New HHS initiative could expand access to cancer clinical trials for Nevadans

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in June announced a department-wide initiative to strengthen America's clinical research system, accelerate the development of new treatments, and expand patient access to clinical trials. For Nevada, these efforts could help increase opportunities for patients to participate in research that advances cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Clinical trials are essential to improving cancer care. Every major breakthrough—from new targeted therapies to immunotherapy—has been made possible through carefully conducted research involving volunteer participants. Strengthening the nation's clinical trial infrastructure can help bring promising treatments to patients more quickly while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.

As part of the initiative, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will work with cancer centers and researchers to streamline cancer clinical trial activation and improve enrollment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also proposing steps to reduce the time it takes to begin early-stage clinical trials and has issued draft guidance intended to make the drug development process more efficient.

In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will continue supporting high-quality clinical research while expanding the responsible use of artificial intelligence, real-world data, and other innovative tools to improve the efficiency of clinical trials. HHS is also exploring ways to use electronic health records to better connect eligible patients with clinical trial opportunities during routine care.

These efforts are particularly important because participation in clinical trials remains low nationwide, despite their critical role in advancing cancer care. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 18,000 Nevadans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026. Increasing access to clinical trials can help ensure patients have opportunities to receive cutting-edge therapies while contributing to future advances in cancer treatment.

The announcement supports several priorities in the 2026–2030 Nevada Cancer Plan, including increasing participation in clinical trials, advancing cancer research, and improving equitable access to high-quality cancer care. For Nevada's patients, healthcare providers, and research institutions, these initiatives represent an important step toward expanding access to innovative clinical research and improving cancer outcomes across the state.