14th Annual Clinical Trials in Oncology East Coast 2025

Discover effective strategies for oncology trial operations to ensure trials run smoothly and within budget.

8 - 9

July

2025
  • The Westin Waltham Boston, Boston, USA
  • Complimentary
  • Why attend?
  • Agenda
  • Speakers
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Event Gallery
  • 2025 Sponsors
  • Media Centre
  • Contact Us
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Why attend?

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR 2025?

Clinical Trials in Oncology is the meeting place for leading pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology institutes. Discover how to excel in oncology operations and clinical supply strategy as well as form key connections for long-term success for your clinical trial.

150+

Attendees

20+

Exhibitors

25+

Speakers

150+

Attendees

20+

Exhibitors

25+

Speakers

See What It's All About

Agenda

  • 8 Jul 2025
  • 9 Jul 2025
Expand All

Streams

Stream one

STREAM A: Clinical Operations

Stream two

STREAM B: Patient Centricity

11:15 AM

Keeping patients at the heart of clinical trials: how to incorporate patient centricity throughout oncology studies

  • 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

T.J Sharpe
Patient Advocate

11:45 AM

Available for event sponsor

12:15 PM

PANEL: Boosting recruitment in oncology trials by incorporating patient friendly language that effectively conveys information

  • Equipping patients with a better understanding of your trial to increase recruitment
  • Modifying communication strategies to ensure patients feels fully informed with decision making and giving consent
  • Incorporating health literacy in all stages of patient communication to ensure fully transparent clinical trials

Speakers

Irisaida Méndez
Patient Advocate, IMKahlo
T.J Sharpe
Patient Advocate
Annlouise Assaf
Senior Director, Global Medical Patient Impact Assessment, Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer
Shawn Keogan
Director of Patient Advocacy and Professional Relations, GenMab

1 PM

Available for event sponsor

1:30 PM

Lunch and networking

2:30 PM

Utilizing emerging technologies to enhance patient experience during oncology trials

  • Analyzing the latest trends in technology that assist in delivering a better patient experience
  • Utilizing technologies that enhance patient experience and efficiency of study
  • Understanding how to successfully incorporate new technology to improve patient trial experience

Speakers

Lisa La
Early Development Project & Team Leader, Oncology, Sanofi

3 PM

Available for event sponsor

3:30 PM

Designing an effective patient recruitment strategy for a rare cancer trial

  • Patient identification: how to find patients who are eligible to participate in trials for rare forms of cancer
  • Collaborating with patient advocacy groups to facilitate and boost recruitment
  • What makes recruiting for a rare cancer trial unique?

Speakers

Chris Adams
CEO, Andarix Pharmaceuticals

4 PM

Afternoon refreshments and networking

4:30 PM

Raising community awareness of oncology trials to reach target patient populations and boost numbers of participants

  • Exploring ways to effectively communicate information about your trial to wider patient populations
  • Learning how to target eligible patients through increased awareness
  • Connecting with communities to address patient worries in trial participation

Speakers

Annlouise Assaf
Senior Director, Global Medical Patient Impact Assessment, Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer

5 PM

Available for event sponsor

5:30 PM

Reducing patient burden for a positive oncology trial experience

  • Understanding what burdens are placed on patients participating in your study
  • Identifying ways your trial could alleviate patient burden
  • Implementing patient centric strategies that create a more positive experience

Reserved for CISCRP

8 AM

Registration and refreshments

8:35 AM

Chairperson’s opening remarks

8:45 AM

PANEL: What does the new administration mean for oncology trials in the US? An overview of the impact

  • 6 months in: evaluating the impact of a new administration on clinical trials
  • Navigating and implementing new regulation effectively
  • Understanding how the geopolitical landscape is affecting oncology trials inside and outside of the US

Speakers

Fatima Scipione
Vice President, Global Patient Affairs, Blueprint Medicines
Giovanni Abbadessa
Chief Medical Officer, ModeX Therapeutics

9:15 AM

Available for featured sponsor

9:45 AM

Case study: How to successfully pick the right CRO for increased efficiency and better oncology trial results

  • Identifying and creating criteria that addresses exactly what your study needs to make the selection process easier
  • Strengthening relationships with CROs by communicating effectively throughout your study
  • Understanding and assessing CROs capabilities tailored to your specific trial needs to avoid running into roadblocks

Speakers

Andrea Bottkova
Director, Vendor And Contracts Managemen, Karyopharm Therapeutics

