Accelerating Oncology - Inside the EPON Network
Accelerating Oncology- Inside the EPON Network is a podcast series that takes you inside Fortrea’s EPON model, where early phase innovation meets operational excellence. Through conversations with medical leaders, investigators, and site engagement experts, we unpack how specialized site models, strategic geography, and deep scientific collaboration accelerate first in human and early phase oncology studies.
Episode 1: What EPON Really Means: Accelerating Excellence in Early Phase Oncology
Description: Early Phase Oncology trials have evolved from simple safety checks to the most scientifically demanding stage of cancer drug development. In this episode of Accelerating Oncology – Inside the EPON Network, host Ken Morrison and guest Maria Garcia unpack why Phase 1 trials are no longer “entry-level” and why they require a specialized model for success.
Host: Ken Morrison, Global Leader of Strategic Delivery and Growth in Oncology
Participant: María García Requesens, Medical Director Fortrea
References:
- Failures in Phase III: Causes and Consequences | Clinical Cancer Research. American Association for Cancer Research. Oct 14, 2015. View source
- The Failure Rate at Phase Three is Probably 70% or Greater. PharmaIQ. View source
Episode 2: Inside the Network: How EPON Builds Strong Site Partnerships
Description: In this episode of Accelerating Oncology – Inside the EPON Network, host Maria Garcia discusses why partnerships matter in early phase oncology. We’ll also find out what makes an EPON site different and talk about partnership design principles.
Host: Maria Garcia, Medical Director
Participant: Dr. William McKean, Medical Oncologist and Principal Investigator at The START Center for Cancer Research and Anne Himmel, Senior Manager, Site Engagement and Partnership Delivery at Fortrea
References:
- Internal data.
Episode 3: Why Location Matters: Country Site Placement Strategy
Description: In this episode, Why Location Matters: Country and Site Placement Strategy, we explore why geography is more than a backdrop—it is a strategic lever in early phase oncology trials. From patient access and regulatory timelines to investigator expertise and data governance, every decision about trial placement can accelerate or stall innovation.
Join host Maria Garcia and Ken Morrison, as they unpack how Fortrea’s EPON Network optimizes site selection to deliver speed, precision, and confidence in early phase studies.
Host: María García Requesens, Medical Director Fortrea
Participant: Ken Morrison, Global Leader of Strategic Delivery and Growth in Oncology
References:
- Internal data.
- The evolution of biomarker use in clinical trials for cancer treatments. Personalized Medicine Coalition. https://www.personalizedmedicinecoalition.org/Userfiles/PMC-Corporate/file/The_Evolution_of_Biomarker_Use_in_Clinical_Trials_for_Cancer_Treatments.pdf
- 16 billion reasons for hope: How biomarkers are reshaping cancer outcomes. CAS Insights. March 20, 2024.
- The added value of patient engagement in early dialogue at EMA. Frontiers in Medicine. Jan. 20, 2022.
- Draft EMA Regulatory Science to 2025 Strategic Reflection. European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/regulatory-procedural-guideline/draft-ema-regulatory-science-2025-strategic-reflection_en.pdf
- Accelerated Approval – Expedited Program for Serious Conditions. Dec. 2024. https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/accelerated-approval-expedited-program-serious-conditions
Accelerate Early Phase Oncology with Fortrea’s EPON
Fortrea’s Early Phase Oncology Network (EPON) connects sponsors to a hand selected, global network of sites engineered for complex early phase oncology. Expect predictable start up, reliable enrolment and high data integrity, plus streamlined access to niche and complex modalities such as cell & gene therapies and ADCs.