From July 9 to 10, over 150 professionals in the oncology clinical research sector attended the CTO East Coast (Clinical Trials in Oncology) 2024 meeting held in Boston, Massachusetts. Organized by Arena International in Boston this year, the event featured more than 20 exhibitors and 25 keynote speakers. The conference brought together clinical operations experts from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from oncology pharma and biotech sponsor companies to technology vendors, CROs (contract research organizations), and patient advocates. 

For the 13th annual meeting, the chosen theme was “Discover effective strategies for oncology trial operations to ensure trials run smoothly and within budget.” Under this theme, the 2024 CTO East Coast conference served as a valuable platform for oncology clinical professionals to explore new technologies and processes in cancer care, as well as share solutions to operational challenges associated with running oncology trials.

Featuring speakers from industry giants in cancer trials like IQVIA Biotech, TFS HealthScience CRO, Catalyst Clinical Research, and more, there was no shortage of innovative solutions and strategies set to shape the future of oncology trials and patient care. In this article, we cover the top ten highlights from this year’s CTO East Coast that you can leverage to streamline your next oncology clinical trial. Read on to learn more! 

 

1. Navigating Operational Challenges in Unstable Economies

Speaker: Sergio Santillana, Chief Medical Officer, Ikena Oncology 

CTO East Coast Session: Protecting vulnerable trials by navigating operational challenges in an unstable global economy 

Sergio Santillana’s session was a compelling discussion on the various operational challenges faced by clinical trials in an unstable global economy. Santillana emphasized the importance of proactive risk management and adaptive strategies to safeguard the continuity of clinical trials, specifically in vulnerable regions. His insights underscored that in times of economic instability, maintaining the integrity and progress of clinical research not only requires strong financial planning, but also a holistic approach encompassing stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and innovation in operational solutions. 

 

2. Geopolitical, Regulatory, and Financial Influences

Speaker: Giovanni Abbadessa, Vice President, Head of Oncology Early Development, Sanofi 

CTO East Coast Session: Geopolitical, regulatory, and financial factors influencing oncology trials

Giovanni Abbadessa led a panel discussion at CTO East Coast 2024 that delved deep into the geopolitical, regulatory, and financial factors influencing oncology trials. The session explored how global political climates, regulatory changes, and financial instabilities can significantly impact the planning and execution of clinical trials. For example, geopolitical tensions around the world can disrupt supply chains and hinder patient recruitment. Abbadessa suggested regulatory harmonization across regions could streamline clinical trial approvals, as well as emphasized the need for oncology sponsors to be financially agile to adapt to changing funding landscapes and economic conditions.  

 

3. Collaboration for Better Site Support

Speaker: Steve Dunlap, Senior Director, Oncology Global Clinical Development, GSK 

CTO East Coast Session: Consider, collaborate, and communicate: Help sites to help you

Among the speakers at CTO East Coast 2024 was Steve Dunlap, whose session offered an in-depth exploration of the importance of effective collaboration and communication with trial sites. Dunlap emphasized that strong partnerships with trial sites are crucial for the successful execution of oncology trials, sharing best practices for fostering these relationships, including regular communication, transparent data management and oversight processes, and mutual support. Dunlop suggested that by helping sites help them, sponsors can achieve better compliance, higher quality data, and ultimately, more successful trial outcomes. 

 

4. Maximizing Success with Balanced Sponsor Trial Oversight

Speaker: Bin Pan, Executive Director, Head of Oncology & Hematology, TFS CRO 

CTO East Coast Session: Building success together: a reflection on oncology trial management 

TFS HealthScience CRO was among the speakers at CTO East Coast 2024, and Dr. Bin Pan, Executive Director and Head of Oncology & Hematology at TFS, led a session that focused on the collaborative efforts required to manage successful oncology trials. She explored the sponsor’s involvement and oversight in clinical operations, emphasizing the importance of balance with trial management approaches. Too much or too little oversight from sponsors could potentially prevent a clinical trial from receiving the maximal benefits from CRO involvement. Dr. Pan also highlighted the importance of continually evaluating industry standards and adopting a consultative approach to problem-solving in the oncology space. The session underscored that clear communication and setting realistic expectations are keystones of fostering a collaborative environment between sponsors and their CROs.

Read more about TFS’ booth at CTO East Coast 2024 here! 

 

5. Moving Patient-Centric Trials Forward

Speaker: Fatima Scipione, Vice President, Global Patient Affairs, Blueprint Medicines 

CTO East Coast Session: Incorporating the patient voice throughout the drug development process to help transform patient experience  

Fatima Scipione conducted two sessions at CTO East Coast 2024 which focused on patient-centric clinical trials in oncology. In both the panel discussion and fireside chat, she discussed the importance of incorporating the patient’s voice throughout the drug development process. Scipione exemplified how proactively engaging patients meaningfully and inviting patient insights into their needs and perspectives during trial design and execution can lead to more effective treatments and better patient outcomes. Supported by several case studies, this session served as a call to action for the industry to prioritize patient inclusion and make trials more accessible and responsive to patient needs. 

