Arizona Oncology Welcomes Karin Choquette,Clinical Research Manager–Program Development
Karin to head up development for growing cancer clinical trials program
Tucson, Arizona (January 14, 2020) — Arizona Oncology (AO), a leading provider of comprehensive cancer care in southern Arizona, today announced the addition of Karin S. Choquette, MSN, AGNP-C, CCRC as Clinical Research Manager for Program Development. Choquette brings extensive experience and training in advance practice nursing and research operations to this new position in charge of expanding Arizona Oncology’s cancer clinical trials program in Tucson. She will be joining the Arizona Oncology practice located at 603 N. Wilmot Road, Suite 151.
A University of Arizona College of Nursing alum, Choquette returns to Tucson and joins Arizona Oncology with a background in research operations at a large cancer specialist practice in Virginia, and most recently with US Oncology Research. In her new role, she will help the Arizona Oncology research team grow their clinical trials program. Arizona Oncology pursues advances in cancer care by conducting clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of new or modified cancer treatments. These trials can help uncover new cancer treatment options and give patients the opportunity to receive newly developed therapies or investigational drugs not yet available outside the study.
“Karin’s role will be instrumental in helping us build a robust phase I clinical trials program within the next six to twelve months,” said Julie Klinker, Clinical Research Manager at Arizona Oncology’s Wilmot location in Tucson. “Our ultimate goal here at Arizona Oncology is to be able to offer an expansive portfolio of cancer clinical trials, addressing every disease site— lung, breast, prostate, bladder, kidney, colon, pancreas, liver, ovarian, cervix, uterus and blood.”
For over a decade, Arizona Oncology has participated in phase II through phase IV cancer clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in more than 70 FDA-approved cancer therapies, approximately one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. Phase II-IV clinical trials study drug effectiveness, safety, and side effects before and sometimes after a drug is marketed.
Arizona Oncology recently launched a phase I clinical trials program, opening their first phase I study on November 1 in Tucson. In Phase I clinical trials, researchers test a study drug among a small group of people (under 100) for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects. Offering phase I trials opens up even more opportunities for treatment options for patients, while also informing physicians on the latest potential treatment advancements.
“I’m excited to be joining such a forward-thinking oncology practice and a research team dedicated to broadening their pursuit of promising and innovative treatment options for cancer patients,” said Choquette. “Phase I trials are where some truly exciting options can potentially open up in cancer care, and I look forward to being at the forefront of the latest advances in cancer treatment along with Arizona Oncology.”
Choquette is joining a group of 60+ physicians at Arizona Oncology who offer expertise in all types of cancers, and who are supported by a team of professionals dedicated to cancer treatment, support services, and research. Together they develop a comprehensive treatment plan for cancer patients based on the latest research and leading-edge treatment options, tailored to the individual.
About Arizona Oncology
Arizona Oncology is one of the largest medical groups in Arizona, with more than 75 practicing physicians and 45 advanced practice providers devoted exclusively to providing comprehensive, compassionate and high-quality cancer care. Arizona Oncology in Southern Arizona specializes in medical, gynecologic, breast surgical, and radiation oncology; hematology; cancer research; genetic risk assessment; and cancer patient ancillary programs.
Arizona Oncology believes it is beneficial to provide cancer therapies in a community setting, close to patients’ homes and support systems. The physicians are supported by a talented clinical team sensitive to the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. For more information, visit www.ArizonaOncology.com.
Arizona Oncology is an affiliate of The US Oncology Network (The Network). This collaboration unites AO with more than 1,500 independent physicians dedicated to delivering value-based, integrated care for patients — close to home. Through The Network, these independent doctors come together to form a community of shared expertise and resources dedicated to advancing local cancer care and to delivering better patient outcomes. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, whose coordinated resources and infrastructure allow doctors in The Network to focus on the health of their patients, while McKesson focuses on the health of their practices. AO also participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in more than 70 FDA-approved cancer therapies, approximately one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.