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Nicole Dafoe, M.S.N., A.P.R.N., F.N.P.-C

Research Division
Programs

Biography

Nicole Dafoe is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner and Arizona native dedicated to advancing cancer care through early‑phase clinical research. She is an alumna of both Arizona State University and the University of Phoenix, where she built the academic foundation that shaped her commitment to patient‑centered, evidence‑driven practice.

Nicole’s nursing career includes broad clinical experience across oncology research, emergency medicine, trauma, neurology, and post‑operative orthopedic care. This diverse background gives her a comprehensive understanding of complex patient needs and the ability to provide holistic, compassionate care in high‑acuity settings.

As a Nurse Practitioner and Sub‑Investigator in oncology phase I clinical trials, Nicole works at the forefront of innovative cancer therapeutics. Her clinical focus includes first‑in‑human and early‑development studies across multiple tumor types, including but not limited to colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian, and endometrial cancers. She is dedicated to guiding patients through the clinical trial process while collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe, ethical, and cutting‑edge research delivery.

Driven by a passion for scientific advancement and patient advocacy, Nicole is committed to helping expand future treatment options for individuals facing cancer while supporting them with empathy, clarity, and expertise throughout their research journey.

Research Interests & Focus

Nicole’s research interests center on the advancement of early‑phase oncology drug development and the integration of innovative therapies across a wide spectrum of cancer types. Her work focuses on the complex landscape of Phase I clinical trials, where safety, dose‑finding, and first‑in‑human strategies intersect with patient-centered care. 

A key area of Nicole’s focus is the optimization of supportive care within early‑phase trials. She emphasizes proactive symptom management, toxicity monitoring, and individualized treatment planning to improve both tolerability and overall patient experience during complex investigational therapies. She is especially interested in understanding patterns of treatment‑related adverse events, developing strategies to mitigate toxicity, and enhancing multidisciplinary communication to support continuity of care.

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