Once again, the AANS and the CNS endorsed the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research and Education (CCM-CARE) Act. Sponsored by Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the bill would expand National Institutes of Health (NIH) research related to cerebral cavernous malformations. The legislation directs the NIH director to:
- Conduct basic, clinical and translational research on CCM;
- Support multi-site clinical drug trials for cavernous angioma; and
- Integrate CCM within existing clinical research networks.
The bill also directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary to establish a CCM education and information program to expand training programs for clinicians and scientists.
The sponsors’ press release featured AANS/CNS Washington Committee chair Russell R. Lonser, MD, FAANS, who stated:
Cerebral cavernous malformations can lead to seizures, stroke and death. As neurosurgeons who treat patients with this disease, we appreciate the leadership of Senators Luján and Heinrich in sponsoring the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research and Education Act to help expand research and treatment options for patients with this rare but devastating medical condition.
On March 1, the Los Alamos Daily Post posted an article about the bill, including Dr. Lonser’s quote.
