#USA #Atlanta #Clinical Trials #Health Equity #American Cancer Society

Increasing Access to Clinical Trials: ACS's New Initiative

Clinical trials are essential for advancing cancer treatment, offering patients the chance to benefit from cutting-edge therapies. Yet, many eligible patients face significant obstacles in accessing these trials. To tackle these issues, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has recently launched an ambitious program named ACS ACTS (Access to Clinical Trials and Support), aimed at enhancing equity and access to clinical trials for cancer patients nationwide.

Addressing Barriers to Participation

For many individuals diagnosed with cancer, participating in a clinical trial presents an opportunity to try new treatments that may offer hope where standard options have failed. However, the journey to find and enroll in a clinical trial can be complex and daunting. Various barriers, including lack of information, logistical challenges, and financial concerns, often prevent patients from considering these options.

Recognizing this need, ACS ACTS serves as a comprehensive clinical trial matching service that connects patients with trained specialists. These specialists assist patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers in understanding how clinical trials can play a role in treatment. The service also provides tailored clinical trial options based on individual needs, ensuring that potential participants are better informed and supported throughout the process.

Services Offered by ACS ACTS

The initiative is open to all cancer patients and caregivers across the United States, including its territories, regardless of age or type of cancer. Interested parties can initiate the process by contacting ACS or completing an intake form on the ACS ACTS website. This step unlocks valuable resources, including:

• - General education on clinical trials
• - Health-related social needs assessments
• - Opportunities for personalized clinical trial matching

Once patients express interest in pursuing a trial, collaboration with biotechnology firm Massive Bio allows for the creation of a personalized list of eligible clinical trials. These trials are sourced from clinicaltrials.gov and are determined through a unique artificial intelligence (AI) matching process.

Comprehensive Support Throughout the Process

ACS ACTS does not just stop at trial matching. Throughout the patient's journey, the program offers access to essential ACS resources such as the Road to Recovery program, which provides transportation assistance, and Hope Lodge, which offers free lodging to patients and their caregivers. These additional services aim to alleviate some of the logistical and financial barriers that patients may encounter during their participation in clinical trials.

Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer at the American Cancer Society, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, "When diagnosed with cancer, deciding if a clinical trial is right for you can be overwhelming. The support ACS ACTS provides empowers people with the tools and resources to find the best treatment options available while continuing the American Cancer Society's focus on removing barriers to care."

Impact of the Program

Since its pilot launch in the Northeast on February 24, 2025, ACS ACTS has successfully offered over 900 personalized clinical trial opportunities and interacted with more than 1,000 patients, identifying upwards of 1,700 health-related social needs. These figures highlight the growing demand for equitable access to clinical trials, and ACS is dedicated to ensuring that all patients can benefit from the latest advancements in cancer treatment.

In conclusion, the American Cancer Society's ACS ACTS initiative represents a significant stride towards equity in cancer care. By removing barriers and enhancing access to clinical trials, ACS is not just transforming individual patients' lives but is also paving the way for improved cancer outcomes on a broader scale across diverse populations. To learn more about this initiative and discover available resources, visit cancer.org/ACTS.

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