13th Annual Clinical Trials in Oncology West Coast 2026

The West Coast’s leading Clinical Trials in Oncology Conference showcasing the most efficient methods, strategies and solutions of running oncology trials.

28 - 29

April

2026
  • San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, Burlingame, CA, USA
  • Complimentary
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  • Agenda
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2026 Sponsors Include:

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Company Information

ICON Biotech is a world leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation, dedicated to the needs of small and mid-sized biopharma companies. We help biotech organisations meet their critical milestones and deliver data and evidence-based results to investors, large pharma partners and regulatory authorities. With over 8,000 staff working exclusively with biotech customers, we support over 500 biotech sponsors annually.

 

ICON Biotech advances clinical research by offering highly focused, integrated outsourced services and solutions, delivered by tailored teams and management that understand the different pressures faced by biotechs in their drive to solve today’s challenges, without losing sight of their mission to deliver life-changing innovations tomorrow. To learn more, please visit www.iconplc.com/biotech

 

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Valeris is a trusted life sciences commercialization partner offering end-to-end solutions across the healthcare value chain. With deep industry expertise, advanced technology, and a patient-first approach, Valeris helps life sciences companies enhance access, adherence, and outcomes. Serving over 500 clients, the company delivers data insights, patient support, and provider engagement tools that drive product success. Headquartered in North Carolina and Indiana, Valeris has supported millions of patients. Learn more at www.valeris.com.

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Catalyst Oncology is a full-service, specialty clinical research organization (CRO) built to serve the global biotech industry. Backed by leading retention rates and a culture rooted in its core values, Catalyst Oncology provides customers with teams experienced across all functions, knowledgeable in complex drug classes and study designs, and with data-centric methodologies that help bring next-generation therapies to cancer patients.

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - catalystcr.com

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PSI is a privately-owned, full-service contract research organization (CRO), operating globally. PSI’s reputation on the market place is that of a no-nonsense CRO, capable of saving pharmaceutical sponsors millions of development dollars by consistently meeting clinical trial timelines. PSI’s global reach supports the operations of clinical trials across multiple countries.

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - http://www.psi-cro.com/

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You need an Imaging Strategy that’s designed and customized for your oncology clinical trial. RadMD, a Medica Group Company, is your full service imaging core lab solution. Imaging endpoints are often used to support go/no-go decision-making in early phase trials. This is also a critical time to determine the development strategy for later study phases. https://www.rad-md.net/

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - www.rad-md.net

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Scimega is a niche Canadian Oncology CRO with a singular focus on promoting and contributing to the successful conduct of cutting-edge oncology clinical trials in Canada. With a permanent, Lean-coached operations team our proven track record assisting mid-size and smaller US biotech/biopharma sponsors to undertake global oncology studies in Canada is bundled with 25 years of lessons learned!

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - www.scimega.com

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Worldwide Clinical Trials (Worldwide) is a global CRO serving development-driven biopharmaceutical companies, with more than 4,400 professionals operating across more than 70 countries. The company delivers therapeutically dedicated expertise in neuroscience, oncology, rare disease, and internal medicine, with comprehensive support across every development phase – from early-stage and first-in-human studies through Phase III registration trials.

The company’s flexible service model – spanning full-service trial management to functional service partnerships through Worldwide Flex – is powered by a people‑first, partnership‑driven outsourcing approach that strengthens collaboration, enhances data transparency, and supports more informed decision‑making. This provides sponsors with tailored, adaptable solutions that keep pace with the evolving demands of clinical research. Learn more at www.worldwide.com

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Adnexi is a tech-enabled principal investigator, site and key opinion leader (KOL) discovery solution for biopharma. Adnexi works with biopharma companies to improve trial site selection strategies, and achieve the inclusion of diverse patient populations. Our key solutions include:
• TRIAL VERSITY: Diverse KOL discovery to find those KOLs and principal investigators that have the most access to diverse patient populations, including African American and Hispanic populations
• BASE: Data-driven, algorithmic database of principal investigators for any disease based on massive data processing
• AIM: Adnexi influence mapping. Survey-driven influence patterns for any disease with opinion data directly from physicians

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - https://www.adnexi.com/

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Aixial Group is a well-established, oncology focused, global CRO. Aixial is recognized  for creative and proactive clinical expertise with an understanding and appreciation of the financial trust placed in their team by the sponsor to deliver results.

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HeartcoR Solutions is a core lab focused on the collection, analysis, and reporting of cardiac safety and other physiological data in clinical trials. Providing flexibility, innovation, and quality, we support site-based and decentralized clinical studies with certified technician analysis, MD overreads, and validated data delivery to support our customers’ global regulatory filings.

