The START Center for Cancer Research

The START Center for Cancer Research is a global provider of early-phase oncology clinical trials and research services, operating as the world's largest community-based network of clinical trial sites specializing in early-phase oncology trials. Its mission is to provide "Hope Through Access" by accelerating the development of new anticancer drugs, improving the quality of life and survival for cancer patients, and ultimately contributing to a cure. The company's headquarters are located in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

START's core services include conducting Phase I clinical trials for novel anti-cancer agents across a global network of 15 research locations in the United States and Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and Ireland. The organization also engages in preclinical research through its XenoSTART division, which utilizes patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Beyond clinical trials, START offers comprehensive treatment plans that encompass multi-specialty services, genetic profiling of tumors, targeted therapies, and advanced treatment technology, serving patients, physicians, and pharmaceutical companies.

Led by Chairman and CEO Nick Slack, MBE, The START Center for Cancer Research maintains a prominent market position as a leader in early-phase oncology research. Recent strategic initiatives include partnerships with Baptist Health South Florida (May 2026), Northwell Health (December 2025), and OneOncology (May 2025) to expand patient access to clinical trials. The company has also broadened its capabilities to support early-phase hematological cancer trials (December 2024) and has contributed to the development of 43 to 45 FDA/EMA-approved therapies.