Neel Belani, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist and clinical investigator specializing in early-phase oncology drug development, with a primary focus in thoracic malignancies. As a Clinical Investigator at START New Jersey, he will conduct early-phase clinical trials, working to bring innovative therapies to patients through a community-based research model.

Dr. Belani has extensive experience in early-phase clinical research, having served as a Principal Investigator on multiple trials and a Sub-Investigator on more than 200 Phase 1 studies. He has played an active role in safety review committees and cohort management, contributing to the advancement of novel oncology therapeutics.

His clinical and research interests are centered on thoracic oncology, including non-small cell and small cell lung cancers, as well as the development of targeted therapies and immuno-oncology approaches. He has authored and contributed to numerous publications and presentations in leading journals and scientific forums, with a focus on biomarkers, treatment optimization, and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Belani completed his hematology and oncology fellowship at Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple University and his internal medicine residency at Brown University. He earned his MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and holds an MBA from Rutgers Business School, bringing a unique perspective that bridges clinical care, research, and healthcare systems.