Clinical trials are a key step in the process of developing and improving treatment - and finding cures - for cancer. Patients with resistant or recurrent disease often seek out these trials as a means to stay alive. Furthermore, late phase observational trials are crucial to improve the evidence base and management of patients, or to provide best standard of treatment and follow-up. Jan Geissler introduces the EHA patient advocacy session looking at access to clinical trials and what patients, the industry and doctors can do to improve access to these trials.