When Jae Zhong, a Senior Program Manager in Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK)’s Office of Technology Development, contacted me on LinkedIn about the MSK iHub Challenge, I was intrigued but unsure what to expect. The idea of participating in a program hosted by MSK, one of the world’s leading cancer research centers, felt like a unique opportunity—but what would it demand of us? How would it shape our approach to decentralized clinical trials (DCTs)?
Decentralized trials have been a focus of ours for some time. I’ve seen firsthand how traditional trial models struggle with accessibility, diversity, and operational complexity. MSK’s challenge allowed us to apply what we’ve learned to a broader mission: transforming cancer research into more inclusive and patient-centered trials. Here’s how we approached the application process, what we experienced during orientation—after we were accepted—and how our experiences throughout the program are already shaping our perspective on clinical trials.
Why We Applied
The first cohort’s focus on DCTs immediately resonated with me. Decentralized models bring clinical trials closer to where patients live and work, breaking down logistical and financial barriers that have excluded many groups. This theme aligned perfectly with our work.
But what truly stood out was how the program was structured. Unlike many accelerators that take equity or impose rigid schedules, the MSK iHub Challenge is free and flexible, allowing us to focus entirely on innovation without sacrificing ownership.
The resources MSK offers were another major draw. During the cohort session in which we participated, these resources included:
- A clinical research IT team with decades of experience solving real-world problems.
- Access to MSK’s extensive network of clinicians, researchers, and mentors.
- The opportunity to present our solution at the MSK iHub Challenge Demo Day during an event targeting key stakeholders, including investors and healthcare leaders.
Finally, MSK’s mission to end cancer for life isn’t just a tagline—it’s embedded in every initiative. This was a rare chance to align our work with an organization’s vision and infrastructure to make a difference.
The Application Process
The rigorous application process made us think deeply about our goals and capabilities. It was about showcasing our technology and demonstrating how it fits into MSK’s vision. For example, we had to answer:
- How does your solution differ from or complement existing systems like Epic?
- What barriers does your technology address in decentralized trials?
- How do you promote health equity and mitigate potential harm to underserved populations?
These questions challenged us to clarify our approach. We explained how our tool automates manual workflows, reduces site operational burdens, and improves patient retention—critical needs in decentralized trials with multiple stakeholders. Sharing details about funding as well as our market traction also helped us refine our story.
Orientation Day: A Deep Dive into DCTs
Orientation Day was an eye-opener. The program kicked off with a panel discussion led by MSK’s leadership, including Joe Lengfellner, Senior Director of Clinical Research Informatics. His presentation highlighted the increasing complexity of trials due to targeted therapies and the growing need for granular data. One example that stood out was the challenge of including rural patients, who often face significant travel burdens. DCTs, with remote monitoring and telehealth, offer solutions that make participation feasible for these populations.
“Decentralized clinical trials can break down the traditional barriers in clinical research by enabling remote participation, flexible scheduling, and tech-enabled outreach, ultimately providing access to potentially life-changing treatments for previously underrepresented populations who have been historically excluded due to geographic, time, or other constraints,” Mr. Lengfellner noted. “Strategic partnerships with experienced technology providers are essential to successfully implementing and scaling this transformative approach.” We also had the chance to connect with mentors, other participating teams, and the core program team during the meet-and-greet reception. Throughout, there were networking opportunities and collaborative discussions. One mentor shared insights about adapting workflows for hybrid trial models, where in-person and virtual elements coexist. This prompted me to rethink how our solution integrates with existing systems to accommodate these complexities.
Key Learnings from Orientation
The orientation was an introduction and a strategic framework for how we could maximize our impact through the program.
- MSK’s Vision and Mission: We were reminded of MSK’s overarching goal to end cancer for life. This ethos guided every discussion, emphasizing the importance of using technology to improve patient outcomes.
- Understanding the Landscape: Joe Lengfellner’s presentation drove home the urgency of decentralizing trials to address challenges like increasing trial complexity and rising data demands.
- Sites’ Perspectives on DCTs: MSK’s approach to hybrid DCT models stood out. They are focusing on adopting decentralized methods and tailoring them to their operational workflows and patient population. For instance, hybrid models that integrate telehealth with in-person visits maintain high care standards while reducing patient burdens.
- Networking with Experts: Orientation also provided a valuable chance to connect with leaders like Dr. Paul Sabbatini, SVP of Clinical Research; John Philip, Senior Director, Clinical & Translational Research Informatics, and RuthAnn Gordon, Director, Clinical Trials Nursing at MSK. Their guidance reinforced our confidence that the program would offer the support needed to refine and scale our solution.
Looking Ahead: Building a Roadmap
The orientation wasn’t just about understanding the program—it was about creating a roadmap for success. We were tasked with:
- Defining high-level research questions for our project.
- Developing an action plan to leverage program resources.
- Preparing for one-on-one meetings with mentors to explore collaboration opportunities.
These steps clarified our direction, ensuring we had a solid foundation. I left orientation with a deeper understanding of how MSK’s resources, from workshops to Slack channels, would support our journey.
Summary
The MSK iHub Challenge is already reshaping how we think about clinical trials. It’s not just about developing solutions—it’s about creating meaningful impact in cancer research. My advice for anyone considering this program is simple: come prepared to collaborate, innovate, and grow. The resources and mentorship here are unmatched, and we’re honored to be part of a cohort working toward such a transformative mission.
Moe Alsumidaie is Chief Editor of The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Moe holds decades of experience in the clinical trials industry. Moe also serves as Head of Research at CliniBiz and Chief Data Scientist at Annex Clinical Corporation.