January Spotlight: The RACE Act
Written By: Diya Sriramagiri
January is a critical moment to highlight policies that directly impact how children with cancer are treated. One of the most impactful yet under-discussed laws is the RACE for Children Act, a landmark policy designed to close long-standing gaps in pediatric cancer drug development.
Historically, most cancer drugs have been tested and approved only for adults, leaving pediatric oncologists to rely on off-label use of treatments that were never designed for children. The RACE for Children Act directly addresses this issue by requiring pharmaceutical companies to evaluate new cancer drugs for pediatric use when the drug’s biological target is relevant to childhood cancers. This shift moves pediatric cancer treatment away from adaptation and toward intentional, child-specific innovation.
The Act is especially important for children with rare or aggressive cancers, where treatment options are limited and outcomes are often worse. By accelerating pediatric clinical trials and expanding access to targeted therapies, the RACE for Children Act helps ensure that children are not left behind as cancer treatment becomes more personalized and precise.
Equity is another key implication of the RACE for Children Act. When pediatric trials are expanded and standardized, children across different regions, including rural and underserved communities, have a better chance of accessing cutting-edge treatments. This reduces disparities created by geography and income, which continue to play a significant role in pediatric cancer outcomes.
As the year begins, January serves as a reminder that pediatric cancer policy must focus not only on funding, but also on how treatments are developed and approved. The RACE for Children Act represents a major step forward, but its impact depends on continued enforcement, awareness, and advocacy. Ensuring that children are included in medical innovation is not optional: it is essential to building a future where pediatric cancer care is both equitable and effective.
Works Cited
Liu, Ian T T, and Aaron S Kesselheim. “The RACE Act and Pediatric Trials of Adult Cancer Drugs.” Pediatrics, vol. 154, no. 4, Jan. 2024, p. e2024066920, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39228357/, https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-066920.
McCaul, Michael T. “H.R.1231 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): RACE for Children Act.” Www.congress.gov, 3 Mar. 2017, www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1231.
Office, Scientific. “FDA RACE for Children Act: What You Should Know | BioAgilytix.” BioAgilytix, 4 Feb. 2021, www.bioagilytix.com/blog/fda-race-for-children-act-what-you-should-know/.
