The translation-to-policy learning cycle to improve public health.

Objective: Learning Health Systems (LHSs) have not directly informed evidence-based policymaking. The Translation-to-Policy (T2P) Learning Cycle aligns scientists, end-users, and policymakers to support a repeatable roadmap of innovation and quality improvement to optimize effective policies toward a common public health goal. We describe T2P learning cycle components and provide examples of their application.

Hormonal intervention for the treatment of veterans with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization (HITCH): a multicenter, phase 2 randomized controlled trial of best supportive care vs best supportive care plus degarelix: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Therapeutic targeting of host-cell factors required for SARS-CoV-2 entry is an alternative strategy to ameliorate COVID-19 severity. SARS-CoV-2 entry into lung epithelium requires the TMPRSS2 cell surface protease. Pre-clinical and correlative data in humans suggest that anti-androgenic therapies can reduce the expression of TMPRSS2 on lung epithelium.

Integrating Germline Genetics Into Precision Oncology Practice in the Veterans Health Administration: Challenges and Opportunities.

Objectives: The advent of germline testing as a standard-of-care practice for certain tumor types and patients presents unique opportunities and challenges for the field of precision oncology. This article describes strategies to address workforce capacity, organizational structure, and genetics education needs within the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with the expectation that these approaches may be applicable to other health care systems.

Observations: Germline information can have health, reproductive, and psychosocial implications for veterans and their family members, which can pose challenges when delivering germline information in the setting of cancer care.

The Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (POPCaP) Network: A Veterans Affairs/Prostate Cancer Foundation Collaboration.

Background: The promise of precision oncology only can be realized when genetic alterations are identified that can be lever-aged to improve response and minimize toxicity. Identifying those alterations as efficiently as possible and then giving patients access to targeted therapy and clinical study requires a comprehensive strategy across health care systems.

Observations: The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Prostate Cancer Foundation have established a network of VA centers to help develop best practices for precision oncology for the treatment of veterans with advanced prostate cancer.