Trusted by some of the largest global healthcare companies, HeartcoR is your go-to partner for achieving marketing approval with confidence. Choose HeartcoR Solutions —where precision meets partnership.

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - http://www.heartcorsolutions.com

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MMS Holdings (MMS) is an award-winning, data-focused clinical research organization (CRO) that supports the pharmaceutical and biotech industries with a proven, scientific approach to complex trial data and regulatory submission challenges. Strong industry experience, a 19-year track record, AI technology-enabled services, and a data-driven approach to drug development make MMS a valuable CRO partner. With a global footprint across four continents, MMS maintains an industry-leading customer satisfaction rating. For more information, visit www.mmsholdings.com

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - www.mmsholdings.com

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Biorasi is a global contract research organization (CRO) delivering fast and flexible solutions across clinical trials to maximize speed-to-market for its sponsors. As the leader in clinical trials for dermatology, neurology, and oncology, Biorasi sets new benchmarks for speed, agility, and quality in patient enrollment, decentralized trials, and data sciences.

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Founded in 1997, Ergomed is a full service, global Phase I-IV clinical development and trial management service partner with leading expertise in developing oncology and rare disease drugs.  Our portfolio includes experience working with novel therapies, early phase development, immunotherapy, and adaptive trial designs. Ergomed embodies a patient-centric approach to recruitment and retention with access to global patients in vital geographical areas.  Ergomed’s proven delivery record, expertise, and true partnership means our sponsors can trust us to deliver their oncology trials whatever the challenge. We also offer an industry-leading suite of specialist pharmacovigilance (PV) solutions under the PrimeVigilance brand.

Ergomed has supported and managed clinical development, trial management, pharmacovigilance, and medical information services for over 300 clients in more than 100 countries.

We deliver a complete solution for oncology trials of all sizes and complexity. For more information about Ergomed, please visit: www.ergomedcro.com

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - www.ergomedcro.com

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Euromed Pharma deliver strategic services tailored to support companies in their quest to better healthcare. We support each industry player from drug development through the post-marketing phases. We offer solutions in CTS services, Clinical GMP Packaging, Labeling and Distribution, IMP management, Early Access and Named Patient Programs, Pharma Order to cash solutions, and Supply Chain & Logistics. We are present around the world with offices in Italy, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Singapore and the USA. Being one of the Petrone Group companies, Euromed Pharma is positioned at the forefront of innovation in pharmaceutical distribution.

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - www.euromed-pharma.com

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IDDI optimizes the clinical development of drugs, biomarkers and IVD using a unique combination of advanced biostatistics and innovative data collection technology.

IDDI covers the full spectrum of trial design, clinical data collection, management, analysis and reporting for Phase I- IV clinical trials.

– IDDI’s services include: Clinical Development Plans, Protocol Development, Randomization (IWRS/IRT) with Drug Supply Management, EDC, Medical Coding, Data Management, Biostatistics, IDMC Support, Biomarker/Diagnostics Validation, Medical Writing.

– IDDI’s therapeutic areas of expertise include oncology, ophthalmology, infectious diseases and cardiology.
– Experience: 27+ years – 980+ trials (630+ in oncology) – 20 FDA/EMA approvals to-date
– HQ in Belgium with offices in the USA ( Raleigh, NC, Boston, MA and San Francisco, CA).

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - http://www.iddi.com/

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Jumo Health develops age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and relatable educational resources for patients and caregivers. We have experience serving diverse populations, covering more than 160 health topics across 75+ countries and 90+ languages – and we’re always expanding!

Our multicultural offerings are designed to explain the latest in evidence-based literature using highly visual elements so that everyone can understand complex medical topics. We use familiar mediums to ensure this – from comic books and Pixar®-style animation, to virtual reality experiences and authentic documentary-style patient stories – all tailored based on age and audience.

Jumo Health collaborates globally with more than 180 advocacy groups and community organizations to ensure an authentic patient experience is accurately represented.

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - www.jumohealth.com

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LabConnect is the world’s most agile central laboratory solutions partner supporting clinical trials of all sizes and complexity. With modern operations and strategic alliances with world-leading laboratories, LabConnect is uniquely positioned to provide access to the latest innovation and automation. LabConnect is the trusted partner for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and clinical research organizations.

 

Follow LabConnect on LinkedIn

Learn more at labconnect.com

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - http://www.labconnectllc.com/

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Myonex provides tailored services and solutions to advance medicine through clinical to commercial stages with tailored drug sourcing and ancillary supply, to packaging, labeling, and distribution. With ten global locations, we offer flexible, efficient, and cost-effective support for clients across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.

 

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - www.myonex.com

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Simply sourcing comparators – we offer a unique blend of small company flexibility and speed, backed with the large-scale buying power of the Orifarm Group, which is one of the largest pharmaceutical suppliers in Europe. With over €1.4B products sold in 2021 and more than 4,000 unique product lines sourced on a monthly basis, we have unparalleled access to “out of market” and manufacturer direct buying capability, both in the US and Europe.

