level of trust built over time enabled frank and transparent discussions when dealing with sensitive issues. The balance of strong information boundaries to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest as well as the independent and transparent selection process drove SPARC's success. Additionally, the collaboration gave grantees networking and communication opportunities from both organizations they may not have had otherwise. PPPs are a novel and important way to address unmet patient needs in an increasingly complex healthcare environment globally.