Northwell Health Launches State-of-the-Art Cancer Trial Center in Long Island

Northwell Health and START Center for Cancer Research Unveils New Facility

On December 17, 2025, Northwell Health and The START Center for Cancer Research celebrated a significant advancement in cancer care with the ribbon-cutting of the Northwell-START New York-Long Island center. This facility represents a $5.7 million investment and spans 10,000 square feet, showcasing cutting-edge capabilities for early-phase cancer clinical trials.

Situated at Northwell's R. J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center, this marks the first START site in New York State. The launch is anticipated to revolutionize cancer care by delivering innovative clinical trials directly to patients in their local communities, saving them the need for long-distance travel. This new center is part of the largest network of community-based early-phase oncology clinical trial locations worldwide, reflecting a strategic partnership first established in 2024.

The facility includes 14 infusion bays, six private exam rooms, a dedicated pharmacokinetic laboratory, and a specialized pharmacy capable of handling both hazardous and non-hazardous compounds. Additionally, it shares space with diagnostic imaging services and advanced laboratories for testing, providing patients with comprehensive support and seamless access to various medical specialties.

Dr. Richard Barakat, physician-in-chief and executive director of the Northwell Cancer Institute, noted, “This partnership signifies a pivotal shift in how we provide cancer care and expand access to innovative therapies.” The center aims to efficiently offer cutting-edge treatments by utilizing the strengths of both organizations, allowing for faster and more extensive execution of clinical trials.

Nick Slack, CEO of The START Center, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “For too long, early-phase cancer research has been limited to select centers, while the majority of patients receive care in community settings. This center helps ensure that promising new therapies are accessible to patients much sooner.” This initiative aligns with START’s mission of providing ‘Hope through Access’ by enhancing local oncology care and fostering innovation.

Leading the Northwell-START New York-Long Island center is Dr. Geraldine O'Sullivan Coyne, an internationally recognized oncology researcher with over 15 years of global experience. She has a proven track record in advancing cancer research and has recently launched another START site in Dublin, further emphasizing her expertise.

The START Center itself boasts the world’s largest network of early-phase clinical trial sites, supported by over 800 active studies, making it a key player in the development of early-phase cancer treatments. The Northwell facility will integrate fully into this expansive network, enhancing its capabilities and reach.

Located conveniently at 450 Lakeville Road in Lake Success, the center is positioned close to R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, allowing for collaborative efforts with cancer specialists within the Northwell system. Plans are also in place for a second Northwell-START site to open in Manhattan in 2027.

For those interested in current clinical trials, they can be accessed through the START Hope Hub, offering centralized information covering various tumor types and biomarkers. Trials will also be listed at clinicaltrials.gov.

In summary, the opening of the Northwell-START New York-Long Island center not only marks a significant advancement in cancer treatment accessibility but also illustrates a collaborative effort between leading healthcare organizations to push the boundaries of cancer research and care.

About START

The START Center for Cancer Research is extensively entrenched in community oncology centers worldwide. It focuses on providing novel preclinical and early-phase clinical trials. With over 1,300 trials conducted and 45 therapies approved by agencies like the FDA or EMA, START stands distinguished as a leader in early-phase cancer research.

About Northwell Health

Northwell Health is the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast, operating 28 hospitals and over 1,000 outpatient facilities. It caters to more than three million people annually, making significant strides in healthcare quality and innovation. Recognized as one of TIME's 100 Most Influential Companies in 2025, Northwell is at the forefront of medical research and education through its various institutes and schools.