Share

Clinical Trials Press Releases

July 13, 2026

Nearly 200 Patient, Public Health and Health Care Professional Groups Strongly Endorse Bill that Would Improve Patient Access to Clinical Trials

Nearly 200 patient advocacy, public health and health care professional organizations sent a letter to the Senate declaring their strong support for the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (S. 4440/H.R. 3521). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would help remove cost and geographic barriers that keep patients from enrolling and participating in clinical trials. The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Mark Warner (D-VA) in April 2026 and in the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2025 by Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and August Pfluger (R-TX). 

May 1, 2026

Bipartisan Legislation Aimed at Improving Access to Clinical Trials for Patients Introduced in the Senate

A new bill that would improve access to clinical trials was recently introduced  in the U.S. Senate. Sponsored by Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (S. 4440) would help reduce cost and geographic barriers, making it easier for patients to take part in clinical trials. U.S. Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas) introduced the House version (H.R. 3521) of this legislation in May 2025.

February 10, 2026

Rural Populations Face Greater Barriers as Non-Medical Costs Hinder Clinical Trial Access

Today, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) was joined by 24 other organizations in proposing the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General adopt a new regulatory safe harbor from the Anti-kickback Statute that would allow clinical trial sponsors to financially support patients to offset indirect or non-medical costs associated with clinical trial participation, such as travel, parking and lodging.

May 20, 2025

New Legislation Would Make It Easier for Patients to Participate in Clinical Trials

New federal legislation that would make it easier for all cancer patients to participate in clinical trials was introduced today in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by U.S. Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas), the Clinical Trial Modernization Act would help remove cost and geographic hurdles that prevent patients from participating in clinical trials.

April 11, 2018

Report Details Common Patient Barriers to Cancer Clinical Trial Enrollment

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) today released a report examining the most common patient barriers to cancer clinical trial enrollment. Made public at ACS CAN’s annual national policy forum, the report found only about one in four (27%) patients has access to clinical trials where they are being treated. Yet, if asked to enroll in an available trial, more than half of eligible patients typically agree to do so.