Company website: www.Orifarm-CTS.com

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - www.Orifarm-CTS.com

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OWL Oncology Research is a Functional Service Provider (FSP), comprised of a global network of highly experienced independent contractors specializing in oncology and rare disease trials. We provide Clinical Operations Support Personnel such as CRAs, Project Managers, Clinical Trial Managers, and QC Oversight Monitors to build and grow your team as an alternative to the traditional CRO approach. We are committed to providing only the best contractors through our network, hand selected for their commitment to quality and excellence.

Company Website

To learn more, please visit our website - www.owloncology.com

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    Why attend?

    The 13th Annual Clinical Trials in Oncology West Coast 2026 is back again!

    Our West Coast Oncology event is coming back for the 13th year in Burlingame, CA, USA on 28th-29th April 2026. Expanding with a significant range of hot topics on trial diversity, reframing complex oncology trials, patient centricity and decentralized trials; our 2026 event introduces a brand new second stream focusing on patient recruitment and engagement. 

    The conference program will cover a plethora of burning topics with top experts in the industry including, Genentech, Gilead, Johnson & Johnson, BeiGene and a Venture Capitalist to share how to secure investments for your oncology trial… so come and attend to hear vital insights and opinions that you want to hear!

    WHAT TO EXPECT FOR 2025?

    What do we have for 2025?

    We have introduced and dedicated a whole new stream on patient recruitment and engagement which focuses on harnessing strategizes, communication and latest trends in Oncology clinical trials. The event will include the top industry experts to share their latest struggles and successes.

     

    250+

    Attendees

    		20+

    Exhibitors

    		20+

    Speakers
    250+

    Attendees

    		20+

    Exhibitors
    20+

    Speakers

    Testimonials

    See What It's All About

    Agenda

    • 28 Apr 2026
    • 29 Apr 2026
    Expand All

    Streams

    Stream one

    STREAM A: Clinical Operations

    Stream two

    STREAM B: Patient Recruitment and Engagement

    11:30 AM

    Enhancing the patient journey in oncology trials: Patient insights and practical innovation

    • Considering the full patient burden landscape when planning oncology clinical trials to alleviate patient burden effectively
    • Recognizing disparities in burden and understanding differences across patient populations
    • Incorporating patient input when designing protocols to ensure that needs are met

    Speakers

    Anupama Walia
    Senior Clinical Operations Leader, Genentech

    12 PM

    Reserved for event sponsor

    12:30 PM

    FIRESIDE CHAT: Speeding up oncology recruitment timelines by addressing key recruitment barriers and utilizing smarter enrollment

    • Ensuring effective communication with patient populations to raise awareness of your trial and increase engagement
    • Providing adequate material to ensure patients feel fully informed and supported during enrollment processes
    • Driving patient-focused recruitment strategies to reduce study timelines

    Speakers

    Amanda Chen
    Clinical Operations, Study Lead, Ideaya Biosciences

    1 PM

    Technology spotlight

    1:30 PM

    Lunch and networking

    2:30 PM

    WORKSHOP: AI and patient data in oncology clinical trials: Navigating ethics and consent effectively

    Speakers

    Christine von Raesfeld
    Patient Advocate, The Light Collective
    Jin Lee
    Founding Board Member, CURE NDD
    Gay Crawford
    Founding Chair/Emeritus Member, Patient and Family Advisory Council at Stanford Health Care South Bay Cancer Center

    3:15 PM

    Reserved for event sponsor

    3:30 PM

    New approaches to streamlining oncology clinical trial design to reduce patient burden

    Speakers

    Catherine Caserza
    Director, Clinical Operations, Daiichi Sankyo

    4 PM

    Afternoon refreshments and networking

    4:30 PM

    Analyzing patient adherence to drug therapy effectively: A practical guide to methods and metrics for increased efficiency in oncology drug trials

    Speakers

    Ekema Anjorin
    Research Program Manager, Uphealth Foundation Medical and Research Center

    5 PM

    INTERACTIVE FIRSIDE CHAT: Keeping patients at the heart of clinical trials: How to utilize AI effectively to enhance the patient experience

    • Maintaining patient centricity in your trial to positively impact recruitment and engagement
    • Working with patients, caregivers and advocacy groups to establish better patient support systems throughout trial participation
    • Best practice in prioritizing patient needs in clinical trial design

    Speakers

    Gay Crawford
    Founding Chair/Emeritus Member, Patient and Family Advisory Council at Stanford Health Care South Bay Cancer Center

