FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 20, 2025
Contact:Lisa Owens, 210-601-6647
Dr. Spira to lead scientific and research strategy, advancing Phase 1 oncology trials.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – May 20, 2025 – NEXT Oncology, one of the world’s largest Phase 1 cancer clinical trial centers, has appointed Alex Spira, MD, PhD, FACP, its new Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Spira, who currently leads NEXT Oncology – Virginia, will now oversee the company’s scientific research efforts in this newly established leadership role.
Dr. Spira brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the role. He serves as Chair of the US Oncology Research Executive Committee and sits on the US Oncology National Policy Board Executive Committee. He is also a faculty member at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he is an Assistant Professor of Oncology. He has authored many important manuscripts in highly prestigious journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Research, and Clinical Cancer Research involving innovative new therapies for the treatment of cancer. In addition to his work with NEXT Oncology, Dr. Spira is deeply engaged in advancing targeted cancer treatments through Phase 1 clinical trials. His areas of interest include immunotherapy, personalized medicine, gastrointestinal cancers, thoracic and lung cancers, and sarcomas. Recognized as a “Top Doctor” by both Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian magazine, Dr. Spira received the prestigious Castle Connolly “America’s Top Doctor” award in 2014. Dr. Spira will continue to serve as the Co-Director, Virginia Cancer Specialists’ Research Institute and Director of Virginia Cancer Specialists’ Thoracic and Phase I Program.
“I’m honored to take on the role of Chief Scientific Officer at NEXT Oncology,” said Dr. Spira. “Having worked with the organization in Virginia for several years, I’ve seen firsthand the impact our trials can have on patients’ lives. I’m excited to help guide the next phase of scientific discovery and expand access to cutting-edge treatments.”
NEXT Oncology’s CEO and Founder, Dr. Anthony Tolcher, emphasized the importance of Dr. Spira’s appointment in furthering the company’s mission.
“We are committed to offering hope when conventional treatments fall short—and that’s what being the NEXT Option is all about,” said Dr. Tolcher. “Dr. Spira is a respected leader in the oncology community, and his expertise will be instrumental as we expand our Phase 1 trial capabilities and scientific leadership.”
About NEXT Oncology
NEXT Oncology is dedicated to the development of new anticancer agents for patients whose current cancer therapy is no longer working to benefit them and are looking for their next option. NEXT Oncology is partnered with Texas Oncology, the largest private oncology practice in the United States with more than 400 referring medical oncologists. Texas Oncology is a practice within The US Oncology Network, a network of independent, community-based oncologists in the U.S. This formidable size and reach provide NEXT Oncology unprecedented opportunities to transform what has come to be expected from clinical trials of new agents.