Unlocking Cures for Pediatric Cancer with Artificial Intelligence
This Presidential Action mandates the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive innovation in preventing and treating pediatric cancer, recognizing it as a top priority for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission.
The order directs relevant agencies to harness AI to accelerate scientific progress within the existing Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) by improving data infrastructure, enhancing complex biologic data analysis, and optimizing clinical trial design and access.
Furthermore, it instructs coordination to increase federal investment in pediatric cancer research and encourage private sector adoption of advanced AI technologies, all while ensuring patient privacy safeguards are maintained during data sharing efforts.
Arguments For
Accelerates life-saving medical research by prioritizing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into existing federal pediatric cancer initiatives like the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI).
Addresses a critical public health crisis by focusing on childhood cancer, which is the leading cause of disease-related death for children and young adults in the US, aiming to reverse incidence trends.
Improves healthcare infrastructure by mandating better data sharing, interoperability standards for electronic health records, and the development of AI-ready, large-scale datasets for research.
Enhances clinical trial effectiveness by using AI to improve participant selection, modeling patient response, and maximizing the utilization of multimodal clinical trial data.
Arguments Against
The reliance on existing executive frameworks, particularly the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission established in a prior order, may constrain the scope or speed of implementation if those frameworks are perceived as inefficient.
The order directs coordination across multiple agencies (HHS, OMB, NIH, APST), which could introduce bureaucratic delays or conflicts in aligning priorities, especially concerning AI adoption timelines.
While emphasizing patient privacy, the push for extensive data sharing and aggregation for AI analysis introduces risks regarding data security and the potential for privacy breaches if interoperability standards are not robustly enforced.
The document explicitly states it does not create new substantive or procedural rights enforceable by any party against the United States, limiting legal recourse if enforcement provisions are neglected by future administrations.
Presidential Actions
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. My Administration is committed to driving innovation to prevent and treat childhood diseases, including through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death for children in the United States aged 1-19 years, and its incidence has increased by more than 40 percent since 1975.
As outlined in my joint address to the Congress in March, reversing this trend is one of the top priorities for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission established in Executive Order 14212 of February 13, 2025 (Establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission). AI presents an opportunity to more quickly achieve this aim.
In 2019, my Administration created the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI), a Federal investment in childhood cancer research of $50 million in funding every year for 10 years to address the critical need to collect, generate, and analyze childhood cancer data. The CCDI is building a foundational data infrastructure, aggregating and generating new data, and using this data to make new discoveries.
AI can be used to build upon this data initiative to produce meaningful solutions to pediatric, adolescent, and young adulthood cancer. This application of AI has the potential to transform the Nation’s current care and research approach for pediatric cancer -– as well as our healthcare and research infrastructure more broadly –- through use of the rich and multimodal data, secured with appropriate individual privacy protections, to develop early and superior diagnostics, identify cures and optimize treatments, and advance medicine that will save lives.
For too long, we have watched our children and their families battle cancer and its long-term chronic effects while healthcare systems often rely on outdated technologies and can be slow to adopt certain innovations. We must prioritize investment in AI-enabled science, build world-class scientific datasets, and empower researchers and clinicians with the tools needed to translate data and AI capabilities into improved care.
Sec. 2. Harnessing American AI Innovation. The MAHA Commission, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary), the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST), and the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, and in alignment with the implementation of America’s AI Action Plan, shall work to develop innovative ways to utilize advanced technologies such as AI to unlock improved diagnoses, treatments, cures, and prevention strategies for pediatric cancer. The initial focus shall be on identifying opportunities to accelerate the progress of AI-driven solutions at the CCDI, including by making data platforms and tools available as part of the CCDI Data Ecosystem and funding research projects at National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers that prioritize:
(a) improving data infrastructure by consolidating data from multiple sources for AI-ready analysis and utilizing AI to better select participants for clinical trials;
(b) enhancing data analysis of complex biologic systems with AI tools to radically improve predictive modeling of patient response, disease progression, and treatment toxicity and to turn multi-omics data and imaging data into novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers; and
(c) improving clinical trial design, access, and outcomes for patients by incorporating multimodal data and using AI approaches to maximize utilization of the information from clinical trials and improve accessibility, recruitment, administration, conduct, and interpretation of clinical trial results.
