Jonathan Riess has been appointed director of early phase therapeutics at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. He will assume responsibility for leading early clinical development and first-in-human cancer trials. In this role, Riess will oversee phase 1 strategy, trial design and execution, supporting translation of preclinical research into clinical evaluation. His appointment reflects the growing importance of rigorous early phase development to ensure safety, proper treatment dosing and proof the emerging therapies being tested are effective.
“Dr. Riess brings exceptional clinical expertise and national leadership in cancer research to this critical role,” said UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Primo “Lucky” Lara Jr. “His experience leading innovative clinical trials and his deep understanding of translational science will strengthen our ability to move promising cancer therapies safely and efficiently from the laboratory to our patients.”
Riess is also director of thoracic oncology. He specializes in lung cancer and other thoracic cancers (mesothelioma and thymoma). He also serves on the Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer/Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma/Thymomas and Thymic Carcinomas Panel for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
His research interests encompass novel diagnostics, targeted therapies and immunotherapies in lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. He is a National Institutes of Health-funded investigator and the past recipient of several awards, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award. The honor is given to researchers who are working to improve the lives of people with cancer through extensive involvement in NCI-funded collaborative clinical trials and whose leadership, participation and activities promote clinical trials and research.
