New Cancer Clinical Trials Expand Access in Springdale

The $30 million facility offers residents local access to 150 clinical trials for various types of cancer.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Cancer

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a laboratory centrifuge, representing clinical oncology research and expanded healthcare access in Springdale. — Highlands Oncology Group has opened a $30 million research center in Springdale, increasing access to 150 clinical cancer trials for regional patients. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local community invest in expanding access to experimental cancer treatments?

Highlands Oncology Group has expanded its clinical research capacity in Springdale with a $30 million facility. The center now manages 150 active clinical trials to provide specialized cancer care to residents across Northwest Arkansas.

Why it matters

Expanding local access to clinical trials reduces the need for patients to travel to distant medical centers for advanced treatment options. This facility aims to address care gaps by offering specialized therapies and more affordable diagnostic imaging closer to home.

The group manages 150 active clinical trials, including 29 for metastatic breast cancer, 19 for non-small cell lung cancer, and eight for multiple myeloma. The efficacy of these trials is currently being evaluated alongside newly approved oral therapies that target specific gene mutations.

The players

Highlands Oncology Group

A regional provider of cancer care and clinical research that manages 150 trials across various oncology specialties.

The details

The facility employs bi-specific and CAR T therapies to program the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Additionally, the group uses oral medications designed to turn off specific mutations that cause unchecked cell growth, such as the KRAS mutation in pancreatic cancer. These treatments are supported by a staff of 60 full-time researchers.

2016: A patient diagnosed with lung cancer began immunotherapy treatment.
August 2026: An oral pill targeting a KRAS mutation received approval.
October 29, 2026: Article publication date.
Coming months: The group plans to hire a nuclear medicine oncologist.

Health Landscape

This expansion reflects a broader shift toward regionalizing advanced clinical research, moving specialized treatment closer to the patient rather than relying solely on the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Network. By increasing local trial availability, institutions are aiming to modernize care delivery standards.

Residents managing a cancer diagnosis may find that participating in local trials offers earlier access to new treatments like those targeting KRAS mutations. It is worth discussing with your primary oncologist whether an active trial at this facility aligns with your specific treatment goals.

The takeaway

Advancements in targeted therapies, including new oral medications for specific gene mutations, are increasingly integrated into regional trial programs. Patients are encouraged to track available research trials and verify if their treatment plan involves specialized care that might benefit from these modern therapies.