Sec. 3. Increasing Investment and Engagement in Pediatric Cancer Research and Care Infrastructure. The MAHA Commission, in coordination with the Secretary, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and the APST, shall prioritize expanding pediatric cancer research and advancements in care by identifying and implementing strategies for:
(a) increasing investment from existing Federal funds for the CCDI and other Federal Government initiatives that address pediatric cancer; and
(b) encouraging the private sector to make use of the most advanced technologies to unlock cures for pediatric cancer, including those based on AI, to the maximum possible extent.
Sec. 4. Improving Data Sharing and Empowering Patients. The Secretary, in consultation with the APST, shall work to ensure that AI innovation is appropriately integrated into current work on interoperability to maximize the potential for electronic health record and claims data to inform private sector and academic research and clinical trial design, while ensuring that patients and parents control their health information. In addition, the Secretary shall work to finalize interoperability standards for patient data to be used with AI that appropriately account for structured and unstructured data and enable safe and privacy-compliant exchanges of data.
Sec. 5. Definition. For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Health and Human Services.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
September 30, 2025.
The post Unlocking Cures for Pediatric Cancer with Artificial Intelligence appeared first on The White House.
This initial segment contains website navigation boilerplate information, identifying the document as a Presidential Action issued by DONALD J. TRUMP on September 30, 2025, establishing the authority under which the order is being made.
It also notes the first post mentioned, titled "Unlocking Cures for Pediatric Cancer with Artificial Intelligence."
The document begins by invoking the President's constitutional and legal authority to issue the order.
It sets the stage by declaring a national commitment to using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat childhood diseases, specifically noting that pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death for children and young adults (ages 1-19), with incidence rates rising since 1975.
This section frames the effort as a top priority for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, referencing a previous Executive Order that established the commission.
It emphasizes that AI offers a path to significantly accelerate progress beyond the foundation already built by the 2019 Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI), which involved substantial federal investment in data collection and infrastructure.
This application of AI has the potential to transform the Nation’s current care and research approach for pediatric cancer -– as well as our healthcare and research infrastructure more broadly –- through use of the rich and multimodal data, secured with appropriate individual privacy protections, to develop early and superior diagnostics, identify cures and optimize treatments, and advance medicine that will save lives.
For too long, we have watched our children and their families battle cancer and its long-term chronic effects while healthcare systems often rely on outdated technologies and can be slow to adopt certain innovations. We must prioritize investment in AI-enabled science, build world-class scientific datasets, and empower researchers and clinicians with the tools needed to translate data and AI capabilities into improved care.
The directive explains that applying AI using rich, safeguarded patient data from the CCDI can revolutionize pediatric cancer care and research.
The intended transformation includes developing better early diagnostic tools, finding cures, and optimizing existing treatments.
The order argues that current healthcare systems have lagged in adopting innovations while children suffer from cancer and long-term effects.
Therefore, the administration must focus investment on AI-enabled science and establish high-quality datasets to equip researchers and doctors with the necessary tools to convert AI capabilities into tangible patient care improvements.
Sec. 2. Harnessing American AI Innovation. The MAHA Commission, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary), the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST), and the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, and in alignment with the implementation of America’s AI Action Plan, shall work to develop innovative ways to utilize advanced technologies such as AI to unlock improved diagnoses, treatments, cures, and prevention strategies for pediatric cancer. The initial focus shall be on identifying opportunities to accelerate the progress of AI-driven solutions at the CCDI, including by making data platforms and tools available as part of the CCDI Data Ecosystem and funding research projects at National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers that prioritize:
(a) improving data infrastructure by consolidating data from multiple sources for AI-ready analysis and utilizing AI to better select participants for clinical trials;
(b) enhancing data analysis of complex biologic systems with AI tools to radically improve predictive modeling of patient response, disease progression, and treatment toxicity and to turn multi-omics data and imaging data into novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers; and
(c) improving clinical trial design, access, and outcomes for patients by incorporating multimodal data and using AI approaches to maximize utilization of the information from clinical trials and improve accessibility, recruitment, administration, conduct, and interpretation of clinical trial results.
