What's Happening?
Northwell Health, in partnership with The START Center for Cancer Research, has inaugurated a new early-phase cancer clinical trial center in Lake Success, New York. This facility, named Northwell-START
New York-Long Island, represents a $5.7 million investment and is the first START site in New York State. The center is part of the world's largest network of community-based, early-phase oncology clinical trial sites. It features a dedicated research team, 14 infusion bays, six private exam rooms, and specialized laboratories and pharmacies. The center aims to provide cutting-edge cancer research and clinical trials directly to patients in their community, enhancing access to novel therapies without the need for extensive travel.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of the Northwell-START New York-Long Island center marks a significant advancement in cancer care delivery in New York. By bringing early-phase clinical trials to a community setting, the center expands access to innovative treatments for cancer patients who might otherwise have to travel to major cancer centers. This initiative is crucial as it democratizes access to potentially life-saving therapies and accelerates the pace of medical innovation. The partnership between Northwell Health and The START Center leverages their combined strengths to conduct trials more efficiently, potentially leading to faster development and approval of new cancer treatments.
What's Next?
The Northwell-START New York-Long Island center is expected to integrate fully into the START network, which supports a large portfolio of early-phase cancer trials globally. A second center is planned to open in Manhattan by 2027, further expanding access to early-phase trials in the region. The center will continue to list active clinical trials on platforms like START Hope Hub and clinicaltrials.gov, providing centralized access to information on available studies. This expansion is likely to attract more patients and researchers, fostering a robust environment for cancer research and treatment innovation.
