Highlands Oncology and Paradigm have reported a 45% increase in clinical trial enrolment in Northwest Arkansas, US.
This collaboration aims to expand the accessibility of trials for people throughout the region, enhancing treatment options and care.
Highlands Oncology is a cancer centre based in Northwest Arkansas and serves patients across Arkansas and neighbouring Oklahoma and Missouri.
The centre has been working with Paradigm to assess the viability of new trials and to streamline subject recruitment processes in trials.
The partnership between Highlands and Paradigm is claimed to have improved the productivity and efficiency of the research team.
Highlands Oncology Research medical director and co-founder Thaddeus Beck said: “Northwest Arkansas is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family, however, there are tremendous geographical barriers to participation in university-based clinical research programs in the region.
“Highlands is dedicated to providing the highest quality of cancer care as well as fulfilling the need for patient access to clinical trials in our community.”
Paradigm's role includes the secure integration of patient clinical data from Highlands' electronic medical records, along with test results from all five of Highlands' molecular testing vendors.
This integration is vital in optimising the recruitment process for clinical trials.
Furthermore, Highlands benefits from access to new Phase I, II, and III interventional therapeutic clinical trials. These opportunities, provided by Paradigm, come from pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors.
The trials are pre-qualified and selected to match Highlands' patient demographics, capabilities, research interests, and objectives, ensuring a strategic fit for the centre's clinical trial portfolio.
Paradigm CEO Kent Thoelke said: “Access to cancer care varies dramatically depending on where you live.
“We're proud to help create more equitable access to clinical trials for patients in Arkansas through our work with Highlands, as well as in similar communities across the US. We imagine a world where everyone can get the most advanced care possible, no matter their geography.”