    5:30 PM

    Chairperson’s closing remarks

    Speakers

    Keya Watkins
    Keya Watkins, President-Oncology, Worldwide Clinical Trials

    END OF DAY 1 AND NETWORKING DRINKS

    8 AM

    Registration and refreshments

    8:50 AM

    Chairperson’s opening remarks

    Speakers

    Keya Watkins
    Keya Watkins, President-Oncology, Worldwide Clinical Trials

    9 AM

    KEYNOTE PANEL: Practical considerations for navigating the regulatory landscape of global trials in 2026

    • Keeping compliant with evolving global, regional, and local regulation to minimize timelines and avoid costly delays
    • Overviewing new regulation and assessing the impact on conducting oncology clinical trials
    • Ensuring vendor oversight to ensure regulatory compliance for smooth running of oncology clinical trials
    • Considering Project Optimus early in development programs to keep in line with regulatory demands

    Speakers

    Catherine Caserza
    Director, Clinical Operations, Daiichi Sankyo

    9:30 AM

    Reserved for ICON

    10 AM

    Addressing and overcoming challenges in cell therapies to conduct successful trials

    • Tackling challenges in cell and gene therapy studies to reduce timelines and ensure quality
    • Overviewing innovation and available technology to accelerate and streamline study processes
    • Partnering with vendors effectively to ensure specialized patient selection to enhance study start-up

    Speakers

    Anna Pavlova
    Senior Medical Director, Orca Bio

    10:30 AM

    Reserved for Mercalis

    11 AM

    Morning refreshments and networking

    11:30 AM

    Planning ahead to mitigate risk and stick to tight timelines

    • Simplifying trial design and procedures to reduce operational complexity
    • Implementing RBQM strategies to identify and mitigate roadblocks to reduce delays

    Speakers

    Ruimei Li
    Sr. Medical Director, Clinical Development, Oncolytics Biotech

    12 PM

    Reserved for event sponsor

    12:30 PM

    Fine-tuning biomarker selection to enhance oncology drug development

    • Enhancing biomarker selection to speed up oncology trial timelines
    • Road mapping how to identify effective biomarkers to enhance oncology clinical trials
    • Understanding regulatory considerations surrounding biomarker qualification

    Speakers

    Ann Mongan
    Executive Director, Clinical Biomarkers and Translational Research, Bristol Myers Squibb

    1 PM

    Technology spotlight

    1:30 PM

    Lunch and networking

    2:30 PM

    FIRESIDE CHAT: Site Spotlight: Tackling operational roadblocks and exploring solutions for seamless oncology clinical trials

    Speakers

    Niloufar Abdollahi
    Clinical Research Manager, University of California San Francisco
    Emily Nurminen
    Associate Director, University of California San Francisco

    3:15 PM

    Reserved for Reserved for Parexel

    Speakers

    Cesar Alberto Eduardo Carrasco, MD PhD
    Senior Medical Director, Parexel

    3:30 PM

    TITLE TBC

    Speakers

    Feng Wang-Johanning
    CEO, SunnyBay Biotech
    Gary Johanning
    CSO, SunnyBay Biotech

    4 PM

    Afternoon refreshments and networking

    4:30 PM

    From mechanism to medicine: Biomarkers, functional genomics, and rational combinations to overcome therapeutic resistance in oncology

    Speakers

    Khyati Shah
    Translational Oncology Lead, Pfizer

    5 PM

    Outsourcing 101: How to effectively outsource when running a small biotech

    • Aligning in-house capacity to outsourcing needs to ensure your biotech sticks to budget
    • Understanding when it is time to outsource to ensure sufficient oversight and management of all vendors
    • Looking ahead to identify your biotech needs to integrate services seamlessly into current processes

    Speakers

    Brian Frenzel
    President, CEO, and Director, Tosk

    5:30 PM

    Chairperson’s closing remarks

    Speakers

    Keya Watkins
    Keya Watkins, President-Oncology, Worldwide Clinical Trials

    END OF DAY 1 AND NETWORKING DRINKS

    8 AM

    Registration and refreshments

    8:50 AM

    Chairperson’s opening remarks

    Speakers

    Keya Watkins
    Keya Watkins, President-Oncology, Worldwide Clinical Trials

    9 AM

    Interactive Speaker-Hosted Roundtable Discussions

    Interactive roundtable sessions offer a unique opportunity to come together with your peers to share best practice and develop solutions to critical challenges facing the industry as a whole. Each discussion will be led by a table moderator and will focus on a different challenge within oncology clinical trials. Roundtables are an exciting, interactive way to build your personal network and learn from the experience and expertise of others.

    After 30 minutes, delegates will have the opportunity to swap and choose a different table, and each roundtable will run twice.

