The Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2009 was introduced to the Senate on February 26. Clinical trials play a critical role in developing new treatments for many types of cancer, including multiple myeloma. Participation in these trials may also lead to more favorable outcomes for cancer patients.

Currently, group and individual health insurance issuers and group health plans may decide not to cover routine services in clinical trials that they cover in standard therapy under the premise that clinical trials are experimental treatments.

The Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act aims to remedy the issue by requiring coverage for individuals participating in approved cancer clinical trials. Insurance issuers and group health plans would be required to pay for routine patient costs during trials, such as nursing services, inpatient care, and prescription drugs. They would not be required to pay for items and services normally provided by research sponsors.

Many organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), International Myeloma Foundation, National Marrow Donor Program, American Cancer Society, and Cancer Care support the bill.

The LLS promotes the Act because it might increase the number of people participating in clinical trials. Currently, the lack of coverage for necessary services during clinical trials results in a three to five percent participation rate among adults with blood cancers. According to a form on the LLS Web site, "This legislation is sorely needed to help cancer patients receive life-saving, cutting-edge treatments. It will also help researchers in their quest for a cure for cancer."

Versions of the Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act have been proposed since the late 1990s. In 2001, a policy that required Medicare to cover routine services for those involved in clinical trials was implemented. This policy set the standard for private insurers' clinical trials coverage. Other versions have been proposed since, but the 2009 version of the bill is the most comprehensive one to date, according to the LLS Web site.

To read the Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2009 visit OpenCongress. Visit the LLS Web site to contact an elected official or get more facts. A list of organizations that support the Act can be found here.