This action, set to begin immediately, should help significantly increase the number of seniors participating in clinical trials. Medicare reimbursement for clinical trials is a tremendous success for all people who are looking cancer straight in the face.
Cancer can attack all population groups, from rich to poor, underserved and minorities.
The success of opening clinical trials up to all citizens, regardless of their financial status, is an important step toward improving treatment access and access new potential therapies. Currently, less than three percent of adult cancer patients in the United States are in clinical trials. Without clinical trials, we will never know if some of the stunning research we have seen in the laboratory will have any meaning for human beings - which is of course the goal. Today's action should go a long way toward that end. Their strong, unwavering support, helped move this issue forward and was key to its success.