Lisa A. Lacasse: ACS CAN urges Congress to pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act
Lisa A. Lacasse shared a post by ACS CAN on LinkedIn:
“American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges Congress to pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act so more patients have access to cutting-edge treatments.
This legislation would allow clinical trial sponsors to provide financial support to patients for costs associated with their trial participation, including medical cost-sharing like copays, and non-medical expenses such as travel, parking, food and lodging.
It would also allow trial sponsors to provide patients with the necessary technology to facilitate remote participation in clinical trials.
These provisions would help ensure that all patients are able to participate in clinical trials, including those who are underrepresented in clinical trials, like older adults, people with limited incomes, certain racial and ethnic groups and people who live in rural areas.
If you have participated in a clinical trial or are you currently taking part in one, please share your story.
Quoting ACS CAN’s post:
“For over three years, Keith Hollingsworth, a Legislative Ambassador with ACS CAN Indiana, tried various types of cancer treatments to combat his stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. This included multiple surgeries, radiation, and many rounds of chemotherapy.
Despite these extreme measures, his doctors began to see the disease progress. Under their advice, Keith sought out Clinical Trials as a treatment option.
Thankfully, Keith found a clinical trial—and even better, he’s seeing positive results for the first time in two years! Unfortunately, while Keith lives in Indiana, the trial is in California.
Every two weeks, Keith travels hundreds of miles to get this lifesaving treatment. And while his insurance covers the usual treatment items like bloodwork, scans and the cost of the drugs, he’s left to pay for travel, lodging and other expenses.
The Clinical Trial Modernization Act would allow trial sponsors to cover the additional costs that Keith pays out-of-pocket. If the Clinical Trial Modernization Act passes, Keith could save up to $2,000 a month—many cancer patients can’t afford these high costs.
ACS CAN is urging Congress to pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act so more patients like Keith have access to cutting-edge treatments, without costly barriers. Have you participated in a clinical trial or are you currently taking part in one? Share your story here.”
Source: Lisa A. Lacasse/LinkedIn and ACS CAN/LinkedIn
Lisa A. Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), has an impactful leadership in healthcare advocacy. Leading ACS CAN’s nationwide public policy advocacy agenda with her oversight of a dedicated team in Washington, D.C., she ensures effective advocacy efforts at the highest levels.
Beyond her role at ACS CAN, Lacasse’s commitment to public health extends to serving on the board for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Her approach and dedication continue to drive positive change in the fight against cancer and tobacco-related diseases.
