2025 Schedule

Back To Basics: Enhancing Site Operations & Performance

Success starts with mastering the fundamentals, and this session revisits key aspects of site operations to boost your trial efficiency and effectiveness. Discuss patient recruitment, budgeting, and operational strategies to meet the ideal patient profile and build meaningful relationships. Gain insights on translating science into patient care and positioning your site favorably with sponsors and CROs.

Speakers

Mitchell Carter

Budget Negotiation 101: Essentials & Strategies

Join us to discuss the core elements of budget negotiation specific to oncology clinical trials, offering a comprehensive guide for research sites looking to strengthen their financial management skills. Understand the intricacies of securing appropriate funding, ensuring fair compensation for site services, and navigating the complexities of trial-specific costs unique to oncology research. Hear real-world examples and case studies from seasoned oncology research professionals sharing successful negotiation strategies and practical tools to streamline budget discussions.

Speakers

Adam Penna

Louis Smikle

Distance As A Disparity In Oncology Outcomes

Patients in rural areas face poorer cancer outcomes due to limited access to healthcare and oncology services. This discussion will explore the impact of distance on cancer care, discussing progress made and ongoing efforts to bridge the gap. Join us to learn about innovative solutions aimed at improving cancer care access for underserved populations.

Speakers

Angel Akinbinu

Quality Assurance & Inspection Readiness For Community Oncology Sites

Discover the essential components of Quality Assurance (QA) and inspection readiness specifically designed for community oncology research sites. Attendees will learn how to develop and implement effective QA processes that ensure compliance, improve site performance, and prepare for successful inspections. Through expert insights and real-world case studies, you’ll discover strategies to overcome common challenges, maintain high standards, and achieve excellence in oncology trial management.

Speakers

Michaela Bertram

Eleanor Gibbons

Sandy Smith

Site Roadmap: Early-Phase Oncology Trials

As the demand for Phase 1 oncology trials increases, research sites are faced with unique challenges and opportunities in early-phase studies. This breakout will focus on the critical factors that sites must consider when taking on these complex trials. Panelists will highlight valuable resources for sites eager to expand their capabilities in this vital area, including a comprehensive “checklist” for sites preparing to participate in First in Human (FIH) or Phase 1 trials. Learn how to prepare your site for key elements of phase 1 trials including staffing, facilities, infrastructure, and patient access.

Speakers

Nashat Gabrail

Renee Smith

Sofie Vanderplaetsen

Therapeutic Roundtables

When it comes to your specialty, you have specific questions that need to be answered and unique experiences that need to be shared. In this casually guided roundtable led by experienced site professionals, you’ll have the creative space to bring your experiences and discuss operational strategies tailored to your therapeutic area. The discussion will address challenges and share solutions, providing valuable insights for your oncology clinical trial operations.

Build & Retain An All-Star Oncology Team

Discover actionable strategies for building and maintaining a high-performing oncology research team. Topics will include effective onboarding, managing attrition, and implementing workforce development programs. We’ll share innovative outsourcing options, unique hiring techniques, and approaches to prevent burnout while ensuring diversity and inclusion in recruitment.

Speakers

Nicholas Focil

Amy Overby

Lauren Wall

Financial Foundations: Budgeting For Sustainability & Profitability

Launching oncology trials as a new site requires a strong grasp of financial management to ensure sustainability and profitability. This discussion offers a comprehensive overview of financial considerations tailored for emerging oncology research sites. Through practical insights and case studies, participants will leave with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate financial challenges and build a foundation for long-term success.

Speakers

Jennifer Matson Hunter

Navigating Quality Assurance For Research Excellence

Explore strategies to evaluate and enhance research quality, addressing common challenges such as limited onsite visits and remote clinical research coordinators (CRCs). We will discuss the importance of building trust through effective onsite visits and relationship management, sharing best practices for navigating the complexities of site management. Learn how to establish robust quality assessment mechanisms, foster strong sponsor-site relationships, and implement best practices for high-quality research outcomes.

Speakers

Gerard Godard

Julie Hinson

Jill Platko

Site-Specific Contracts vs. Standard Templates

Explore the benefits and challenges of using site-specific contracts versus standard sponsor/CRO templates in oncology trials. Industry experts will share real-world experiences, including practical lessons from ACTA and CLEAR, and provide strategies for gaining internal buy-in. Join us to learn how to utilize tailored contracts to streamline processes and build stronger collaboration in clinical research.

Speakers

Nicholas Milanese

Jaidyn Nguyen

Wesley Warren

Therapeutic Roundtables

When it comes to your specialty, you have specific questions that need to be answered and unique experiences that need to be shared. In this casually guided roundtable led by experienced site professionals, you’ll have the creative space to bring your experiences and discuss operational strategies tailored to your therapeutic area. The discussion will address challenges and share solutions, providing valuable insights for your oncology clinical trial operations.

