Sharpless reflects on his time at FDA: “The engine producing new cancer therapies and diagnostics is doing very well”

The Directors: Two leaders in data science have a warp speed vision for AI, with cancer clinical trials leading the way
Knudsen and Thoelke: “It’s actually solving for bottlenecks and challenges that we’ve been unable to overcome for so long”

The United States has a translation problem. Scientific breakthroughs in oncology are accelerating, but clinical trial infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.

July 17, 2026

Vol.52 No.28

By Paul Goldberg and Claire Marie Porter

Regulatory News

FDA final guidance on psychedelics opens the door to psycho-oncology research
Guidance permits treatment without psychotherapy, alarming scientists, advocates

FDA has released a final guidance for drug sponsors conducting clinical trials of psychedelics, including psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, for the treatment of psychiatric and substance abuse disorders.

OMB proposal to sideline peer review sparks widespread opposition
Nearly 500,000 public comments flood in—here are some highlights

The Trump administration’s effort to give political appointees greater authority over federally-funded science is colliding with fierce objections from researchers, universities, medical organizations, and members of Congress.

July 17, 2026

Vol.52 No.28

By Claire Marie Porter

Guest Editorial

Cancer progress is not reaching everyone. Native Nations must be part of the solution.

In 1971, the National Cancer Act set the United States on a path to confront one of its most formidable public health challenges. More than five decades later, the progress is undeniable. The latest 2026 report from the American Cancer Society shows continued declines in overall cancer mortality and improvements in survival for many major cancer types. Recent advances in early detection, prevention, and treatment are saving lives.

July 17, 2026

Vol.52 No.28

By Rodney Haring

The future of oncology: Early-career scientists need mentorship and a new academic model

The early years of a scientific career can be unforgiving.

July 17, 2026

Vol.52 No.28

By Marcel van den Brink

Cancer Policy

House Energy & Commerce hearing focuses on America’s leadership in biomedical research, examines FDA role

At a recent House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing titled “Maintaining America’s Leadership in Biomedical Innovation: FDA’s Role in Advancing U.S. Drug Development,” lawmakers examined ways to increase efficiency and speed across early-stage clinical trial development.

July 17, 2026

Vol.52 No.28

By Claire Marie Porter

Sharpless reflects on his time at FDA: “The engine producing new cancer therapies and diagnostics is doing very well”

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Nearly 500,000 public comments flood in—here are some highlights

Cancer progress is not reaching everyone. Native Nations must be part of the solution.

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Sharpless reflects on his time at FDA: “The engine producing new cancer therapies and diagnostics is doing very well”

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

The Directors: Two leaders in data science have a warp speed vision for AI, with cancer clinical trials leading the wayKnudsen and Thoelke: “It’s actually solving for bottlenecks and challenges that we’ve been unable to overcome for so long”

FDA final guidance on psychedelics opens the door to psycho-oncology researchGuidance permits treatment without psychotherapy, alarming scientists, advocates

OMB proposal to sideline peer review sparks widespread oppositionNearly 500,000 public comments flood in—here are some highlights

Cancer progress is not reaching everyone. Native Nations must be part of the solution.

The future of oncology: Early-career scientists need mentorship and a new academic model

House Energy & Commerce hearing focuses on America’s leadership in biomedical research, examines FDA role

Never miss an issue!

Login

The Directors: Two leaders in data science have a warp speed vision for AI, with cancer clinical trials leading the way
Knudsen and Thoelke: “It’s actually solving for bottlenecks and challenges that we’ve been unable to overcome for so long”

FDA final guidance on psychedelics opens the door to psycho-oncology research
Guidance permits treatment without psychotherapy, alarming scientists, advocates

OMB proposal to sideline peer review sparks widespread opposition
Nearly 500,000 public comments flood in—here are some highlights