Innovations in Oncology Clinical Trial Design: a New Partnership with Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego and Biocom to Bring New Therapies to Patients Faster
Leaders in oncology research, technology, and patient advocacy gathered in San Diego for the Innovations in Oncology Clinical Trial Design symposium, presented by UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center in partnership with Biocom California. The half-day program focused on new models of clinical trial design, biomarker integration, and technological innovation to improve the speed, efficiency, and accessibility of cancer therapies.
The event opened with remarks from Tim Scott, President and CEO of Biocom California, who described San Diego’s growing role as a national hub for clinical research and collaboration. “Drugs start in academic environments, then move through biotech companies and pharma partnerships,” Scott said. “Without every part of that chain, progress doesn’t happen.” He noted that the region’s close network of researchers and companies fosters the kind of coordination that advances patient-focused innovation.
Diane Simeone, MD, Director of Moores Cancer Center, emphasized the center’s goal of translating research into clinical impact: “At UCSD, our mission is to turn groundbreaking research into real-world treatments. By fostering strong partnerships across academia, industry, and our clinical teams, we can accelerate discovery and bring new therapies to cancer patients faster.”
The Lens of the Patient Perspective
A key part of the symposium was former El Centro Mayor Sylvia Marroquin’s account of her experience as a kidney cancer survivor and clinical trial participant. Diagnosed with stage four renal cancer, she joined the PDIGREE trial at Moores Cancer Center. “I agreed to participate, and look, I’m here now,” she said. “Clinical trials work. They give us hope that cancer no longer means the end of life.” She is now years out from the trial and is disease-free, highlighting the role of trial participation in expanding patients’ options, where is many cases a clinical trial option may be the best option for possible cure.
Redefining Trial Design and Technology
Sessions throughout the afternoon addressed how new methodologies are changing the research landscape. Meredith Buxton, PhD, MPH, CEO of the Global Coalition for Adaptive Research, and Jake Vinson, MHA, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium, discussed adaptive and platform trials that allow multiple therapies to be tested more efficiently. In Biomarker Integration and Precision Medicine, Moores Members Jason Sicklick, MD, Trey Ideker, PhD, and Aditya Bardia, MD, examined how AI and deep learning models are helping match patients with targeted treatments and generate data for new emerging endpoints. Chadi Nabhan, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Strategy at Ryght, Inc., outlined how AI can improve operational efficiency in trial management. “Clinical trials take 10 to 15 years to complete,” he said. “AI can shorten that time by automating processes like protocol writing, feasibility assessments, and site selection.” He also pointed to the importance of responsible implementation. “AI isn’t replacing human expertise; it’s making it more effective. Regulation will be essential to ensure patient safety and public trust.”
Strengthening Collaboration Across the Ecosystem
Later sessions examined how technology and collaboration can reduce delays and broaden patient participation. Rana McKay, MD, Medical Oncologist and Professor of Medicine and Urology, discussed strategies for shortening trial activation timelines, noting, “To get promising treatments to patients sooner, we need to rethink how quickly and collaboratively we move. It’s about shortening the time it takes to launch trials and strengthening partnerships with community clinics so that more people can access clinical trials closer to home.” Other speakers highlighted partnerships with community health centers that bring screening and trial opportunities to more diverse populations. Throughout the day, panelists emphasized that progress depends on coordination across academia, industry, and healthcare delivery. The discussions reflected a shared goal: to build a clinical research system that reaches more patients and delivers promising treatments more effectively.
Looking Forward
The symposium concluded with a networking session that encouraged continued collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and biotech partners. For many participants, it reinforced the region’s role as a model for integrated cancer research. “It’s important to have events like this,” said Dr. Nabhan. “They bring everyone involved in clinical trials together to discuss how to improve design and operations. The focus is on moving forward.” By centering on patients, embracing data-driven tools, and building stronger partnerships, San Diego’s oncology community is shaping a more connected and efficient future for cancer care.