10:15 AM

Available for featured sponsor

10:45 AM

Morning refreshments and networking

11:15 AM

Discovering new approaches to protocol design in oncology trials that shorten study timelines and decrease cost

  • Designing a protocol that adapts to increased complexities in trials to shorten timelines
  • Creating adaptable designs that allows flexibility during trials for increased efficiency
  • Strengthening foundations of your trial with a clearly defined protocol ensuring the collection of valid data

Speakers

Leena Gandhi
Chief Medical Officer, NextPoint Therapeutics, Inc

11:45 AM

Available for event sponsor

12:15 PM

PANEL: Exploring developments in AI to identify how your oncology clinical trial can be enhanced

  • Evaluating current trends in AI technology
  • Understanding how AI can enhance areas of clinical studies
  • Identifying where AI can be incorporated and how to implement this effectively in your company

Speakers

Tomasz Adamusiak
Chief Scientist, Clinical Quality and Data Science, MITRE
Irena Webster
Senior Vice President, Development & Operations, Incendia Therapeutics

1 PM

Available for event sponsor

1:30 PM

Lunch and networking

2:30 PM

Effectively navigating vendor relationships: how to maintain communication to ensure your oncology trial is prioritized

  • Tips and tricks for stakeholders to maintain relationships throughout study
  • Establishing strong communication patterns that convey information effectively for smooth running of trials
  • Learning tactics that will capture vendor attention throughout study timelines

Speakers

Irena Webster
Senior Vice President, Development & Operations, Incendia Therapeutics

3 PM

Available for event sponsor

3:30 PM

Breaking down silos in teams and encouraging collaboration across your company for increased efficiency

  • Exploring communication methods that encourage a collaborative culture across a company
  • Implementing a strategy that breaks down silos and redefines how teams work together
  • How working closely with other teams can foster collaboration when working towards shared goals

Speakers

Michelle Joseph
Associate Director, Data Management, Alkermes

4 PM

Afternoon refreshments and networking

4:30 PM

Data aggregation in oncology trials: ensuring your sites are collecting data in a timely and efficient manner

  • Incorporating site-friendly technology to facilitate data collection and decrease errors or delays
  • Methods to increase efficiency in data collection at sites
  • Working closely with site staff to ensure data is gathered

Speakers

Holly Huang
Vice President, Head of Biometrics, Denovo Biopharma

5 PM

Available for event sponsor

5:30 PM

Selecting the right endpoints to obtain correct data and shorten oncology trial timelines

  • Corresponding trial design to endpoints that focus on important areas of your study
  • Utilizing endpoints to obtain meaningful data that increases validity of your trial
  • Optimizing shorter timelines and decreasing cost by clearly defining endpoints

Reserved for GlobalData

6 PM

Chair’s closing remarks

END OF DAY 1 AND NETWORKING DRINKS

8 AM

Registration and refreshments

8:50 AM

Chair’s opening remarks

9 AM

PROBLEM-SOLVING ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

During the roundtable discussion session, the conference hall will be divided into zones. Delegates can choose which zone they would like to join. Each zone will be led by a table moderator and will focus on a different challenge within the running of an oncology trial in the US.

 

ROUNDTABLE 1: Weighing up the pros and cons of different trial designs to enhance your clinical study
ROUNDTABLE 2: Optimizing site budgets and minimizing cost through clinical study strategies
ROUNDTABLE 3: Breaking down distrust of AI to effectively implement new technology in your company
ROUNDTABLE 4: Analyzing opportunities to include decentralized and hybrid elements in your clinical trial

10 AM

Available for event sponsor

10:30 AM

Morning refreshments and networking

11 AM

Going paperless: Overcoming the challenges and reaping benefits of implementing digital solutions in oncology trials

  • Pre-implementation data and workflow challenges – A look at the inefficiencies and pain points in paper-based workflows and the impact on data management
  • Navigating the implementation process – Key steps, challenges, and site engagement strategies for successfully transitioning to fully digital workflows
  • Post-implementation impact: A transformative shift – How real-time oversight has reshaped workflows, improved data accuracy, and enhanced site operation

Speakers

Ayat Alsaraby
Sr. Manager, Clinical Biomarker Operations, Repare Therapeutics

11:30 AM

Available for event sponsor

12 PM

Case Study: Genmab’s patient focused efforts around clinical trials

Speakers

Shawn Keogan
Director of Patient Advocacy and Professional Relations, GenMab

12:30 PM

Available for event sponsor

1 PM

Lunch and networking

2 PM

EXHIBITION APPLE 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 vouchers. The Prize Draw will take place in the Exhibition Hall, make sure you don’t miss out!

