Van Hollen, McCaul Introduce Bipartisan Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Reauthorization Act

Press Release

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), co-chairs of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, introduced the bipartisan Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Reauthorization Act. The legislation, named in honor of former Congresswoman Deborah Pryce's daughter Caroline, passed unanimously in the House and Senate in 2008. This reauthorization would build upon, expand, and improve the law's efforts over the last five years for children with cancer. Other original co-sponsors are Congresswoman Cathy Castor (D-FL), Congressman Gregg Harper (R-MA), Congressman Peter King (R-NY), Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WI), Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA).

"Every day, 36 children are diagnosed with cancer, and, despite recent progress, it remains the leading cause of disease-related death for children in the United States," said Congressman Van Hollen. "I was proud to work with Congresswoman Pryce to pass this legislation in 2008 and I'm pleased that this bill has been introduced with strong bipartisan support. Improving research and treatment will help the countless families who are impacted by childhood cancer in our nation."

"Nothing is more precious than our children, for whom we must work day in and day out. As the co-chair of the Childhood Cancer Caucus I am proud to be joining Rep. Van Hollen in supporting the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Reauthorization Act, which aims to confront the challenges facing pediatric cancer patients. Pediatric cancer is the leading disease killer of American children and we owe it to them in Congress to do everything in our power to one day eliminate this disease," said Congressman McCaul.

The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Reauthorization Act will:

Expand Opportunities for Childhood Cancer Research: Currently, children enrolled on NCI-sponsored clinical trials have the option to provide specimens for childhood cancer biorepositories. This bill would expand these efforts so that all children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with cancer may be included in childhood cancer biorepositories for the purpose of creating opportunities for peer-reviewed cancer research.

Improve Childhood Cancer Surveillance: Building upon efforts of the last five years, this bill would authorize grants for state cancer registries to identify and track incidences of child, adolescent, and young adult cancers.

Identify Barriers to Childhood Cancer Drug Development: While advances in adult oncologic drug development have been made in recent years, very few drugs have been approved to treat children with cancer. The bill would initiate a GAO study to investigate the feasibility of expanding FDA requirements for pediatric studies of adult oncologic drugs and make recommendations for overcoming any research barriers.

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