Oncology clinical trial patient speaking to a physician.

Early Phase Oncology and Hematology Therapeutic Expertise

Transform your innovative science into proven clinical outcomes

From first-in-human studies to complex Phase I/II programs, the dedicated team of the PPD™ clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific enable you unlock your asset’s potential while laying the foundation for later-phase success.

An early phase oncology clinical trial participant walking down the hallway with the assistance of a nurse.

Accelerate your first-in-human and early phase oncology trials

Early phase oncology clinical trials — often referred to as Phase I and Phase I/II trials — are the first steps in testing new cancer therapies in humans. These trials focus on evaluating the safety, dose, side effects, and initial signs of efficacy of the drug.

They are the culmination of years or even decades of research. Moreover, they set the stage for subsequent studies that will ultimately determine your compound’s efficacy, safety and positive impact on patients’ lives.

Early phase oncology trials are important in clinical research because it is the first opportunity for patients with advanced cancers to access innovative therapies. They are increasingly driven by precision medicine — matching drugs to molecular profiles — to enroll biomarker-selected patients who may show early signs of clinical activity, especially with targeted or immunotherapy agents.

Our early development oncology services group is a reliable team of experts who understand that the early phase of oncology development is more than just a stepping stone — it’s where innovation meets reality. We’re structured to deliver both scientific rigor and operational excellence with the flexibility of an agile contract research organization (CRO). We also offer a dedicated team and personalized solutions for biotech organizations.

Depth of experience across indications

Solid tumors

Hematologic malignancies

Rare cancers

Cell and gene therapy

Over the past five years, our early phase oncology and hematology experts have supported:

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early phase studies

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indications

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global sites

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countries

  • Solid tumors
  • Non-small-cell lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Glioblastoma
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Pancreatic ductal carcinoma
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Head and neck carcinoma
  • Renal cell carcinoma
  • Cholangiocarcinoma
  • Neuroendocrine carcinoma
  • Cachexia
  • Acute myeloid leukemia
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • B-cell lymphoma
  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Hemophilia B
  • Rare hematologic conditions
Lab technician sorting pharmaceuticals

Unmatched knowledge and experience

Expert team and innovative solutions

Our early phase oncology services group offers you access to dedicated, hands-on teams embedded within local clinical ecosystems — offering rapid startup, direct site collaboration and culturally tailored patient engagement strategies. We’re present where your trial matters most.

We employ cutting-edge technologies such as AI and machine learning to optimize trial design and execution, enhancing predictive modeling for patient outcomes and trial efficiency. As an example, we use our Clinical Trial Forecasting Suite, an AI predictive modeling tool, to optimize trial design and execution, enhancing patient outcomes and trial efficiency.

We employ decentralized clinical trial (DCT) elements and virtual trial designs to increase patient accessibility and convenience, particularly among diverse and remote populations.

Trusted site network

With nearly 100 sites across North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, our global network of early phase units and oncology-focused sites ensures access to high-performing investigators and ready-to-enroll patient populations, reducing trial timelines and improving data quality.

From specialized cancer centers to academic institutions and private networks, we bring together precision and reach.

Proven experience with a personal touch

With decades of oncology experience and more than 250 early phase oncology studies conducted in the past five years, we combine therapeutic depth with the agility of processes along with a team specifically aligned with a biotech’s expectations.

Our experts in regulatory science, clinical operations, biostatistics and data management, don’t just consult — they embed into your team, offering adaptive strategies tailored to your molecule, goals and timelines.

You can depend on us as an experienced early phase oncology partner for your study. Our recent performance metrics that demonstrate our ability to accelerate startup in a crowded study landscape:

  • 25% faster than industry standard for final protocol received to first site activated (FSA) times.
  • 15% faster than industry standard for final protocol received to first patient screened (FPS) times.

We think like a startup and deliver like a global leader

We offer the scalability and technology of global leaders, while delivering the cost-effectiveness and flexibility associated with trusted midsize partners. Our clients don’t have to choose between world-class capabilities and high-touch service — with us, they get both.

Our capabilities address key challenges in early phase oncology and hematology development

Key challenges in early phase oncology and hematology development
  • Innovative therapies and mechanisms
  • Supply chain and manufacturing
  • Complex protocol designs and regulation
  • Patient recruitment, site activation and retention
  • Data volume and complexity
  • Safety and dose escalation: trial duration and timelines
  • Operational costs
We address these key challenges through:
  • Expertise in novel therapeutic modalities and precision medicine services
  • Advanced biomarker testing and personalized medicine approaches
  • Accelerator™ Drug Development, our 360° CDMO and CRO solutions
  • Expertise in innovative trials designs, comprehensive regulatory strategy and robust quality assurance programs
  • Our Clinical Trial Forecasting Suite, early phase oncology site network, patient-centric initiatives, precision medicine services and Rare Disease and Pediatrics Center of Excellence
  • Advanced data management platforms and analytics capabilities in biomarker and genomic data analysis
  • Streamlined trial processes and our dedicated medical monitoring team comprising oncologists and hematologists
  • Flexible, right-sized pricing models combined with efficient project management and operational excellence

Your vision. Our science. One path forward.

Your focus is on innovation, while ours is on accelerating it. We work the way you work—agile, focused and fast.

Flexible pricing designed for emerging companies with adaptive planning to align with funding cycles and milestones

Hands-on support from senior-level oncology experts

Efficient site activation via our embedded proximity teams and Early Phase Site Network

Integrated data, biomarker and regulatory strategy from day one with a patient-centric approach

High-quality and reliable data, thanks to our rigorous quality management systems and adherence to global standards

Comprehensive capabilities to offer end-to-end solutions that accelerate and streamline the clinical trial process

Bringing your early phase oncology or hematology asset to life takes a partner who shares your commitment to science, patients and progress. From strategy to execution, trust us to accelerate your innovation.

Connect with us to learn how our early phase oncology and hematology expertise can advance your next trial.

Early phase oncology and hematology

Contact us to support your next early phase oncology or hematology trial.