ListServ

Sent on behalf of Joe Rogers

Date:            March 30, 2026

To:                NAACCR ListServ members

Subject:     CDC NPCR's Release of Abstract Plus Version 9.0 with NAACCR V26

 

We are very pleased to announce that Abstract Plus Version v9.0, compatible with NAACCR V26, is now available!  This update for Abstract Plus includes the NAACCR Version 26 implementation requirements, bug fixes, and enhancements.  

Abstract Plus v9.0 continues to include the enhancement to ease customization of the software and distribution of those customizations to end users.  The feature allows central registries to add/import fields and lookups, update edits and create/import displays, all from within the user interface of Abstract Plus. The full customization can then be exported to a .zip file using a tool within the application directory. This customization file can then be distributed and imported by any user who also has 9.0 version of Abstract Plus installed in a matter of a few mouse clicks.

A new option in Abstract Plus v9 based on user feedback is creating a customized updater application using the customizations zip file.  Detailed instructions are available in the download link for the application files and as a Knowledge Base article.

Abstract Plus v9.0 with NAACCR V26 continues to incorporate the Dynamic Link Library (DLL) designed to support cancer registry staging for cases diagnosed in 2018 and later. The library incorporates content from SEER*RSA but not AJCC for 8th edition and version 9.  CDC's NPCR has discontinued collection of derived AJCC ID (#995) and AJCC DLL version information (#2158, #2159) for NAACCR v26. While the AJCC TNM data fields continue to be available to include on abstracting displays, there will be no dropdown or lookups or explanatory text.  Users who collect AJCC 8th edition and version 9 data beyond NPCR requirements will need to refer to an electronic or physical copy of the AJCC manuals for coding assistance available via the American College of Surgeons website.

TNM 7th edition content continues to be available and CDC's NPCR has obtained a license to use the copyrighted contents in Registry Plus products.  The license covers text in the manual, including descriptions of the categories and stage groups.  Use of the actual categories and stage groups themselves does not require a license.  Conditions of CDC's license restrict use to NPCR central registries and the facilities and providers that use Registry Plus products to report to the central registry.

As a condition of the license, CDC has agreed to document who receives the licensed content and to inform recipients of the license restrictions.  CDC will maintain a list of the central registries that receive Abstract Plus v9.0 with NAACCR V26, and those registries will be required to document names of all of the facilities and providers to whom they provide Abstract Plus.  The central registry should also inform all of the recipients that, as a condition of use of Abstract Plus, they must not further distribute the software or allow anyone to copy any of the copyrighted contents.

CDC will be creating an alternative release of Abstract Plus v9.0 that omits the TNM7 copyrighted contents, for distribution upon request to users that are not part of NPCR-funded registries.  This release will still have the staging function and site-specific drop-down lists of codes for TNM 7th edition but no descriptions or explanatory text.  Users will need to refer to an electronic copy of the AJCC manual for coding assistance available via the American College of Surgeons website.

CDC's ability to license TNM content depends on careful adherence to licensing restrictions by CDC's NPCR staff and all users.  We request your help keeping NPCR compliant with the licensing requirements.

Similar to last year, we are asking that Registry Plus upgrade requests be completed via our Registry Plus Upgrade Request Form. This helps us improve our ability to ensure each request includes all of the key items we need to complete the upgrade most efficiently. For detailed instructions for how to complete the form, please see the bottom of this release announcement. If you have any issues using the web form for your request, please send a separate email to Cancerinformatics@cdc.gov. Please provide the information included with the form instructions below and include subject line: "Your State | Abstract Plus 9.0 upgrade request."

Please share this information with other members of your team, as appropriate.

Thank you,

Joe

Instructions for how to complete the Registry Plus Upgrade Request Form: 

Please enter the following information on the form:

1.      Title: v26 Upgrade Request.   

2.      State: Your Registry's state.

3.      Registry Plus Product: Abstract Plus Version 9.0 with NAACCR V26

4.      NAACCR Version: The version you are upgrading to not from (the latest version is V26).

5.      Test Implementation: Estimated date to start testing.

6.      Prod Implementation: Estimated date to move into production.

7.      Details: Any additional information you would like to share with the team in reference to the upgrade. Such as requesting assistance from the team during the upgrade