2:30 PM

Using the Budget to Facilitate Improved Alignment Between CROs and Sponsors in Oncology Trials

  • Utilizing trial budgets to increase efficiency between CROs and Sponsors
  • Establishing trial expectations by conveying budget outlines effectively
  • Ensuring your trial stays within budget throughout the full timeline

Speakers

David Murcar
Associate Director, Procurement, Immunocore Limited

3 PM

Available for event sponsor

3:30 PM

Implementing a strong RBQM strategy through data driven decisions that ensure quality throughout oncology trials

  • Designing a framework through data driven decisions ensuring quality throughout your clinical trial
  • How to implement a RBQM roadmap that promotes quality throughout your study
  • Exploring emerging technologies that can strengthen current approaches when creating a RBQM strategy

Reserved for Tufts CSDD

4 PM

Available for event sponsor

4:30 PM

Forecasting and managing budgets to ensure financial feasibility throughout your oncology trial

  • Mapping out trial budgets to ensure financial feasibility throughout your study
  • Securing VC funding through communication and forecasting budgets
  • Strategies to avoid overspending by tracking finances during trials

Speakers

Giovanni Abbadessa
Chief Medical Officer, ModeX Therapeutics

5 PM

Chair’s closing remarks

END OF CONFERENCE

Speakers

Select a speaker to learn more

Back
Chris Adams
CEO, Andarix Pharmaceuticals

Mr. Adams has been a founder or co-founder of life science and technology based companies in Massachusetts for the past several years. Mr. Adams has been instrumental in developing new proprietary therapeutic and medical device technologies and bringing the technologies to commercialization. The companies he has founded include, Compellis Pharmaceuticals, a developer of therapeutics to treat obesity and its co-morbidities, diabetes and hypertension and Mosaic Technologies, a venture backed MIT spin-out genomics company that developed patented technologies for genetic analysis and detection. Chris is the holder of more than 20 issued US and international patents for medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Session Details:

Designing an effective patient recruitment strategy for a rare cancer trial

2025-07-08, 3:30 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Fatima Scipione
Vice President, Global Patient Affairs, Blueprint Medicines

Fatima is passionate about elevating the patient voice on a global scale.

She believes that understanding patient experiences and challenges is essential to speeding up the development of life-changing medicines. Further, she advocates in support of patients gaining the skills, courage, and knowledge to navigate through a cancer diagnosis, to make informed decisions, and to ensure they can advocate for and achieve the best care possible.

This fierce passion and commitment to putting the needs of patients first is evident in her decades-long career where she is recognized as an influential global advocate thought leader focused on patient centered research, policy, access, and regulatory impact.

She has held multiple senior management positions in healthcare and is a respected member of the biopharma and cancer communities. Fatima has contributed to numerous publications in partnership with the advocacy community and key academic researchers to advance patient-centered care, as well as being included in the PharmaVOICE 100 in 2014 and receiving the Trailblazer Brand Champion Award from PM3670 in 2015

Session Details:

PANEL: What does the new administration mean for oncology trials in the US? An overview of the impact

2025-07-08, 8:45 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Holly Huang
Vice President, Head of Biometrics, Denovo Biopharma

Session Details:

Data aggregation in oncology trials: ensuring your sites are collecting data in a timely and efficient manner

2025-07-08, 4:30 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Michelle Joseph
Associate Director, Data Management, Alkermes

Session Details:

Breaking down silos in teams and encouraging collaboration across your company for increased efficiency

2025-07-08, 3:30 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Shawn Keogan
Director of Patient Advocacy and Professional Relations, GenMab

Shawn Keogan, Ph.D., is the Director of Patient Advocacy and Professional Relations at Genmab, where she leads efforts to build strategic partnerships with advocacy organizations, professional societies, and patients. She is responsible for advancing patient engagement initiatives to gather patient perspectives and ensure they are integrated into development and commercialization strategies. Shawn holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Drexel University College of Medicine.

