Dose Escalation: Optimizing Cohort Management in Early-Phase Development

The speakers will discuss various dose escalation study designs, the role of internal and external review committees and strategies for managing dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). The speakers will also highlight the evolving role of clinical pharmacologists, who no longer simply deliver PK results but also actively contribute to ongoing dose decisions in real time. Drawing on real-world experiences, the panel will share how proactive planning, ongoing monitoring and team-wide alignment can accelerate escalation and optimize early-phase trial outcomes.

Register now to discover how effective dose escalation strategies and proactive cohort management can accelerate early-phase trial outcomes and improve decision-making in clinical studies.

Speakers

Brian Abbott, MD, Executive Medical Director, Therapeutic Area Medical Lead, Oncology/Hematology, Allucent

Brian Abbott, MD is Executive Medical Director, Therapeutic Area Medical Lead at Allucent with expertise in hematology, oncology, and biomedical research, specializing in clinical trial strategy and medical monitoring. As Senior Medical Director at Allucent, he provides strategic guidance on clinical trials. He previously held leadership roles at ICON plc, Myriad Genetics, and Caris Life Sciences. Before transitioning to research, Dr. Abbott focused on hematologic malignancies, BMT, and medical oncology, serving on the faculty at the University of Colorado and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He holds an MD, MBA, and MS in Finance and is board-certified in Hematology/Oncology, Pediatrics, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

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Sandra Olthaf, MSc (Biomedical Science), Global Operations Head, Oncology/Hematology, Allucent

Sandra Olthaf, MSc (Biomedical Science), is Global Operations Head, Oncology/Hematology at Allucent, where she leads cross-functional project teams, manages oncology and hematology portfolios, and drives process optimization and client satisfaction within Clinical Trial Operations. With over 15 years of clinical oncology experience, she has successfully led global phase I–IV trials across immuno-oncology and hematologic oncology, ensuring operational excellence and high-quality delivery.

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Rachel Kudgus Lokken, PhD (Chemistry/Clinical Pharmacology), Senior Director, Clinical Pharmacology, Allucent

Rachel Kudgus Lokken, PhD (Chemistry/Clinical Pharmacology), is Senior Director of Clinical Pharmacology at Allucent, where she is responsible for providing clinical pharmacology expertise across all phases of drug development. Dr. Kudgus Lokken has extensive experience in pre-clinical and clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacometrics, scientific/technical writing and teaching. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic areas with a focus on oncology and hematology, designing and executing early-phase human trials. She leads clinical pharmacology contributions by preparing and reviewing clinical protocols, clinical study reports, clinical pharmacology strategic plans, INDs, clinical pharmacology and safety sections of NDAs, Investigator Brochures, FDA briefing packets and other clinical and regulatory documents.

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Titia Tjeenk Willink, MSc (Biomedical Science), Sr. Project Director, Global Project Leadership, Allucent

Titia Tjeenk Willink, MSc (Biomedical Science), is Sr. Project Director, Global Project Leadership at Allucent, with more than 15 years’ professional experience in the field of clinical research. Titia is responsible for the oversight of complex clinical trials, providing focused project management services to studies under her responsibility. She oversees the coordination and management of clinical trials by monitoring project trial status, timelines, and budgets, while ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction. Her focus is on hemato-oncology projects in various indications with a range of investigational drugs (including oral chemotherapy, immune-cell vaccine, monoclonal antibodies), from early phase/FIH to large international phase III studies.

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