HHS rescinds vaccine panel charter citing “administrative error”

Kennedy calls for a “moonshot” targeted on the role of the microbiome in cancer

Top HHS officials last week called for a “moonshot” focused on the role of the microbiome in cancer.

May 22, 2026

EPA moves to weaken limits of PFAS in drinking water

EPA is rolling back limits on four types of PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” Some in this group of nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals have been linked to a greater risk of cancer.

Intismeran cancer vaccine + Keytruda sustains 49% melanoma reduction after five years

A combination of a cancer vaccine and a drug, both of which harness the immune system to attack cancer cells, has proven successful in cutting the risk of skin cancer recurrence and death by 49%, according to a study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center.

May 22, 2026

Vol.52 No.20

Regulatory News

After a year-long reign over tumult at FDA, Makary heads for the exit
Fruit-flavored e-cigs were the final blow for the commissioner

The immediate impetus for FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s exit from the top job at FDA is arguably less significant than the legacy of dysfunction he leaves behind.

May 15, 2026

Vol.52 No.19

By Claire Marie Porter

Podcast

Reforms pending at USPSTF, plus, FDA rejects promising melanoma drug for the second time

The Cancer Letter’s coverage of HHS-led overhauls of foundational scientific institutions continued last week with two unrelated stories pointing to continued disarray amongst public health leadership.

May 06, 2026

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panel
Ransohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is moving to overhaul the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a highly influential panel that determines which preventive services insurers must cover and guides routine medical care for millions of Americans.

May 01, 2026

Vol.52 No.17

By Claire Marie Porter

HHS rescinds vaccine panel charter citing “administrative error”

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Kennedy calls for a “moonshot” targeted on the role of the microbiome in cancer

EPA moves to weaken limits of PFAS in drinking water

Intismeran cancer vaccine + Keytruda sustains 49% melanoma reduction after five years

After a year-long reign over tumult at FDA, Makary heads for the exit
Fruit-flavored e-cigs were the final blow for the commissioner

Reforms pending at USPSTF, plus, FDA rejects promising melanoma drug for the second time

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panel
Ransohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”

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HHS rescinds vaccine panel charter citing “administrative error”

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Kennedy calls for a “moonshot” targeted on the role of the microbiome in cancer

EPA moves to weaken limits of PFAS in drinking water

Intismeran cancer vaccine + Keytruda sustains 49% melanoma reduction after five years

After a year-long reign over tumult at FDA, Makary heads for the exitFruit-flavored e-cigs were the final blow for the commissioner

Reforms pending at USPSTF, plus, FDA rejects promising melanoma drug for the second time

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panelRansohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”

Never miss an issue!

Login

After a year-long reign over tumult at FDA, Makary heads for the exit
Fruit-flavored e-cigs were the final blow for the commissioner

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panel
Ransohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”