The START Center for Cancer Research, a global leader in early-phase cancer clinical trials, has announced a strategic partnership with Fundación Rioja Salud to establish a new clinical trial site in La Rioja, Spain. This expansion aims to broaden access to innovative cancer treatments for patients in the northern regions of Spain.
The new START unit will be located at San Pedro University Hospital, which treats approximately 1,800 new cancer patients annually. This location is strategically positioned to serve the northern provinces of Aragón, País Vasco, Navarra, Castilla y León, Cantabria, and Asturias, encompassing a population of 8.1 million. Many residents in these areas currently face limited access to oncology clinical trials, often requiring travel of over 200 miles to Madrid or Barcelona.
Enhancing Access to Cancer Research
"This partnership enables us to offer our community access to the forefront of cancer research and treatment options that were previously unavailable in our region," said Juan Carlos Oliva Pérez, CEO of Rioja Salud Fundación. The collaboration seeks to integrate advanced research into clinical practice, providing patients with novel therapeutic options.
Nick Slack, Chairman and CEO of START, emphasized the significance of the expansion: "By expanding our network to La Rioja, we are not only reaching more patients but also reinforcing our commitment to pioneering cancer research and care."
Commitment to Advancing Cancer Treatment
Dr. Emiliano Calvo, President of START Europe, highlighted the dedication to improving cancer treatment access: "Working alongside Rioja Salud, we aim to bring innovative therapies closer to patients, leveraging our combined expertise to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer."
The new early phase unit is expected to complement START's existing facilities in Madrid and Barcelona, enhancing the scope of available cancer clinical trials for Spanish patients. START clinical trial sites have conducted more than a thousand early-phase clinical trials, including for 43 therapies that were approved by the FDA or EMA.
