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VA Research Wrap Up: New findings on cancer care, wheelchairs and Parkinson’s disease
By Tristan Horrom ·
VA News
· Friday, February 13, 2026
· 1 min read
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VA researchers have made notable findings on improving cancer care. A pilot program called "Close to Me" provides cancer treatment at local clinics or at home, supervised by an infusion nurse. This ap
VA researchers have made notable findings on improving cancer care. A pilot program called "Close to Me" provides cancer treatment at local clinics or at home, supervised by an infusion nurse. This approach has resulted in significant cost savings for Veterans.
The program has been tested with 102 Veterans, who have saved nearly $9,000 in travel-related costs over an 8-month period. This is due to a reduction of nearly 22,000 miles of travel. Further details on the program and its findings are available from the VA's Office of Research and Development, which recently published a News Brief on the topic.
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Our analysis The VA's research findings on cancer care, wheelchair transfers, and Parkinson's disease have significant implications for improving the lives of veterans. The "Close to Me" program, which provides localized cancer treatments, not only saves veterans nearly $9,000 in travel-related costs but also increases patient satisfaction and treatment adherence. This approach could be a model for other healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas where access to care is limited. The development of the Powered Personal Transfer System, a robotic wheelchair system, has the potential to reduce injuries and increase independence for wheelchair users, addressing a critical need for veterans with mobility impairments. Furthermore, the long-term effectiveness of deep brain stimulation as a treatment for Parkinson's disease is a promising development, offering new hope for veterans living with this condition. These research advancements demonstrate the VA's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and quality of life for veterans, and their potential impact extends beyond the veteran population to the broader healthcare community.
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