Public Law 116–291: To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to complete a study on barriers to participation in federally funded cancer clinical trials by populations that have been traditionally underrepresented in such trials.

Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act of 2019

Only a small percent of patients participate in cancer clinical trials, even though most express an interest in clinical research. There are several obstacles that restrict individuals from participating including lack of available local trials, restrictive eligibility criteria, transportation to trial sites, taking time off from work, and potentially increased medical and nonmedical costs. Ultimately, about 1 in 5 cancer clinical trials fail because of lack of patient enrollment.

Groups that are generally underrepresented in clinical trials include racial and ethnic minorities and older, rural, and lower-income individuals.

Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman, was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 31, and despite receiving painful radium treatments, passed away on October 4, 1951.

Medical researchers took samples of Henrietta Lacks’ tumor during her treatment and the HeLa cell line from her tumor proved remarkably resilient.

HeLa cells were the first immortal line of human cells. Henrietta Lacks’ cells were unique, growing by the millions, commercialized and distributed worldwide to researchers, resulting in advances in medicine.

Henrietta Lacks’ prolific cells continue to grow and contribute to remarkable advances in medicine, including the development of the polio vaccine, as well as drugs for treating the effects of cancer, HIV/AIDS, hemophilia, leukemia, and Parkinson’s disease. These cells have been used in research that has contributed to our understanding of the effects of radiation and zero gravity on human cells. These immortal cells have informed research on chromosomal conditions, cancer, gene mapping, and precision medicine.134 STAT. 4895

Henrietta Lacks and her immortal cells have made a significant contribution to global health, scientific research, quality of life, and patient rights.

For more than 20 years, the advances made possible by Henrietta Lacks’ cells were without her or her family’s consent, and the revenues they generated were not known to or shared with her family.

Henrietta Lacks and her family’s experience is fundamental to modern and future bioethics policies and informed consent laws that benefit patients nationwide by building patient trust; promoting ethical research that benefits all individuals, including traditionally underrepresented populations; and protecting research participants.

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

(1)

The study under subsection (a)(1) shall include review of cancer clinical trials that are largely funded by Federal agencies.