Section 2 directs the MAHA Commission, working with the Secretary of HHS, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST), and the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, to utilize advanced technologies like AI to improve pediatric cancer diagnostics, treatments, and cures.
This must align with the broader 'America's AI Action Plan.'
The immediate focus involves accelerating AI applications within the CCDI by providing AI tools and platforms.
The section mandates funding research projects at designated cancer centers to prioritize three areas: (a) improving infrastructure by merging data for AI analysis and using AI for better clinical trial recruitment; (b) using AI to analyze complex biological data (like multi-omics and imaging) to create better predictions of treatment effectiveness, toxicity, and disease progression (biomarkers); and (c) improving clinical trial processes, access, and interpretation through the incorporation of diverse data types and AI methods.
Sec. 3. Increasing Investment and Engagement in Pediatric Cancer Research and Care Infrastructure. The MAHA Commission, in coordination with the Secretary, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and the APST, shall prioritize expanding pediatric cancer research and advancements in care by identifying and implementing strategies for:
(a) increasing investment from existing Federal funds for the CCDI and other Federal Government initiatives that address pediatric cancer; and
(b) encouraging the private sector to make use of the most advanced technologies to unlock cures for pediatric cancer, including those based on AI, to the maximum possible extent.
Section 3 focuses on increasing funding and engagement in the infrastructure supporting pediatric cancer research and patient care.
The MAHA Commission, in collaboration with HHS, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, the NIH Director, and the APST, must develop strategies to expand research efforts.
Strategies must include (a) boosting investment using existing federal money allocated to the CCDI and related government initiatives addressing pediatric cancer, and (b) actively encouraging private industry partners to adopt advanced technologies, especially AI, to expedite the discovery of cures for childhood cancers.
Sec. 4. Improving Data Sharing and Empowering Patients. The Secretary, in consultation with the APST, shall work to ensure that AI innovation is appropriately integrated into current work on interoperability to maximize the potential for electronic health record and claims data to inform private sector and academic research and clinical trial design, while ensuring that patients and parents control their health information. In addition, the Secretary shall work to finalize interoperability standards for patient data to be used with AI that appropriately account for structured and unstructured data and enable safe and privacy-compliant exchanges of data.
Section 4 tasks the Secretary of HHS, in consultation with the APST, with integrating AI innovation into ongoing efforts regarding data interoperability.
The goal is to maximize the utility of electronic health record and insurance claims data for research and clinical trial development by external parties.
Crucially, this section emphasizes that patients and parents must maintain control over their health information throughout this process.
Furthermore, the Secretary must finalize technical standards for data sharing compatible with AI, ensuring these standards account for both organized (structured) and narrative (unstructured) data types, while maintaining strict privacy compliance.
Sec. 5. Definition. For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
Section 5 provides a formal definition for the term 'artificial intelligence' or 'AI' as used throughout the order.
The definition adopted references the specific legal statutory definition found in Title 15, Section 9401(3) of the United States Code.
Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Health and Human Services.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
September 30, 2025.
The post Unlocking Cures for Pediatric Cancer with Artificial Intelligence appeared first on The White House.
Section 6 outlines the standard general provisions for the executive order.
Paragraph (a) clarifies that the order does not override existing statutory authority granted to any executive department or agency, nor does it interfere with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) legislative or budgetary functions.
Paragraph (b) requires that implementation must comply with all applicable laws and depend on the availability of necessary funding appropriations.
Paragraph (c) serves as a non-affirmative waiver, stating clearly that the order does not establish any new enforceable legal rights or benefits for any individual or entity against the United States government or its personnel.
Finally, paragraph (d) assigns the cost of publishing the order to the Department of Health and Human Services, concluding with the signature block for President Trump dated September 30, 2025.