    Roundtable 1 Leveraging strong academic networks for complex oncology trials to assist in research and drug development
    Roundtable 2 How to work with smaller budgets without compromising quality in oncology clinical trials
    Roundtable 3 Is AI overhyped? Understanding how to incorporate AI to enhance trial processes

    Radha Duttagupta, Vice President, Clinical Affairs, Nucleix
    Roundtable 4 Balancing quality, speed and cost in complex oncology trials

    Umar Hayat Ph.D., Founder, CEO, Accanito Inc.

     

    Speakers

    Radha Duttagupta
    VP, Clinical Affairs, Nucleix
    Umar Hayat
    Vice President, CMC and Supply Chain, Union Therapeutics

    10 AM

    Morning refreshments and networking

    10:45 AM

    Planning and executing patient-centric clinical studies: Lessons learned from the WISDOM Study platform for personalized breast cancer screening

    • Incorporating patient-centric strategies in trial designs to reduce patient burden
    • Overview of new innovations that can be included in studies to increase patient centricity
    • Adopting a patient-first mindset when designing trial protocols for patient-friendly studies

    Speakers

    Irene Acerbi Soto
    Clinical Implementations & Operations Manager, University of California San Francisco

    11:15 AM

    Reserved for event sponsor

    11:45 AM

    Adaptive trial designs and RWE: Leveraging the FDA’s streamlined processes for accelerated approvals

    • Understanding how to use Real World Evidence to strengthen submissions and ensure approval in a timely manner
    • Overviewing regulation to ensure compliance and reduce delays in clinical trial submissions
    • Identifying challenges in adaptive trial designs to mitigate risk and ensure successful running of your oncology trial

    Speakers

    Jeannie Hou
    Senior Vice President of Clinical Development, Replimune

    12:15 PM

    Reserved for event sponsor

    12:45 PM

    Lunch and networking

    2 PM

    Oncology trials as a start-up: Identifying challenges and pain points to overcome and conduct effective oncology clinical trials

    • Understanding the unique challenges biotechs face to reduce roadblocks and ensure clinical trial success
    • Weighing up in-house capacity versus budget to ensure effective outsourcing decisions
    • Working with limited resources to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize roadblocks

    Speakers

    Radha Duttagupta
    VP, Clinical Affairs, Nucleix

    2:30 PM

    Reserved for event sponsor

    Speakers

    Mukhtar Ahmed
    Director, Project & Portfolio Strategy, Greenstone Biosciences

    2:30 PM

    AI implementation in oncology clinical trials: the good, the bad and the ugly

    • Understanding what innovation is available and how this can improve clinical trial processes
    • Weighing up resources to effectively integrate AI to speed up trial timelines without taking away from budget plans
    • Incorporating AI successfully by preparing internal teams and implementing a solid integration strategy

    Speakers

    Saurabh Paliwal
    Senior Director, Arsenal Biosciences

    3:30 PM

    Afternoon refreshments and networking

    3:45 PM

    PRIZE DRAW

    Visit our exhibitors’ booths throughout the day and collect stamps in order to enter our Prize Draw and be in for a chance of winning Apple devices or Amazon giftcards. The Prize Draw will take place in the Exhibition Hall. Make sure you don’t miss out!

    4 PM

    Overviewing the current investor landscape to navigate and secure investment for oncology clinical trials

    • Understanding the current investment climate to target and pitch your study to the right investors
    • Reducing fundraising timelines through effective investor communication to ensure complex study plans are understood
    • How to expand your professional network to connect with new investors and secure funding for oncology clinical trials

    Speakers

    Lucrecia Marquez-Rosado
    MD., PhD, Co-Founder, LuMiAL Bio

    4:30 PM

    Pragmatic trial design: How to balance the risk and reward for patients to get the key endpoints without burdening the exploratory

    Speakers

    Robert E Neal II
    PhD, Vice President, Medical and Translational Sciences, Galvanize Therapeutics

    4:30 PM

    SESSION TITLE TBC

    Speakers

    Mukhtar Ahmed
    Director, Project & Portfolio Strategy, Greenstone Biosciences

    Engineering Oncology Trials Upstream: De-Risking Development Through Patient-Specific Translational Modeling

    • Reframing clinical readiness in oncology: Why trial success is increasingly determined upstream—through mechanistic validation, patient stratification, and translational alignment before first-in-human dosing.
    • Clinical Trials in a Dish platform: How patient-derived iPSC and organoid disease models can be deployed to predict responder populations, evaluate combination strategies, and inform biomarker-guided trial design.
    • Leveraging academic ecosystems: Integrating biobanks, molecular datasets, and investigator networks to accelerate translational insight and enable more targeted, recruitment-efficient oncology trials.
    • Capital-efficient development strategies: Using functional precision modeling to reduce late-stage attrition, optimize cohort sizing, and deploy clinical budgets with greater signal-to-cost discipline.

