START and OneOncology Unite to Enhance Access to Early Phase Cancer Trials

START and OneOncology: Pioneering Access to Oncology Trials

In a groundbreaking development aimed at enhancing patient access to innovative treatment options, the START Center for Cancer Research and OneOncology have announced a strategic partnership. This alliance seeks to launch early phase clinical trial sites in various major U.S. communities. The initiative will include three new research sites: the Los Angeles Cancer Network in California, The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Texas, and Astera Cancer Care located in New Jersey.

This collaborative effort builds upon the existing success of START’s trial site at The Cancer and Hematology Centers in Michigan, which is also a partner of OneOncology, a national platform founded by oncologists to prioritize the needs of community cancer care.

The goal of this partnership is clear and crucial: to expand access to innovative cancer therapies within community settings. Historically, only a small fraction—less than 20%—of early phase clinical trials have been accessible to patients in community practices where the majority receive medical care. This initiative asserts the importance of making cutting-edge cancer treatments available right where patients live.

Nick Slack, Chairman and CEO of START, emphasized the urgency of this partnership by stating, "The existing early phase cancer research infrastructure, heavily reliant on Academic Medical Centers, is no longer sustainable. We must actively bring research closer to patients and resolve the accessibility issues that plague community practices."

OneOncology complements this approach by empowering community oncology practices. Dr. Jeff Patton, CEO of OneOncology, highlighted how this collaboration allows for a seamless integration of groundbreaking research into standard community practices, stating, "Together, we're transforming the patient experience by making innovative therapies more accessible to those living with cancer."

With over 1,750 providers and more than 1 million patients served annually across its extensive network of over 565 locations, OneOncology represents some of the most influential cancer care providers in the U.S. The partnership with START exemplifies the collective goal to elevate cancer treatment standards and broaden the availability of clinical trials.

Leaders of the partnering practices have expressed their excitement and optimism regarding the transformative potential this initiative can unlock. Troy Simon, CEO of the Los Angeles Cancer Network, said, "Our partnership with START will redefine possibilities for patients in Southern California, ensuring timely access to cutting-edge trials and treatments that can significantly alter their health trajectories." This sentiment was echoed by leaders from other partner organizations, who noted this collaboration bridges the longstanding innovation gap typically seen between community and academic medical environments.

The planned rollout of these START sites will commence in July 2025, with activations extending into early 2026. Each practice will seamlessly integrate with START's operational infrastructure, ensuring that clinical trials can be activated swiftly with high-quality data and consistent execution.

The START Center for Cancer Research, recognized globally as the largest provider of early phase oncology trials, has hosted over 1,000 early phase clinical trials and contributed to the FDA/EMA approval of more than 45 innovative cancer therapies. This new partnership with OneOncology solidifies START's role as a leader in advancing patient access to groundbreaking cancer research.

In conclusion, this collaboration between START and OneOncology underscores a hopeful future for cancer patients across the nation. The initiative exemplifies a proactive approach to overcoming barriers in clinical trial accessibility, ensuring that potentially life-saving therapies can be administered closer to home, thus enhancing patient outcomes and promoting a more inclusive healthcare ecosystem.

For further details on START and its innovative programs, visit START's official website or learn more about the work done by OneOncology at OneOncology's website.