Clinical trials are fundamental to the discovery of new and better therapies in the fight against ovarian cancer. Yet enrollment and widespread availability remain a challenge.
To address both financial barriers and inequity in participation, OCRA is urging Congress to pass the DIVERSE (Diversifying Investigations Via Equitable Research Studies for Everyone) Trials Act (H.R. 5030/S. 2706).
The DIVERSE Trials Act would make it easier for patients to participate in clinical trials while removing barriers that are known to keep underserved racial and ethnic groups, older adults, rural residents, and those with limited incomes from being appropriately represented.
The bill seeks to:
- Allow compensation for ancillary costs patients encounter while enrolled in clinical trials, such as lodging and transportation
- Allow the provision of technology to patients who may not have access to the necessary tools to report data back to sponsors
- Promote decentralization of clinical trials, allowing access to patients who may not live near a major cancer center or university where trials have typically been held
The combined impact of these three provisions could dramatically improve both patient access and the clinical value of trials across the entire disease spectrum.
Urge your elected officials to co-sponsor the DIVERSE Trials Act today!
