START unveils the Hope Hub, a digital platform connecting patients, physicians, and advocates with 720+ oncology trials in community settings

The START Center for Cancer Research has unveiled a new digital platform aimed at transforming how patients and physicians connect with oncology clinical trials. The START Hope Hub is designed to remove barriers to early-phase trial participation by enabling streamlined access to START’s global research network, which currently includes more than 720 active studies.

With over 80% of cancer patients treated outside major academic centers, many individuals face limited access to novel therapies still in early development. The START Hope Hub seeks to close that gap by offering a digital gateway to trial-matching tools and live support, allowing patients, caregivers, referring oncologists, and advocacy groups to explore trial options based on location, disease type, biomarkers, and other filters.

“The START Hope Hub is a major leap forward in how we bring cancer clinical trials, oncology trial resources, and empathetic navigators to patients and their treating oncologists,” said Nick Slack, MBE, chairman and CEO of START. “We’ve always believed that comprehensive cancer care, including access to trials, should be available to all patients—not just those at academic medical centers.”

The platform is built around both technology and human support. In addition to intelligent search tools, the initiative is backed by a dedicated team of patient navigators—known as the Hope Team—who help manage inquiries and provide real-time assistance.

Dr Chris Takimoto, global chief medical officer at START, added: “What the START Hope Hub provides is clarity, connection, and most importantly—possibility. It empowers oncologists and caregivers alike to explore the right options at the right time for the patients who need them most.”

In addition to supporting patients and physicians, the Hope Hub is expected to deliver strategic benefits to biopharma sponsors. By helping connect eligible participants to the right studies faster, the platform may help reduce trial cycle times, support timely enrolment, and ultimately accelerate drug development timelines.

As START continues to grow its community-based trial network, the Hope Hub will serve as a critical infrastructure component—enhancing clinical trial access, advancing patient equity, and supporting innovation in oncology research.