Kennedy announces massive cuts, centralization at HHS—NCI and FDA hit Also this week: Columbia yields, Makary and Bhattacharya confirmed, tariffs on pharmaceuticals, and more changes impacting oncology

Self-collection kits for HPV are among innovations adding momentum to eradication of cervical cancer
A kit for at-home unsupervised self-collection clears FDA finish line

Boca Raton resident Gabriela Sanchez recently found herself stepping into a mobile outreach vehicle operated by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

April 17, 2026

Vol.52 No.15

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

FDA adds stereotactic breast biopsy needles to the shortage list

FDA has added stereotactic breast biopsy needles to its Medical Device Shortages List with an estimated duration of “through Q4 2026,” which spans July 1 to Sept. 30.

CMS proposed rule would implement electronic prior authorization requirements for covered drugs in federal health plans

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the 2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs proposed rule, which aims to shorten care delays and improve transparency within federal health insurance programs by establishing electronic prior authorization, or ePA, requirements for covered prescription drugs and expedite federal response deadlines to ensure patients receive life-critical medications without administrative delay.

ACIP charter is renewed as meetings remain on indefinite hold

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, renewed its charter April 6. In an announcement in the Federal Register, new criteria for ACIP members were rolled out with a focus on “geographical balance” and a “balance of speciality areas.”

FDA issues reminder to sponsors: Disclose clinical trial results

FDA issued a stern reminder to medical product companies and researchers of the requirements to submit certain clinical trial results information to ClinicalTrials.gov.

Health groups urge Bhattacharya, in his position of acting CDC director, to restore staff in the Office on Smoking and Health

A coalition of public health groups sent a formal letter to NIH Director and Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya April 15 highlighting the need for the immediate restoration of full staffing and resources to the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health.

April 17, 2026

Vol.52 No.15

By Jacquelyn Cobb

Kennedy announces massive cuts, centralization at HHS—NCI and FDA hit

Also this week: Columbia yields, Makary and Bhattacharya confirmed, tariffs on pharmaceuticals, and more changes impacting oncology

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Self-collection kits for HPV are among innovations adding momentum to eradication of cervical cancer
A kit for at-home unsupervised self-collection clears FDA finish line

FDA adds stereotactic breast biopsy needles to the shortage list

CMS proposed rule would implement electronic prior authorization requirements for covered drugs in federal health plans

ACIP charter is renewed as meetings remain on indefinite hold

FDA issues reminder to sponsors: Disclose clinical trial results

Health groups urge Bhattacharya, in his position of acting CDC director, to restore staff in the Office on Smoking and Health

Renew today!

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Kennedy announces massive cuts, centralization at HHS—NCI and FDA hit

Also this week: Columbia yields, Makary and Bhattacharya confirmed, tariffs on pharmaceuticals, and more changes impacting oncology

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Self-collection kits for HPV are among innovations adding momentum to eradication of cervical cancerA kit for at-home unsupervised self-collection clears FDA finish line

FDA adds stereotactic breast biopsy needles to the shortage list

CMS proposed rule would implement electronic prior authorization requirements for covered drugs in federal health plans

ACIP charter is renewed as meetings remain on indefinite hold

FDA issues reminder to sponsors: Disclose clinical trial results

Health groups urge Bhattacharya, in his position of acting CDC director, to restore staff in the Office on Smoking and Health

Never miss an issue!

Login

Self-collection kits for HPV are among innovations adding momentum to eradication of cervical cancer
A kit for at-home unsupervised self-collection clears FDA finish line