FDA Fine-Tunes Cancer Trial Fitness Standards: Zzz
Published Date: 7/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the Agency, or we) is announcing the availability of a final guidance for industry entitled "Cancer Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria: Performance Status." This guidance is one in a series of guidances that provide recommendations regarding eligibility criteria for clinical trials of investigational drugs regulated by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and the Center for Biologics Evaluation Research (CBER) for the treatment of cancer. Specifically, this guidance includes recommendations regarding expanding eligibility criteria to include patients with a wider range of performance status. This guidance finalizes the draft guidance of the same title issued on April 26, 2024.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Broader Cancer Trial Eligibility
If you have cancer, FDA's final guidance recommends expanding clinical trial eligibility to include patients with a wider range of performance status. The guidance was finalized July 28, 2026 and finalizes the April 26, 2024 draft; it aims to reduce restrictive rules that can limit patients' access to clinical trials.
Trial Design Burden on Sponsors
FDA's final guidance notes that including patients with lower performance status can affect trial retention and required sample size. Sponsors and Institutional Review Boards should consider these impacts when designing trials, as highlighted in the finalized guidance published July 28, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16296, Substances Generally Recognized as Safe
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is proposing to require the submission of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) notices for the use of a human or animal food substance purported to be GRAS under the conditions of its intended use under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
2026-14073, Drug Establishment Registration and Drug Listing Requirements for Establishments Engaged in Distributed Manufacturing and Certain Foreign Establishments
The FDA wants to make it easier for drug makers who work in several locations to register as one company instead of many. They’re also updating rules for foreign drug companies to match new laws about handling health threats. If you’re in drug manufacturing, get ready to comment by September 11, 2026, and keep an eye on possible paperwork changes that could affect your business.
2026-13047, Establishment Registration and Product Listing for Tobacco Products
The FDA wants to make sure all tobacco product makers, both in the U.S. and abroad, register their businesses and list their products. This new rule closes a big gap by including foreign companies, helping the FDA keep better track of tobacco products for public health. Comments on this proposal are open until September 14, 2026, so affected businesses should get ready to update their info and possibly face new costs.
2025-04978, Nonprescription Drug Product With an Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use
The FDA is delaying a new rule about nonprescription drugs that have extra conditions for use. Originally set to start on March 21, 2025, the rule’s start date is now pushed back to May 27, 2025, to allow more time for review. This affects drug makers and consumers by giving everyone extra time to prepare for the new requirements without any immediate cost changes.
2025-01840, Nonprescription Drug Product With an Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use
The FDA’s new rule about nonprescription drugs needing extra conditions before use was set to start on January 27, 2025, but it’s now delayed until March 21, 2025. This delay follows a presidential order to pause and review new rules before they take effect. Drug makers, sellers, and consumers should note the new start date and get ready for the updated rules soon.
2026-20727, Medical Devices; Immunology and Microbiology Devices; Classification of the System for Detection of Nucleic Acid From Non-Viral Microorganism(s) Causing Sexually Transmitted Infections Using Home-Collected Specimens
The FDA is officially classifying home test kits that detect non-viral germs causing sexually transmitted infections as Class II devices, meaning they have special safety rules but fewer hurdles than the strictest category. This change, effective October 9, 2026, helps make these tests safer and easier to get, benefiting patients and innovators alike. If you make or use these home test kits, this update means better access and clear safety standards without extra costs or delays.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15184, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meeting
Next: 2026-15186, Cancer Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria: Washout Periods and Concomitant Medications; Guidance for Industry, Institutional Review Boards, and Clinical Investigators; Availability
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the Agency, or we) is announcing the availability of a final guidance for industry, institutional review boards (IRBs), and clinical investigators entitled "Cancer Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria: Washout Periods and Concomitant Medications." This guidance is one in a series of guidances that provide recommendations regarding eligibility criteria for clinical trials of investigational drugs regulated by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and the Center for Biologics Evaluation Research (CBER) for the treatment of cancer. Specifically, this draft guidance includes recommendations regarding the appropriate use of washout periods and concomitant medication exclusions. This guidance finalizes the draft guidance of the same title issued on April 26, 2024.