Dr. Edward Kim, physician-in-chief at City of Hope Orange County, is spearheading transformative changes in cancer care and clinical research, driven by a deeply personal mission to improve healthcare accessibility for all patients. His groundbreaking work in expanding clinical trial access and reducing discriminatory eligibility criteria has earned him recognition as the 2024 Giants of Cancer Care inductee for community outreach and education.
Kim's journey into oncology was shaped by early personal tragedy - the loss of his younger brother Donald to a heart condition at age 12. This experience, combined with witnessing healthcare disparities in his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, fueled his commitment to providing equitable healthcare access regardless of patients' backgrounds or locations.
Revolutionizing Clinical Trial Access
"We are not using the correct playbook here," Kim asserts, addressing the traditionally restrictive nature of clinical trial protocols. His collaboration with Friends of Cancer Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the National Cancer Institute, and the FDA has led to significant reforms in trial eligibility criteria.
Notable achievements include the inclusion of HIV patients in clinical trials, recognizing their similar survival rates to the general population, and the acceptance of patients with brain metastases, acknowledging modern drugs' ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. These changes represent a fundamental shift toward more inclusive and representative clinical research.
Expanding Community-Based Research
Under Kim's leadership, City of Hope is extending clinical trial access beyond major cancer centers into community practices and network sites. "Not everyone can travel to an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center," Kim explains. This initiative marks what his colleague Dr. Richard T. Lee describes as a "paradigm shift for a lot of cancer centers."
Integrative Oncology Innovation
As executive sponsor of one of the country's largest integrative oncology programs, Kim is working to bridge the gap between conventional and holistic cancer care. The program aims to establish scientifically rigorous standards for complementary therapies, addressing a critical need in cancer treatment.
Future Vision for Personalized Care
Kim emphasizes the importance of considering each patient's cultural background and individual needs in cancer treatment. He envisions technology, particularly artificial intelligence, playing a crucial role in overcoming language barriers and improving medical communication across diverse populations.
"We need to be cognizant of each individual patient, not just by what their disease dictates but their culture and what's important to them, including holistic care," Kim states, outlining his vision for the future of oncology.
His commitment to improving cancer care extends beyond clinical practice to mentorship and leadership. "As leaders, we have to use our positions to help other people grow," Kim reflects, emphasizing his dedication to creating opportunities for the next generation of oncology professionals.