    Speakers

    Mukhtar Ahmed
    Director, Project & Portfolio Strategy, Greenstone Biosciences

    Speakers

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    Saurabh Paliwal
    Senior Director, Arsenal Biosciences

    Session Details:

    AI implementation in oncology clinical trials: the good, the bad and the ugly

    2026-04-29, 2:30 PM

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    Ann Mongan
    Executive Director, Clinical Biomarkers and Translational Research, Bristol Myers Squibb

    Session Details:

    Fine-tuning biomarker selection to enhance oncology drug development

    2026-04-28, 12:30 PM

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    Keya Watkins
    Keya Watkins, President-Oncology, Worldwide Clinical Trials

    Keya brings 30 years of experience in drug development with both biopharma and clinical service providers. She joined Worldwide in February 2026 as our President, Oncology following the merger of Catalyst Clinical Research where she served as the Senior Vice President of Catalyst Oncology responsible for the execution of the Oncology CRO Operations.

    Session Details:

    Chairperson’s opening remarks

    2026-04-28, 8:50 AM

    Session Details:

    Chairperson’s opening remarks

    2026-04-29, 8:50 AM

    Session Details:

    Chairperson’s closing remarks

    2026-04-28, 5:30 PM

    Session Details:

    Chairperson’s closing remarks

    2026-04-28, 5:30 PM

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    Jin Lee
    Founding Board Member, CURE NDD

    Session Details:

    WORKSHOP: AI and patient data in oncology clinical trials: Navigating ethics and consent effectively

    2026-04-28, 2:30 PM

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    Catherine Caserza
    Director, Clinical Operations, Daiichi Sankyo

    Session Details:

    KEYNOTE PANEL: Practical considerations for navigating the regulatory landscape of global trials in 2026

    2026-04-28, 9:00 AM

    Session Details:

    New approaches to streamlining oncology clinical trial design to reduce patient burden

    2026-04-28, 3:30 PM

    View In Agenda
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    Robert E Neal II
    PhD, Vice President, Medical and Translational Sciences, Galvanize Therapeutics

    Session Details:

    Pragmatic trial design: How to balance the risk and reward for patients to get the key endpoints without burdening the exploratory

    2026-04-29, 4:30 PM

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    Anupama Walia
    Senior Clinical Operations Leader, Genentech

    Session Details:

    Enhancing the patient journey in oncology trials: Patient insights and practical innovation

    2026-04-28, 11:30 AM

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    Amanda Chen
    Clinical Operations, Study Lead, Ideaya Biosciences

    Session Details:

    FIRESIDE CHAT: Speeding up oncology recruitment timelines by addressing key recruitment barriers and utilizing smarter enrollment

    2026-04-28, 12:30 PM

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    Aparna Gupta
    Director, Drug Development & Translational Biomarkers, Jazz Pharmaceuticals
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    Lucrecia Marquez-Rosado
    MD., PhD, Co-Founder, LuMiAL Bio

    Lucrecia Marquez-Rosado, M.D., Ph.D., is a physician-scientist with over 20 years of experience in oncology, immunology, and drug discovery in both academia and biotech. She completed her clinical training at the Salvador Zubirán National Institute, earned her Ph.D. in Cell Biology from CINVESTAV, and finished a postdoctoral fellowship at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Before co-founding LuMiAL Bio, she held scientific roles at Boehringer Ingelheim, SIBTECH, and Nurix Therapeutics, where she led cross-functional teams involved in translational research programs.

    Lucrecia expertise includes Novel Therapeutic Modalities, biomarkers and disease-positioning strategies, focuses on translating innovative science into clinically actionable oncology programs.

    Session Details:

    Overviewing the current investor landscape to navigate and secure investment for oncology clinical trials

    2026-04-29, 4:00 PM

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    Radha Duttagupta
    VP, Clinical Affairs, Nucleix

    Energetic, hands-on leader, with broad experiences bridging IVD Product Development/commercialization and Clinical Trial design, operation and registrational activities. Successful commercial tests include CytoScan™ XON (Exon level CN detection), CytoScan™ Optima (Prenatal CN detection), Cytoscan® Dx (first-to-market FDA approved whole genome CN assay). Experienced in the entire product life-cycle with strong command of R&D, Manufacturing and Clinical Validation. Successful in balancing internal and external stake-holders and tying strategic goals with tactical execution. Passionate about people, teams and a culture of innovation. Experienced in : US and CE-IVD registrations, Observational Trials, Clinical Trial Management, LDT/IVD Product Development, Design Control/documentations, analytical and clinical validation, Commercialization, GLP, GCP, GMP compliance, Manufacturing Transfer, Reagent Development/Kitting , Laboratory Operations, Lead Internal/External collaborations, Technology Assessment/IP generation, Design of Experiments (DOE), Microarray analysis, Sequencing, Cell-free DNA analysis.