Equitable Access: Navigating Patient Reimbursement

There are unique challenges to patient reimbursement in oncology trials. Join this discussion exploring the stigma around participant payments, supporting underinsured patients, and the impact of research protocols tied to Standard of Care costs. Additionally, we’ll discuss how national guidelines influence reimbursement practices and innovative solutions to cover participant costs, ensuring all patients can participate fully in trials.

Speakers

LaShell Robinson

Liz Pampel Willock

Ethics & Conflicts Of Interest In Phase 1 Trials

This session addresses the ethical challenges and conflicts of interest that arise in oncology trials, with a focus on Phase I studies. Key topics include the influence of financial losses on trial integrity, the ethical dilemmas posed by study cancellations, and solutions such as risk-based payment models and early termination policies. Attendees will gain insights into upholding ethical standards while navigating the financial and operational complexities of oncology research.

Speakers

April Coburn

Luke Gelinas

Dan Otap

Navigating Invoiceables & Budget Complexities

This session explores the key invoiceables for oncology trial budgets and provides guidance on how to effectively manage and negotiate them. We will address commonly overlooked costs, such as the time spent on sponsor emails, expanded team roles, and training expenses. Participants will gain practical insights into billable items and strategies to ensure financial sustainability and successful trial outcomes.

Speakers

John Valenta

Seamless Data Flow: EMR To EDC Integration

As clinical research evolves, integrating Electronic Medical Records (EMR) with Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems has become critical for improving data accuracy and operational efficiency. This forum will explore solutions to streamline data transfer from EMR to EDC platforms, covering strategies, cost considerations, potential savings, and overcoming implementation challenges. Attendees will gain practical insights to optimize data management in oncology research through successful EMR-EDC integration.

Speakers

Samir Jain

Jessica Moehle

Therapeutic Roundtables

When it comes to your specialty, you have specific questions that need to be answered and unique experiences that need to be shared. In this casually guided roundtable led by experienced site professionals, you’ll have the creative space to bring your experiences and discuss operational strategies tailored to your therapeutic area. The discussion will address challenges and share solutions, providing valuable insights for your oncology clinical trial operations.

Activating Community Cancer Centers For Clinical Trials

Integrating research naïve community cancer centers into clinical trials is vital for expanding patient access and trial diversity. Our panel will highlight successful case studies, effective onboarding strategies, and training programs that empower these centers to excel in oncology research. Discover the resources and support systems available to help these sites transition smoothly into clinical research.

Speakers

Casey Braddy

Jolee D. Edwards

Kathleen Phan

Addressing Enrollment Challenges

This session will examine the gap between enrollment targets and actual patient populations in oncology trials. We’ll discuss critical issues such as diversity, patient retention challenges, and the importance of accurate feasibility assessments. Gain insights into leveraging reliable data, improving access, and applying innovative strategies from sponsors and CROs to enhance patient recruitment and engagement.

Speakers

Bernice Ofori

AI In Oncology: From Promise To Practice

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, clinical trial sites are increasingly presented with AI solutions designed to enhance trial and care platforms. Join us as we examine the current role of AI in oncology trials, emphasizing the practical steps for integrating these technologies into site operations. Learn how to effectively navigate the AI landscape, make informed decisions, and leverage technology to elevate clinical trial performance.

Speakers

Andres Alvarez

Cultivate A Research-Ready Culture Through Trust & Engagement

Integrating clinical research into standard oncology care has the potential to significantly increase patient participation in cancer trials. Join us to explore methods for creating a culture where clinical trials are routinely considered viable care options and the importance of educating both patients and physicians about these opportunities. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to foster a research-friendly environment, empower their teams, and strengthen patient-physician relationships.

Speakers

Andrea Curry

Ashley Moultrie

John Musser

Partner For Progress: Driving Trial Efficiency

Explore how effective collaborations between oncology sites, sponsors, and CROs can lead to significant time and cost savings. Address common challenges among oncology research partners, such as the ongoing need for justifications and common roadblocks to efficiency. Gain practical strategies for making these relationships more productive through transparency and shared goals, leading to better outcomes for all collaborators.

Speakers

Ashley McDermott

Lestter Cruz Serrano

Therapeutic Roundtables

When it comes to your specialty, you have specific questions that need to be answered and unique experiences that need to be shared. In this casually guided roundtable led by experienced site professionals, you’ll have the creative space to bring your experiences and discuss operational strategies tailored to your therapeutic area. The discussion will address challenges and share solutions, providing valuable insights for your oncology clinical trial operations.