The connecting role of the Clinical Alliance manager
However, being able to offer these new treatments in clinical trials is no easy task. It demands ongoing efforts to build new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships, particularly with pharmaceutical companies. Recognizing the significance of these efforts, the team created a new role: the Clinical Alliance Manager.
Sofie Boutkan, who holds this position, shares her dedication to enhancing NKI-AVL's standing as a trusted partner in a recent interview.
Early collaboration is essential
“Because our expertise lies specifically in early clinical research, we aim to be involved in new phase 1 studies as early as possible”, Sofie explains. “Ideally, as a research centre, you want to be involved in the development of the protocol, so that our practical knowledge and experience can be incorporated into the study design."
To achieve this early collaboration, it’s important for the institute to stay alert to new developments in the field of cancer research. That is why we actively search for resources and studies that are interesting for us and our patients. “We proactively reach out to pharmaceutical companies and other parties to collaborate," says Sofie. "It’s then crucial to maintain these relationships and have regular contact to stay informed about new developments."
Building sustainable partnerships is valuable
Sofie emphasizes that a strong partnership should not only focus on current possibilities but also on future potential. In addition to identifying interesting studies and potential partners, Sofie is committed to positioning the institute and the Netherlands as a prime location for early-phase cancer research.To achieve this, she extends her efforts beyond traditional alliances. For instance, she is now coordinating the phase 1 platform of Cancer Core Europe (CCE), a network between seven leading research centres in Europe. This integration of shared expertise and access to facilities and patients fortifies partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.
The Clinical Alliance Manager has a networking function
As Clinical Alliance Manager, Sofie is in contact with an extensive, international network of professionals and organisations that are leading in the fight against cancer. This enables her to identify promising developments at an early stage and to connect parties that could benefit from a reciprocal collaboration. It helps to be able to effectively bridge the different worlds, including those of (physician) researchers in the clinic and those of pharmaceutical companies.
Sofie's enthusiasm and drive are evident when she talks about her connecting role in the development of the latest medicines. She invites anyone who is interested in a collaboration, or wants to know more about the role of the Center for Early Clinical Research in cancer research to contact her: s.boutkan@nki.nl