Participating in a clinical trial gives cancer patients the chance to learn about novel treatment options; yet, many people find it difficult to locate and navigate the best clinical trial because of several obstacles in the process. ACS ACTS (Access to Clinical Trials and Support), a comprehensive clinical trial matching program designed to enhance fair access to clinical trials, has expanded nationwide in response to these concerns, according to the American Cancer Society. To help caregivers, cancer patients, and healthcare professionals understand how clinical trials might fit into a treatment plan, investigate individualized clinical trial options catered to individual needs, and quickly access American Cancer Society services and resources to get past participation barriers, the program provides trained American Cancer Society cancer information specialists.
The program is available to caregivers and people with cancer of any age in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The program offers general clinical trial education, health-related social needs screening, and the chance to look into clinical trial matching to providers, caregivers, or patients who phone or fill out an intake form on the ACS ACTS website. Patients are given a personalized artificial intelligence (AI)-matched list of qualified cancer clinical trials acquired from clinicaltrials.gov by collaborating biotechnology business Massive Bio if the decision is taken to proceed with matching. To help patients overcome some of the obstacles they encounter when taking part in clinical trials, ACS ACTS provides tools and free American Cancer Society services, like Hope Lodge communities and Road to Recovery.
“When diagnosed with cancer, deciding if a clinical trial is right for you can be overwhelming,” stated Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. “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.”
Studies of novel medications, techniques, and other treatments that could enhance the prognosis of cancer are known as cancer clinical trials. Before a new cancer treatment is authorized for use in the US, they assist researchers and physicians in determining whether it is both safe and effective. Participants in these trials should represent the diverse backgrounds affected by cancer to obtain the best results. Cancer outcomes are improved for both individuals and the general public when these studies are made more accessible by addressing logistical, cultural, financial, and geographic barriers.
Since the start of its pilot program in the Northeast on February 24, 2025, ACS ACTS has provided more than 900 opportunities for individualized clinical trials and consulted over 1,000 people, who have identified more than 1,700 social needs relating to health.
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