 

6. Outsourcing Strategies for Success

Speaker: Kevin Stephenson, Executive Director, Data Management, Karyopharm Therapeutics 

CTO East Coast Session: How your outsourcing strategy will shape the success of your clinical research in oncology

Kevin Stephenson’s panel discussion on outsourcing strategies provided valuable insights into how outsourcing can shape the success of clinical research in oncology. He highlighted that sponsors must take steps to select the right partners when outsourcing and have detailed processes in place to manage external collaborations efficiently. Stephenson also advised sponsors to choose which clinical trial activities to outsource in alignment with their goals and quality standards, as well as achieve greater trial efficiency, cost savings, and fewer timeline delays. This session at CTO East Coast 2024 underscored why strategically outsourcing trial processes is becoming essential for navigating the complexities of modern oncology trials. 

 

7. Revolutionizing Data Management

Speaker: Colleen M. Cox, CCDM, Senior Director, Clinical Data Management, Editas Medicine 

CTO East Coast Session: Data matters: How improved data management is set to further revolutionize the design, conduct, and analysis of oncology trials

Colleen Cox’s session at CTO East Coast 2024 on data management provided a comprehensive overview of how improved data practices are revolutionizing the design, conduct, and analysis of oncology trials. Cox emphasized that sponsors must leverage robust data management systems that have modern capabilities to ensure high-quality, reliable data, while also streamlining inefficiencies associated with traditional approaches to data management. Noting that advancements in data management technologies and methodologies have the potential to bolster trial efficiency and accuracy, Cox highlighted valuable features such as seamless data integration across various sources, real-time monitoring capabilities to ease patient burdens, and advanced analytics to guide prompt decision-making. 

 

8. Enhancing Clinical Trial Diversity

Speaker: Christina DiArcangelo, Chief Executive Officer, Affinity Patient Advocacy 

CTO East Coast Session: Strengthening clinical trial diversity to reduce inequities in cancer trials and delving into the humanitarian aspects of patient care

Christina DiArcangelo presented at CTO East Coast 2024 in a session that discussed the critical issue of clinical trial diversity. Among other strategies for strengthening trial diversity, she emphasized how building inclusive trial designs that reflect diverse populations affected by cancer can reduce inequities in this field of research. Not only do diverse trials provide benefits related to the humanitarian aspects of patient care, but it also leads to more generalizable results for the drug and improves the chances of more positive patient outcomes. DiArcangelo’s insights served as a call to action for oncology researchers and sponsors to proactively prioritize wider patient representation and inclusivity across all stages of cancer clinical research. 

 

9. Ensuring Compliance through Quality Oversight

Speaker: Krishna Singh, Director, Clinical Quality (GCP), Olema Oncology 

CTO East Coast Session: Ensuring oncology trial integrity through effective Clinical Quality Oversight: Prioritize your efforts to achieve compliance

Also among the speakers at this year’s CTO East Coast was Krishna Singh, whose session on clinical quality oversight provided critical insights into ensuring the integrity of oncology trials. Singh discussed the importance of effective quality oversight from sponsors and CRO partners in achieving compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining trial integrity. These stakeholders were encouraged to adopt approaches for achieving best practices for quality management, such as risk-based monitoring, comprehensive training programs, and continuous improvement initiatives. Singh’s session highlighted to attendees the need for a proactive approach to quality oversight to ensure trials not only meet regulatory standards but also deliver reliable and valid results. 

 

10. Measuring Risk-Based Quality Management (RBQM) Adoption

Speakers: Maria Florez, Senior Consultant, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, and Abigail S. Dirks, Data Scientist, Tufts University School of Medicine 

CTO East Coast Session: Measuring RBQM Adoption: Insights and Opportunities

Maria Florez and Abigail Dirks provided a detailed analysis of risk-based quality management (RBQM) adoption in clinical trials. Their session explored the opportunities and challenges of implementing RBQM to enhance trial efficiency and effectiveness. Specifically, Florez and Dirks offered how sponsors, CROs, and other stakeholders can leverage continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies to maintain the highest quality standards in clinical research findings. Ultimately, adopting metrics and methodologies that measure RBQM adoption presents opportunities for oncology researchers to better detect and address data quality challenges that may arise in these trials. 

 

Conclusion

These insights from CTO East Coast 2024 underscore the evolving landscape of oncology trials. By focusing on strategic planning, patient-centric approaches, effective collaboration, and innovative data management, oncology researchers are set to shape the future of cancer research with improved treatment options and better patient outcomes. This year’s CTO East Coast conference especially highlighted the clinical trial industry’s commitment to advancing oncology research for patients through innovation, collaboration, and a strong dedication to quality. 

 

Why TFS in Oncology & Hematology?

Experience scientific and medical excellence in oncology & hematology with TFS HealthScience, a global CRO experienced in supporting biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in cancer research. Our team delivers all the scientific and medical aspects of your clinical program to help ensure market success. We provide support in site start-up, patient access, referral, recruitment and retention, and investigator identification at global, regional, and local levels. With our internal experts and global network of key opinion leaders (KOLs), we ensure a comprehensive approach to your dermatology trials.

Visit our website to learn more about the strategies and support TFS can offer for your next oncology trial, or connect with a TFS representative today!