POETIC RDMC works in collaboratively with POETIC physicians and scientists to develop high quality pre-clinical/early phase clinical trials and manage these studies. This center, at the heart of POETIC’s research program, integrates resources and expertise to translate research activities to the clinic in a streamlined process.

In addition to clinical research development, and trial design and management, the RDMC oversees all regulatory activities, develops customized data tools, and supports the analysis and publication of research. Furthermore, the RDMC plays a critical role in negotiating contracts with various entities and manages the consortium finances. Lastly, the RDMC plays an important role in teaching and mentoring trainees and young faculty in clinical research design and methods.

POETIC RDMC is located at Stanford University.

people working together

Key Personnel

Norman Lacayo, MD

POETIC Medical Director

Norman Lacayo, MD received his BA in Biochemistry from UC Berkeley, and his MD from UC San Francisco School of Medicine (UCSF). He completed his residency in Pediatrics at UCSF and fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation at Stanford University. Dr. Lacayo is currently an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, a member of the Stanford Cancer Institute, and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford (LPCHS). At LPCHS he is the Co-Director of the Leukemia Program and Interim Oncology Section Leader. Dr. Lacayo’s research focuses on the discovery and evaluation of new biomarkers in childhood acute leukemia. He actively collaborates with the Children’s Oncology Group, led the ADVL0114 study using Decitabine for relapse and refractory leukemia, and is currently a member of the COG Myeloid Committee. Also participated in the St. Jude AML Consortium Trials AML02, AML08 and AML16. Dr. Lacayo became the first institutional PI for the Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapies Investigational Consortium (POETIC) group in October 2015.

Ativ Zomet, PhD

POETIC Director of Research & Operations

Ativ Zomet, PhD is a scientific professional with a strong background in visual neuroscience, clinical research, behavioral science and cancer research. Holding a PhD from Tel Aviv University, Israel, Dr. Zomet worked as a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, before transitioning to a dynamic career in clinical research and program management.

Currently serving as POETIC Research Program Manager, Dr. Zomet guides a multidisciplinary team and manages early phase pediatric oncology consortium research, leading the growth and quality management of POETIC’s research program. Prior to this, she led a clinical research coordinators team operating complex adults’ oncology interventional investigator and sponsor-initiated studies.

In the course of her career, Dr. Zomet has made significant contributions to neuroscience-based assessments and training, successfully overseeing multiple studies in the field. She has spearheaded the development of rehabilitative targeted brain training programs, aiming to enhance cognitive plasticity in those dealing with brain injury, visual impairments, and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Zomet’s scientific contributions extend to numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at prestigious scientific meetings. As a leader and passionate researcher, Dr. Zomet demonstrates the link of academic rigor and impactful application, fostering innovative solutions and strategic growth to advance scientific knowledge for improved patient outcomes.