Cancer research planning and administration
Contact our teamCancer research is advancing quickly, often outpacing the infrastructure needed to bring new discoveries to patients.
Fragmented planning, slow study start-up, limited trial networks, and the demands of NCI designation can constrain a research program’s reach and impact.
Chartis helps cancer centers strengthen research strategy, clinical research and trial operations, network development, and NCI designation readiness. By connecting these capabilities, we help leaders build a stronger foundation for research growth, accelerate study activation, and expand access to clinical trials.
Turning research innovation into real-world impact
Research has never been more crucial—or promising—in the journey to cure cancer. The opportunity is significant, but so is the access gap. A 2024 Journal of Clinical Oncology study found that just 7.1% of patients with cancer participated in treatment trials, compared with 21.6% at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, underscoring the importance of building the strategy, infrastructure, and operations needed to support a strong research program.
Building stronger cancer research programs
As the nation’s leading oncology advisory firm, Chartis brings deep cancer research expertise across strategy, clinical trial operations, network development, and NCI designation. We tailor that expertise to each organization’s research ambitions, capabilities, and starting point.
- Build a research strategy around your organization. We assess the current state, benchmark performance against leading cancer centers, and develop a clear plan for building or advancing the research enterprise.
- Expand the reach of clinical trials. We support multi-site network planning through owned and partnered models, creating a practical path to broader trial access and larger, more diverse populations for accrual.
- Optimize clinical research operations. We work alongside research teams to streamline processes, strengthen training, and implement practical tools that accelerate study start-up while improving safety, financial performance, and risk management.
- Prepare for NCI designation. We provide strategy, gap assessment, business planning, and preparation support tied to Cancer Center Support Grant requirements.
- Strengthen NCI designation renewal. We provide focused guidance on core grant requirements, EAB review, and opportunities to strengthen the submission and improve scores.
The science can move quickly. The challenge is building a research program that can keep pace, from opening studies efficiently to reaching more of the patients who could benefit from them. ”
Frequently asked questions
How can cancer centers improve clinical trial accrual and expand patient access?
Cancer programs should look beyond individual trials to the network supporting them. A well-planned multi-site model, using owned or partnered locations, can extend clinical trial access to larger and more diverse patient populations while creating more opportunities for accrual.
How can cancer centers reduce clinical trial start-up time?
Reducing study start-up time requires consistent, efficient processes across the research program. Streamlining workflows, strengthening staff training, and equipping teams with practical tools can help studies open faster while supporting safety, financial performance, and risk management.
What should cancer research programs assess before pursuing NCI designation?
Cancer centers should begin by assessing their current capabilities against NCI requirements. This helps leaders identify gaps, establish priorities, develop a business plan, and prepare for Cancer Center Support Grant requirements and EAB review.
From care barriers to a frictionless patient experience: An NCI cancer center launches a navigation program
An NCI-designated cancer center sought to ensure every patient’s individual needs are met throughout their cancer journey. Its new navigation program profoundly improved the patient experience.
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