Session Details:

PANEL: Boosting recruitment in oncology trials by incorporating patient friendly language that effectively conveys information

2025-07-08, 12:15 PM

Session Details:

Case Study: Genmab’s patient focused efforts around clinical trials

2025-07-09, 12:00 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Irena Webster
Senior Vice President, Development & Operations, Incendia Therapeutics

Session Details:

Effectively navigating vendor relationships: how to maintain communication to ensure your oncology trial is prioritized

2025-07-08, 2:30 PM

Session Details:

PANEL: Exploring developments in AI to identify how your oncology clinical trial can be enhanced

2025-07-08, 12:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
David Murcar
Associate Director, Procurement, Immunocore Limited

Mr Murcar has worked in the CRO industry for 25 years, primarily managing proposal and contract development. He has a particular background in the development of Phase II/III budgeting tools. For the last five years he has worked in biotech helping to facilitate the selection and financial management of CROs related to oncology and infectious disease studies.

Session Details:

Using the Budget to Facilitate Improved Alignment Between CROs and Sponsors in Oncology Trials

2025-07-09, 2:30 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Irisaida Méndez
Patient Advocate, IMKahlo

: Irisaida Mendez is a seasoned multicultural communications expert with a unique ability to weave compelling narratives that transcend geographic boundaries. She is passionate about raising awareness for global issues through highlighting acculturation and modeling methods that bridge language and cultural divides. Her expertise in multicultural communications and crisis management makes her a leading figure in impactful transmedia projects, seamlessly integrating quantitative and qualitative research. Her contributions span a diverse range of fields, from clinical trial development and end-of-life care to microbusiness empowerment and global training initiatives.

Her storytelling work has taken her impact to Ghana, Ethiopia, Haiti, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Albania, and South Korea, where she has used her skills to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for social change.

Under Univision Foundation, Irisaida spearheaded a trauma-informed parenting campaign in Spanish, providing crucial support to families navigating the difficult aftermath of disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the LA Fires. This initiative helped families cope with the emotional challenges of these devastating events. Also, La fuerza STEM, a multi-platform edutainment initiative designed to empower caregivers to cultivate a love for science in children, has earned widespread recognition. This project, which garnered multiple awards including an Emmy Award and a Silver Anthem Award, inspires the next generation of STEM leaders by providing a multigenerational approach to informal science.

Having navigated her own journey as a Stage 4 cancer survivor who is now NED (no evidence of disease), Irisaida is a sought-after Patient Advocate speaker, using her powerful voice to empower others and advocate for their needs at state and national conferences. Her ability to craft and share impactful narratives, born from personal experience, has earned her widespread recognition.

Session Details:

PANEL: Boosting recruitment in oncology trials by incorporating patient friendly language that effectively conveys information

2025-07-08, 12:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Andrea Bottkova
Director, Vendor And Contracts Managemen, Karyopharm Therapeutics

I currently work as Senior Director of Procurement and Vendor Management at Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. I have been negotiating contracts for little over fifteen years. Working 10 years in the biotech industry I have gained an excellent Understanding of all areas of research and development. In 2019 I helped establish Karyopharm’ s vendor management and procurement department to support vendor oversight, strategic sourcing maximizing financial savings. I am passionate about building partnerships and negotiating business terms of contracts resulting in several million dollar savings annually. I believe that I have perfected my negotiations skills while learning from my very curious 7-year-old son Barton.

Session Details:

Case study: How to successfully pick the right CRO for increased efficiency and better oncology trial results

2025-07-08, 9:45 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Tomasz Adamusiak
Chief Scientist, Clinical Quality and Data Science, MITRE

Tomasz Adamusiak, MD PhD, serves as the Chief Scientist for Clinical Quality and Data Science at MITRE, where he leads initiatives to improve healthcare outcomes through AI and real-world evidence. Previously, as Head of Data Science at the Pfizer Innovation Research Lab, he led work on digital endpoints and decentralized clinical trials. He has held leadership positions within the American Medical Informatics Association and SNOMED International, and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.

