Mount Sinai South Nassau using $1M grant to expand cancer trials on Long Island

Mount Sinai South Nassau announced it would use a $1 million donation to improve access to clinical cancer trials on Long Island.

The health system said it started enrolling patients in clinical trials on the Island a few years ago, and had placed a handful of patients into emerging treatment programs for breast and lung cancers.

A $1 million donation from The Betty Ajces Trust, established in honor of the jazz musician, will be used to support clinical research staff in Valley Stream who can facilitate patient participation in clinical trials that are already approved and underway at the Tisch Center Institute in Manhattan. Mount Sinai is still determining exactly how many employees it may add, said Dr. Rajiv Datta, director of Mount Sinai's Feil Cancer Center in Valley Stream. 

"Cancer trials require significant regulatory work and support staff, which often aren't reimbursable," Datta said. "This gift will allow us to provide that support and help kick-start further expansion of access."

Mount Sinai will continue to focus research locally on breast and lung cancers, but aims to add trials centered on other organs.

By Sarina Trangle

sarina.trangle@newsday.comSarinaTrangle

Sarina Trangle covers affordability and cost of living issues and other business topics. She previously worked as an editor and reporter at amNewYork.