    Session Details:

    Interactive Speaker-Hosted Roundtable Discussions

    2026-04-29, 9:00 AM

    Session Details:

    Oncology trials as a start-up: Identifying challenges and pain points to overcome and conduct effective oncology clinical trials

    2026-04-29, 2:00 PM

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    Ruimei Li
    Sr. Medical Director, Clinical Development, Oncolytics Biotech

    Session Details:

    Planning ahead to mitigate risk and stick to tight timelines

    2026-04-28, 11:30 AM

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    Khyati Shah
    Translational Oncology Lead, Pfizer

    Session Details:

    From mechanism to medicine: Biomarkers, functional genomics, and rational combinations to overcome therapeutic resistance in oncology

    2026-04-28, 4:30 PM

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    Emily Nurminen
    Associate Director, University of California San Francisco

    Originally from North Carolina, my interest in clinical research started in college working as a research assistant for burn and transplant research and continued after graduation working at a Contract Research Organization. After moving to NYC, I wanted to move to the patient side of research and worked as a Radiation Oncology Clinical Research Coordinator at Montefiore Medical Center. After gaining experience and knowledge, I worked in Radiation Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center initially spearheading our newly created Quality Assurance program, and then moved into a supervisor role managing Clinical Research Coordinators. After relocating to the Bay Area, I shifted gears working in allergy research clinical operations with the Immune Tolerance Network. After realizing I missed the world of oncology and management, I found my current role as an Associate Director of Clinical Research Programs in the UCSF Cancer Center managing several programs.

    Session Details:

    FIRESIDE CHAT: Site Spotlight: Tackling operational roadblocks and exploring solutions for seamless oncology clinical trials

    2026-04-28, 2:30 PM

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    Irene Acerbi Soto
    Clinical Implementations & Operations Manager, University of California San Francisco

    Session Details:

    Planning and executing patient-centric clinical studies: Lessons learned from the WISDOM Study platform for personalized breast cancer screening

    2026-04-29, 10:45 AM

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    Niloufar Abdollahi
    Clinical Research Manager, University of California San Francisco

    I have worked in clinical research since 2011 holding different roles across various departments. Most recently working as clinical research manager at UCSF Cancer Center, Clinical Research Network Office (CRNO), since 2021.

    Session Details:

    FIRESIDE CHAT: Site Spotlight: Tackling operational roadblocks and exploring solutions for seamless oncology clinical trials

    2026-04-28, 2:30 PM

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    Shaily Garg
    Head of Clinical and Requlatory Affairs, ReacX Pharmaceuticals
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    Jeannie Hou
    Senior Vice President of Clinical Development, Replimune

    Session Details:

    Adaptive trial designs and RWE: Leveraging the FDA’s streamlined processes for accelerated approvals

    2026-04-29, 11:45 AM

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    Feng Wang-Johanning
    CEO, SunnyBay Biotech

    Session Details:

    TITLE TBC

    2026-04-28, 3:30 PM

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    Gary Johanning
    CSO, SunnyBay Biotech

    Session Details:

    TITLE TBC

    2026-04-28, 3:30 PM

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    Christine von Raesfeld
    Patient Advocate, The Light Collective

    Few people with a cause walk the talk as boldly and graciously as Christine Von Raesfeld, Lived Experience Expert/Citizen Scientist. Christine is a pillar of patient advocacy and allyship in the rare and chronic disease community. Through the lens of her own journey in healthcare, she has become a champion for patient voices, diversity and inclusion in clinical research, and equitable patient-sponsor partnerships.**

    A sought-after speaker, Christine brings firsthand expertise to discussions on clinical trials, data rights, and digital health. She serves as an e-patient scholar with Stanford MedicineX and a Committee Member with the Partnership for Quality Measures (CMS), among other roles. Christine advises initiatives like Stanford's "Humanwide" Precision Medicine Program, the NIH All of Us Research Program, and the NIH HEAL Initiative. She co-authored the patient-led AI Rights Initiative with The Light Collective, focusing on ethical data use and personalized medicine.

    Christine recently published a research paper analyzing her own complex medical journey[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://journal.researchtothepeople.org/christine?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "1"), highlighting the value of patient-partnered genomics in understanding rare and chronic conditions. She has additional works on patient engagement and healthcare innovation forthcoming.

    Recognized for her contributions, she has been named one of Silicon Valley Business Journal's Top 100 Women of Influence, a Silicon Valley Community Hero, a member of the 2021 HIMSS Future50, and one of Medika Life's 50 most influential voices in healthcare.

