Phase 1 Oncology Clinical Trials Program

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, Arizona, is a collaborative cancer care and research program between Banner Health and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, bringing MD Anderson’s clinical oncology expertise to the Southwest.

Our Phase 1 Oncology Research Program is dedicated to advancing new cancer therapies through early-phase clinical trials that evaluate safety, tolerability and pharmacologic activity of investigational treatments. These studies support the development of new treatment options for patients with advanced or refractory solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

Banner MD Anderson’s Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program is one of the largest and most experienced early-phase oncology programs in the southwestern United States. Since 2015, the program has participated in numerous first-in-human and early-phase studies involving investigational therapies.

Comprehensive scope of Phase 1 experience

• 120+ Phase 1 and Phase 1b clinical trials conducted to date (2015–present)
• Experience across major classes of novel therapeutics:
  • Small-molecule targeted therapies and kinase inhibitors
  • Monoclonal antibodies and bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs)
  • Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination immunotherapy
  • CAR-T and other adoptive cellular therapies
  • Oncolytic viruses
  • Novel drug combinations and triplet regimens

Infrastructure and capabilities

• Dedicated seven-chair, three-bed outpatient infusion unit for intensive monitoring
• On-site research laboratory for rapid PK/PD sample processing
• Full cardiac monitoring, including serial ECGs and telemetry capabilities
• Rapid pharmacy compounding for complex first-in-human agents
• -80°C and liquid nitrogen storage for cellular therapy products
• Multi-disciplinary care integration, ensuring oncology treatment, supportive care, and research procedures are coordinated seamlessly with primary cancer care

Performance metrics (2021–2025 average) 

• 30+ patients enrolled annually in Phase 1 trials 
• Median time from final contract to first patient enrolled: less than 21 days 

To discuss partnering or collaborating with Banner MD Anderson’s Clinical Trials Program, please call (602) 839-6787.