#United States #Los Angeles #START Center #Dr. Hafez

START Center Welcomes Dr. Navid Hafez

The START Center for Cancer Research, renowned for being the largest community-based oncology trial network, has recently appointed Dr. Navid Hafez as the Director of Clinical Research in its newly established Los Angeles site. This initiative marks a significant expansion in START's efforts to drive excellence in early-phase oncology trials, aiming to enhance patient access to groundbreaking therapies.

A Seasoned Leader in Oncology Research

Dr. Hafez brings over a decade of robust experience in both academia and clinical settings to his new position. Prior to joining START, he served as an attending physician at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, a notable affiliate of Cedars-Sinai, and held the title of Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at Yale School of Medicine. His extensive resume includes leadership roles in both investigator-initiated and sponsor-driven trials, particularly focusing on targeted therapies, immuno-oncology, and translational research.

Nick Slack, Chairman and CEO of START, praised Dr. Hafez's appointment, stating, "His scientific rigor and patient-centered approach are essential as we continue to navigate the complexities of early-phase oncology research. We are confident that his expertise will greatly enrich our capabilities as we strive to provide advanced treatment options to our patients."

Enhancing Clinical Trials Access

Dr. Hafez's commitment to enhancing access to clinical trials is well-documented throughout his career. He has been instrumental in expanding the diversity of trial participants and modernizing clinical research to be more integrated within patient care. "Early-phase oncology research is fundamentally about providing access – access to innovation, options, and hope," he notes. This perspective aligns perfectly with START's model of combining rigorous scientific inquiry with community-based healthcare.

At the helm of the new START Los Angeles site, Dr. Hafez will work closely alongside Principal Investigator Dr. Lasika Seneviratne and a dedicated team of oncology researchers to initiate clinical operations. This site is strategically located within the Los Angeles Cancer Network, which is one of the nation's largest and most diverse oncology practices, serving a population exceeding 14 million.

Making a Difference in Patient Care

Los Angeles Cancer Network, soon to be rebranded as Oncura Health, is pivotal in the new START initiative as it caters to an estimated 100,000 new cancer diagnoses each year across a broad spectrum of cancers. The collaboration between START and LACN is designed not only to provide cutting-edge research opportunities but also to deliver compassionate care tailored to individual patient needs.

Dr. Hafez's appointment reflects START's ambition to ensure that patients receive hope and access to innovative treatments where they already receive their care. This marks the launch of the 15th site in the START Network, continuing their mission to accelerate the development of new therapies that enhance patient outcomes.

Conclusion

As the START Center for Cancer Research continues to expand its footprint, Dr. Navid Hafez's leadership at the Los Angeles site represents a critical step forward in making groundbreaking oncology research accessible to patients. His contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the network's ability to deliver innovative therapies to the communities they serve. For more information on START and its initiatives, visit STARTresearch.com.