St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) will expand its participation in clinical trials for cancer research though a partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state, together with RWJBarnabas Health.

“This unique partnership is great for St. Luke’s cancer patients, and it’s great for cancer research. It will allow St. Luke’s to provide patients with greater access to a larger portfolio of cancer clinical trials beyond those offered within our own institution,” said Dr. Israel Zighelboim, St. Luke’s Chairman of Oncology. “It also opens the door to collaborate on various other cutting edge cancer research activities being conducted at Rutgers Cancer Institute.”

As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute is known for excellence in cancer research, prevention and care, including clinical trials.

“There are a lot of benefits of partnering with a program that has this designation,” said Zighelboim, also Chairman Obstetrics and Gynecology. “The designation not only provides access to clinical trials not available at other hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices, but it also provides access to some of the most advanced, targeted treatments and medicines available.”

Rutgers Cancer Institute physician-scientists are major contributors and leaders in the development and execution of clinical trials from the National Cancer Institute and international cooperative groups. Their more than 230 faculty members collaborate with industry and other academic centers to conduct basic, clinical and population research for both adult and pediatric cancer patients. Areas of investigation include cellular therapy, precision medicine, immunotherapy, epidemiology, chemical carcinogens, tumor virology and immunology, drug development and resistance, and cancer genomics.

In 2019, St. Luke’s signed a collaborative agreement with RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey’s largest academic health system. This arrangement with Rutgers Cancer Institute is the latest benefit from the positive relationship between RWJBarnabas Health and St. Luke’s. according to Jennifer Sisler, BSN, RN, Senior Network Director, Clinical Trials & Research for St. Luke’s.