Why we exist
Oncology research is moving quickly, and study teams face mounting complexity: novel modalities, new data tools, shifting standards, and heightened expectations for transparency. The COAB brings practicing oncology leaders together to surface what’s changing, discuss implications, and translate insights into guidance the broader community can use.
How the COAB works
The COAB members meet twice a year to discuss topics relevant to today’s oncology research landscape, informed by members’ real-world experience in clinical care and scientific discovery.
- Focused discussions on timely issues in oncology clinical research.
- Action-oriented outputs intended for community use (publications and presentations).
- Practical considerations that support ethical decision-making and patient-centered safety oversight.
Members
Munveer Bhangoo, MD
Hematologist and oncologist
Scripps Health
Sayeh Lavasani, MD
Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Hematology Oncology
University of California, Irvine
Melody A. Cobleigh, MD
Director, Medical Oncology
Rush University Medical Center
Charles A. Schiffer, MD
Emeritus Professor of Oncology; former director, Leukemia/Lymphoma Multidisciplinary Program
Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute
David T. Curiel, MD, PhD
Professor, Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology
Emory University
The COAB is guided by three objectives:
Research strategy and guidance
The COAB provides perspective on study design considerations, execution challenges, patient population considerations, and the integration of emerging approaches, including precision medicine and immunotherapy.
Authorship and knowledge dissemination
TheCOAB supports the development of community-facing content—such as white papers, position statements, blogs, and conference materials—grounded in member expertise and discussion themes.
Patient-centered safety oversight
The COAB discussions emphasize ethical integrity and safety considerations that can help inform responsible oncology research practices.
Frequently asked questions
To convene experienced oncology leaders to discuss evolving challenges in oncology research and translate those discussions into practical guidance and thought leadership for the broader community.
Topics reflect challenges members encounter in practice and research, as well as emerging innovations and evolving standards.
Publications and resource guides (blogs, white papers, position papers), as well as presentations (webinars, conference sessions) intended for community consumption.