The START Center for Cancer Research has appointed Dr Navid Hafez as director of clinical research at its newly launched Los Angeles site, expanding its early-phase oncology trial footprint in the US community oncology setting.

Hafez joins START Los Angeles from The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, where he served as an attending physician, and previously held an academic role at Yale School of Medicine. His work has included leadership roles in investigator-initiated and sponsor-led oncology studies, spanning targeted therapies, immuno-oncology, combination regimens, and translational research.

The appointment coincides with the launch of START Los Angeles, which is embedded within Los Angeles Cancer Network, one of the largest community-based oncology practices in the US. The site is intended to support early-phase development programmes and expand access to clinical trials within a large and diverse patient population.

Nick Slack, chairman and CEO of START, said: “START is known for the caliber of its investigators and the depth of expertise they bring to early-phase oncology research. Dr Hafez exemplifies the scientific rigor, clinical insight, and patient-centered approach that define our network. His extensive experience in first-in-human and early-phase studies further strengthens our ability to execute complex development programs while expanding patient and physician access to the most advanced therapeutic options. He is joining an already world-class group of 40 principal investigators across the START Network.”

Hafez has been involved in multiple Phase 1 and Phase 1/2 studies and has worked on initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in trial enrolment and integrating research more closely into routine oncology care pathways.

Commenting on the appointment, Hafez said: “At its core, early-phase oncology research is about access: access to innovation, access to options, and access to hope. START’s model uniquely combines scientific rigor with community-based care, and I’m excited to help build a program in Los Angeles that serves patients, physicians, and sponsors at the highest level.”

Chris Takimoto, chief medical officer at START, added: “Dr Hafez brings a rare combination of deep scientific insight, early-phase execution experience, and a genuine commitment to patient-centered research. His expertise strengthens an already exceptional group of investigators across the START Network and enhances our ability to support complex development programs while expanding access to innovative therapies within the communities we serve. We look forward to having him lead our new START Los Angeles site.”

START Los Angeles is the 15th clinical trial site in the START Network. Through its partnership with Los Angeles Cancer Network, the site is positioned within a large community oncology infrastructure serving a regional population of more than 14 million people and an estimated 100,000 new cancer diagnoses each year. Los Angeles Cancer Network treats more than 14,000 new cancer patients annually across major tumour types, including breast, lung, hematologic malignancies, colorectal, prostate, and other solid tumours.

START focuses on early-phase clinical development and has conducted more than 1,000 early-phase trials, including studies that supported therapies later approved by FDA or EMA. The company positions its community-based model as a mechanism to broaden trial participation and accelerate early-stage oncology research.