Nick Slack, Chairman and CEO of The START Centre for Cancer Research, shared on LinkedIn:

“I’m excited and humbled to announce my new role as Chairman and CEO of The START Center for Cancer Research. START is the world’s largest, and only, global early phase oncology research network. Over its 17-year history, START has provided hope to cancer patients in community practices and hospitals by offering access to cutting-edge early phase oncology trials. Early phase oncology trials form the vanguard of innovation. More importantly, they offer critical options to patients in greatest need.

Despite treating only 20% of all cancer patients, Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) conduct 80% of cancer trials – leaving the majority of patients who are treated in community practices and hospitals without access to a clinical trial when their care journey calls for one. START serves the many – by bringing cancer trials to physicians and their patients in community hospitals and practices.

START is needed more now than ever before. There are nearly 20 million new cases of cancer per year across the globe. 50% of all new clinical trials occur in cancer. AMCs are saturated with too many trials, too few patients, and not enough capacity to meet the demand. As a result, many of the trials in AMC settings take too long and do not reach patients in need. We offer biopharmaceutical companies an alternative to AMCs by giving them access to START facilities built inside of community practices/hospitals as trial locations around the world.

Our legacy is rooted in scientific innovation. In San Antonio, where START was founded, our own Amita Patnaik dosed the first patient ever with Keytruda – the most effective cancer drug in medical history. Needless to say, START’s legacy is closely tied to the revolution in immuno-oncology – that began in a community setting.

I’m thrilled to join a team that is making a real difference in patients’ lives, helping physicians, and solving critical problems for drug developers on a global scale. Cancer is personal for all of us. We all rest easier knowing that an organization like START is there when our family and friends need it. At START, we all feel the weight of our mission to patients and families. If you are passionate about ensuring access to cancer clinical trials and are ready to join a revolution in cancer clinical research, we invite you to reach out.”

Source: Nick Slack/LinkedIn