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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tony DeLuca |
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DeLuca's cancer clinical trial bill approved by House Insurance Committee
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, said the House Insurance Committee today approved legislation that would require insurance companies to cover the cost of routine care for patients enrolled in cancer clinical trials in Pennsylvania.
DeLuca's legislation (H.B. 1462) would require payments to be made when the insured is involved in cancer clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies to test new drugs or other treatments to compare current, standard treatments with other treatments that may better help patients.
"For children and adults in Pennsylvania fighting leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers, clinical trials are especially critical because many of the greatest strides in cancer treatment have been made in clinical trial settings," DeLuca said.
The Allegheny County lawmaker said 20 years ago a diagnosis of leukemia for a child was a death sentence but now there are innovative clinical trials available to help children battle the disease.
"Lack of insurance coverage for clinical trials robs many patients of new treatment opportunities to fight the cancer. My bill would save lives and promote better cancer treatment in the state," DeLuca said.
DeLuca, chairman of the House Insurance Committee, said he is hopeful the bill will be considered soon by the full House.
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