DOD is participating with the National Cancer Institute in cancer prevention and treatment clinical trials open to all Tricare beneficiaries, according to a May 22 Tricare Management Activity release. Individuals participating in a trial receive care at one of more than 2,000 sites, including military treatment facilities, civilian providers, and comprehensive cancer centers. According to Kay Beck, a registered nurse and clinical trials coordinator, Tricare beneficiaries need a preauthorization from their regional Tricare contractor, but she said that Tricare covers the cost for screening tests to determine trial eligibility and the associated costs of participation in the trial. (TMA release by Patricia Opong-Brown)
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.