ASTRO recently joined 73 patient advocacy, public health, and provider organizations in a letter to Congress expressing support for the bipartisan Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R.8412). Introduced by Rep. Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA) and Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), the bill aims to increase the diversity of clinical trials by lowering economic barriers to participation. The bill permits sponsors to financially support trial participants and provide patients with remote participation technologies like a tablet or smartwatch. The bill also gives the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the authority to issue grants to support recruitment for trials.

Currently, cancer patients from households making less than $50,000 per year are 30% less likely to participate in clinical trials. Participation in clinical trials is also further complicated by non-medical costs like transportation, lodging and meals associated with the clinic visits necessary for trial participation. Such challenges are particularly faced by older adults, rural residents, those with low incomes, and certain racial and ethnic groups.