Session Details:

PANEL: Exploring developments in AI to identify how your oncology clinical trial can be enhanced

2025-07-08, 12:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Giovanni Abbadessa
Chief Medical Officer, ModeX Therapeutics

Giovanni was born in Naples, Italy. While studying Medicine, he volunteered on projects for the poor, sick and lepers in Italy, Albania, India. He was a subinvestigator on 4 oncology clinical trials during his Clinical Oncology in Milan since 2001; moved to Philadelphia, PA, USA in 2005 where enrolled in a PhD program in Genetic Oncology, performing in vitro and in vivo gene therapy studies in cancer models. In 2007 he moved to Boston to lead cancer drug development programs in small biotech companies; at ArQule he led lab research, clinical development and medical affairs and brought 7 molecules to Ph1-3 clinical development. In 2017 he joined Sanofi, where as VP and Head of Oncology Early Development he oversaw development of over 20 clinical experimental drugs, as many preclinical, through teams of ~300 people, besides helping with Business Development and Investor Relations. In addition, Giovanni consulted for a couple of dozen companies and VC funds, scientific societies, and Governments. In 2008 Giovanni founded the nonprofit Professionisti Italiani a Boston, which has hosted 100+ cultural and networking events; in 2014 he founded Scuola PIB, a nonprofit Italian Saturday school with over 170 pupils in 2025

Session Details:

PANEL: What does the new administration mean for oncology trials in the US? An overview of the impact

2025-07-08, 8:45 AM

Session Details:

Forecasting and managing budgets to ensure financial feasibility throughout your oncology trial

2025-07-09, 4:30 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Leena Gandhi
Chief Medical Officer, NextPoint Therapeutics, Inc

Session Details:

Discovering new approaches to protocol design in oncology trials that shorten study timelines and decrease cost

2025-07-08, 11:15 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Annlouise Assaf
Senior Director, Global Medical Patient Impact Assessment, Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer

Session Details:

Raising community awareness of oncology trials to reach target patient populations and boost numbers of participants

2025-07-08, 4:30 PM

Session Details:

PANEL: Boosting recruitment in oncology trials by incorporating patient friendly language that effectively conveys information

2025-07-08, 12:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Ayat Alsaraby
Sr. Manager, Clinical Biomarker Operations, Repare Therapeutics

Ayat is a leading expert in biospecimen management, solutions, and chain of custody, with over a decade of experience advancing best practices in clinical and research settings. She has a proven track record of developing and implementing innovative strategies for the collection, storage, and utilization of biospecimens while ensuring compliance with the highest regulatory and quality standards.

Passionate about driving progress in the field, Ayat has pioneered solutions that enhance efficiency, integrity, and precision in biospecimen management. Her expertise plays a critical role in supporting scientific discoveries and healthcare advancements. A trusted thought leader, she continues to shape the future of biospecimen management through advocacy and innovative solutions that drive medical breakthroughs and better patient care.

Session Details:

Going paperless: Overcoming the challenges and reaping benefits of implementing digital solutions in oncology trials

2025-07-09, 11:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Lisa La
Early Development Project & Team Leader, Oncology, Sanofi

Session Details:

Utilizing emerging technologies to enhance patient experience during oncology trials

2025-07-08, 2:30 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
T.J Sharpe
Patient Advocate

Session Details:

PANEL: Boosting recruitment in oncology trials by incorporating patient friendly language that effectively conveys information

2025-07-08, 12:15 PM

Session Details:

Keeping patients at the heart of clinical trials: how to incorporate patient centricity throughout oncology studies

2025-07-08, 11:15 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker

Plan Your Visit

Venue

The Westin Waltham Boston 70 Third Avenue Waltham, MA 02451, US

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2025 Sponsors

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FEATURED SPONSORS

Session Sponsors

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Exhibitors

CO-SPONSOR

Media Centre

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A fantastic network of your peers and colleagues!

 

Clinical Operations in Oncology is the meeting place for leading pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology institutes. Discover how to excel in oncology operations and clinical supply strategy as well as form key connections for long-term success for your clinical trial.

See What It's All About

Press releases

  • 14 May -Clinical Operations In Oncology Trials Press release

    Download download press release

Enquiry

Contact Us

SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES

Conor Taylor

Sponsorship Sales Manager

+44 (0)20 7936 6870

SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES

Louisa Perry

Head of Oncology Portfolio

+44 207661 906

MARKETING ENQUIRIES

Moona Popal

Marketing Manager

+44 (0) 20 7936 6656

DELEGATE ENQUIRIES

Sunny Saikia

VIP Delegate Manager

Sponsorship Enquiries

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities for the conference, please contact:

 

Conor Taylor

Sponsorship Sales Manager


+44 (0) 20 7936 6870

Speaker Enquiries

To enquire about speaking opportunities for the conference, please contact:

 

Louisa Perry

Head of Oncology Portfolio


+44 207661 906