Lyudmila Bazhenova, MD, Appointed Executive Officer of Alliance Respiratory Committee, Leading National Lung Cancer Clinical Trials
Lyudmila Bazhenova, MD, a thoracic oncologist at UC San Diego Health and faculty member at Moores Cancer Center, has spent her career advancing cancer treatment through clinical trials that offer hope to patients. Now, she’s taking her expertise to the national stage with her appointment as Executive Officer of the Respiratory Committee of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, a prominent research group supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
In this new role, Dr. Bazhenova will help shape national lung cancer trials, setting new standards of care across the country.
“I’m a clinical trialist at heart,” said Dr. Bazhenova. “This role gives me the chance to help bring smarter, more patient-centered trials to life — trials that will truly move the field forward.”
Building on Decades of Experience
Dr. Bazhenova has dedicated her career to improving patient outcomes through research, particularly in thoracic oncology. She has designed and led clinical trials testing new therapies, drugs, and treatment strategies for lung cancer, one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Her work spans academic research, patient care and clinical trial management.
Her appointment is a significant achievement, not just for Dr. Bazhenova but for UC San Diego Health. It highlights the institution’s growing influence in clinical oncology and its commitment to advancing lung cancer treatment. With this leadership role, Dr. Bazhenova will elevate the profile of Moores Cancer Center as a leader in cancer care and research.
Transforming Clinical Trials for Better Care
In her role with the Alliance, Dr. Bazhenova will work with a network of expert investigators to evaluate trial proposals, refine study designs and ensure that trials are both scientifically rigorous and relevant to patients. She views the position as an opportunity for mentorship and continuous learning.
“I’ll be working with brilliant physicians and nurses from across the country. Some I’ll mentor, and from others, I’ll learn. That exchange is what fuels better science — and better care,” she explained.
Her leadership will also focus on making clinical trials more accessible and patient friendly. One of the challenges Dr. Bazhenova is passionate about is addressing “time toxicity,” referring to the unnecessary hours patients spend navigating complex trial protocols, such as multiple visits, tests, and long waiting periods between appointments.
“If a test or visit isn’t essential, we need to question whether it belongs in the trial,” she said. “A patient’s time is precious, and cutting out unnecessary hurdles is an essential part of compassionate care.”
Lung Cancer: A Disease of Many Faces
Lung cancer has long been one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. However, as scientific understanding of the disease has advanced, it is now clear that lung cancer is not a single entity but rather a range of molecular subtypes, each requiring different treatment approaches.
Dr. Bazhenova stresses the importance of clinical trials that reflect this complexity. “Lung cancer is no longer just one disease — it’s many,” she said. “Our trials must reflect that complexity, while also being accessible and feasible for patients.”
To address this, Dr. Bazhenova is committed to ensuring that trial designs are adaptable to the wide range of patients and clinical scenarios. She also advocates for making trials more accessible to patients in community settings, where the majority of cancer care is provided.
Collaborating for Impact
As Executive Officer, Dr. Bazhenova will collaborate with other cooperative groups like SWOG Cancer Research Network (formerly the Southwest Oncology Group) and Cooperative (ECOG-ACRIN) to eliminate redundant studies and optimize the national trial portfolio. This effort will streamline the clinical trial process, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that patients have access to the most relevant trials.
“We’re not just designing trials — we’re crafting strategy,” she said. “The goal is not just to conduct more research, but to conduct the right research that will ultimately benefit the most patients.”
This collaboration is crucial because clinical trial resources are often limited. Optimizing the national trial portfolio ensures that the most effective treatments are tested and delivered to patients in a timely manner. Dr. Bazhenova’s role in coordinating these efforts will contribute to finding better treatments for lung cancer and improving patient care.
Moores Cancer Center’s Advantage
Dr. Bazhenova’s appointment also brings significant benefits to UC San Diego Health and Moores Cancer Center. As one of only 58 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, Moores Cancer Center plays a pivotal role in leading clinical trials and research. Dr. Bazhenova’s position within the Alliance will enhance Moores Cancer Center’s national reputation and contribute to its leadership in shaping the future of lung cancer treatment.
“It’s crucial for our faculty to be engaged in national leadership,” said Dr. Bazhenova. “I hope my role inspires others here to pursue similar opportunities.”
Dr. Bazhenova’s leadership in the Alliance’s Respiratory Committee will strengthen Moores Cancer Center’s presence in national cooperative group research, which is vital for securing future funding and grants. This will support continued advancements in cancer treatment and research at Moores Cancer Center.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Bazhenova’s work is driven by a commitment to helping patients, especially those with rare molecular subtypes, access the most advanced therapies. She’s thrilled by the possibility of seeing new drugs work for the first time in patients.
“That’s when you realize you might be witnessing history — seeing a new drug work before anyone else knows about it,” she said. “It’s thrilling — and it’s why I do this work.”
Whether enrolling patients in trials, mentoring junior faculty, or shaping the future of national studies, Dr. Bazhenova is guided by a simple belief: research changes lives.
“We owe it to our patients to do better,” she said. “And research is how we get there.”