Q: What’s happening to my clinical trial if it’s federally funded? 

If you are currently enrolled in a clinical trial, you will still be able to participate in your trial.  

Q: How will the FY26 government shutdown impact melanoma clinical trial sites? 

Not all melanoma clinical trial sites will be equally impacted, but many will be affected by staffing changes and furloughs. If you are currently enrolled in a melanoma clinical trial at a site that receives federal funding or oversight (e.g. NIH/NCI-run-or sponsored trials), you will still be able to participate in your trial.  There may be some changes in operations based on staffing levels but that will be site specific so be sure to inquire locally. Privately funded clinical trials should not be affected by the shutdown.  

Q: Can I be enrolled in a new clinical trial during this time?  

No. Except under exceptional circumstances, trials are not enrolling at the National Institutes of Health or any of its institutes or centers such as the National Cancer Institute.  

Q: Where can I go to find out more information about my specific clinical trial? 

If you have further questions about potential impacts to your trial, visit the MRF’s Clinical Trial Finder Tool or reach out to info@melanoma.org.  

Q: Will I still be able to get my care at the VA? 

Yes. Medical appointments at the VA should proceed as scheduled though some ancillary services may be affected by staff furloughs that may impact wait and processing times.  
 
Q: What will happen to my Medicare benefits during the shutdown? 

You will still be able to enroll, go to the doctor or hospital, receive medical treatment and fill prescriptions. However, there may be long processing times for new enrollees. Telehealth benefits for seniors may be restricted during the shutdown, and it is best to talk to your healthcare provider about your options.  

Q: My patient has questions about their clinical trial options, how should I proceed? 

Clinicians can refer their patients to the MRF to speak to a member of staff for any questions related to clinical trials.  

Q: Where do NIH grant operations stand?  

All NIH grant peer review meetings, advisory council meetings, issuance of new awards and program/grants management activities have been halted. We will monitor closely for updates and share information as it becomes available. 

Q. How does the shutdown impact NIH research? 

Basic science and translational research activities at NIH are being heavily impacted at this time.  Much of the impact is project specific, but we expect the shutdown to slow activities considerably. 

Q: How does the shutdown impact the Department of Defense’ Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) operations? 

CDMRP business operations, program management and program panel execution will continue. Scheduled panel reviews and deadlines remain in effect for the coming weeks, pending how long the shutdown will last. 

Q: Is the CDC’s Skin Cancer Prevention Program still running?  

No. All CDC prevention activities have been halted at this time.  

Please reach out to info@melanoma.org. 

To date, the FDA has approved 20 drugs that can be used singly or in combination to treat 31 melanoma indications in adult and pediatric patients. This progress has had a substantial impact on the melanoma community, increasing the 10-year melanoma specific survival rates for patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma by 10-fold (from 5% to 50%). However, we know that more advancements are needed to fuel long-term survival in subpopulations of melanoma patients as well as cutaneous (skin) melanoma patients. We must continue to prioritize financial investment in our research and science grant program to further our mission of enhancing medical research with the purpose of eradicating melanoma.  

Since 1998, the MRF has awarded over 350 research grants totaling $26 million in funding to support the scientific melanoma community from medical students to established investigators. Additionally, we have and will continue to advocate for the continuation of $40 million in Department of Defense-appropriated funding for the Melanoma Research Program (MRP) within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), annually. This federal funding request has been a cornerstone of our Advocacy Days program as our advocates meet with lawmakers each year to encourage their support of this pivotal funding. 

Despite the uncertainty surrounding this Administration’s position on federal dollars for scientific research, the MRF is adamant in its support for funding research that will ultimately lead to scientific breakthroughs. Now more than ever, we rely on you – the patient and caregiver community – to help fund and advocate for critical lifesaving research. You can do that by:  

– Participating in Advocacy Days (March 2-4)

-Donate to the Legacy of Progress Endowment Fund to help amplify our investments in critical research grants and initiatives for years to come

-Contact LReilly@melanoma.org to directly fund a research grant

Sincerely,  

Kyleigh LiPira, MBA and Doug Brodman  

MRF CEO and MRF Board Chair