    Session Details:

    WORKSHOP: AI and patient data in oncology clinical trials: Navigating ethics and consent effectively

    2026-04-28, 2:30 PM

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    Ekema Anjorin
    Research Program Manager, Uphealth Foundation Medical and Research Center

    Session Details:

    Analyzing patient adherence to drug therapy effectively: A practical guide to methods and metrics for increased efficiency in oncology drug trials

    2026-04-28, 4:30 PM

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    Gay Crawford
    Founding Chair/Emeritus Member, Patient and Family Advisory Council at Stanford Health Care South Bay Cancer Center

    The  last 50 years I have worked to  address cancer disparities, advocacy -personally and nationally- for patient care, research, and to develop programs to save lives and improve outcomes for cancer patients and families. My work career in journalism and community relations was fulfilling, but after my diagnosis of breast cancer in 1974 and lymphoma in 2004, I have worked with thousands of patients as a volunteer, advocating for individuals and leading efforts to address compassionate care, access to services, prevention, treatment and research in the cancer space.

    Session Details:

    WORKSHOP: AI and patient data in oncology clinical trials: Navigating ethics and consent effectively

    2026-04-28, 2:30 PM

    Session Details:

    INTERACTIVE FIRSIDE CHAT: Keeping patients at the heart of clinical trials: How to utilize AI effectively to enhance the patient experience

    2026-04-28, 5:00 PM

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    Advisory Board

    Select a member to learn more

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    Cesare Spadoni

    Cesare is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Oncoheroes Biosciences Inc., a Boston-based biotech company focused on pediatric oncology drug development. Cesare has more than 20 years of experience in the drug development field, in both scientific and commercial roles. Previously, he held senior positions at AMRI, Aptuit Laurus, ThalesNano and Auxiliis. Cesare started his career as research scientist in a pharmaceutical company (Eisai, London) and in academia (Institute of Enzymology, Budapest).

    Following the death of his first daughter Laura to cancer, Cesare set up aPODD Foundation, a London-based charity focused on accelerating paediatric oncology drug development. As aPODD’s chairman he is actively involved on a pro-bono basis in drug repurposing projects, advocacy efforts and research collaborations.

    Cesare holds an MSc in Applied Molecular Biology and a PhD in Neurosciences from UCL, University of London, as well as an MBA from the Central European University, Budapest.

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    Stefano Ferrara

    Stefano Ferrara is a Clinical Development Expert and Director of Clinical Science at BeiGene, specializing in oncology clinical development with a focus on innovative cancer treatments. With over 20 years of leadership in global oncology clinical trials, he has played key roles at Celgene Corp, Novartis Pharma, and Sanofi-Aventis, specializing in GI, Lung, GU, and Pediatric cancers. Stefano is passionate about increasing accessibility to cancer treatment globally. He holds a strong commitment to humanitarian efforts as a supporter of Save the Children. Stefano brings his expertise in both science and advocacy to his role on the advisory board

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    Fatima Scipione

    Fatima serves as the Vice President of Global Patient Affairs at Blueprint Medicines, a global, fully integrated biopharmaceutical company that invents life-changing medicines. We seek to alleviate human suffering by solving important medical problems in two core focus areas: allergy/inflammation and oncology/hematology.

    In her role, Fatima leads transformative collaborations with external advocacy groups, empowering and educating those affected by systemic mastocytosis. She has led the launch of significant initiatives such as GRTY Health’s SM patient platform, MastoConnect (https://mastoconnect.com), and Colors of SM (https://www.colorsofsm.com/), in partnership with the advocacy community, and actively chairs the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) patient committee, which looks to address the needs of marginalized and underrepresented communities.

    With over two decades of experience in the biopharma sector, Fatima is a dedicated and passionate advocate for patients. Celebrated by PharmaVoice 100 as one of the most inspiring leaders in patient advocacy, her work focuses on amplifying patient voices and harnessing the collective power of individuals to make a positive impact. Fatima is committed to enhancing patient engagement in the development of transformative medicines, ensuring that the patient perspective is integral to every stage of the process.

    She inspires her colleagues to foster a culture of purpose-driven advocacy, ensuring that patient welfare remains at the forefront of their mission. Beyond her professional role, Fatima is deeply involved in civic activities, continually dedicating herself to enhancing patient welfare and advocacy on a broader scale.

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    Frank Richard
    Vice President Medical, Heidelberg Pharma

    Frank has been working in the past in Immune-Oncology, Immunology& Respiratory, Rare Hematology Diseases and Iron Metabolism across big pharma and biotech.

    Frank holds a MD from Charité Medical University, Berlin, an MBA from University of Applied Sciences, Neu-Ulm, and is a board-certified Clinical Pharmacologist.

    Additionally, he exerts an unique expertise and interest in Bayesian Statistics and machine learning in Pharma and Biotech.

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