Gainesville a major contributor for cancer research and care

GAINESVILLE - Georgia CORE, the Center for Oncology Research and Education, has developed an online information center that profiles nearly 50 cancer clinical trials being conducted in Gainesville, including a Georgia CORE-sponsored study for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Timothy M. Carey, MD of Northeast Georgia Medical Center is a lead investigator for the trial.

"Lung cancer has been the most common cancer in the world for several decades, so we are privileged that we have in Georgia nine locations conducting this clinical trial, including one in Gainesville," said Nancy M. Paris, president and CEO of Georgia CORE.

In addition to the trials, patients in Gainesville have ready access to medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, hematologists, a gynecologic oncologist, as well as numerous general surgeons committed to providing innovative cancer treatment options. Information about all of these services related to cancer treatment and research is posted on the nation's first statewide comprehensive site for cancer care, GeorgiaCancerInfo.org, and clearly positions Gainesville as a major contributor for cancer research and treatments in the state.

"GeorgiaCancerInfo.org is the centerpiece of Georgia CORE's work to increase availability of and access to clinical trials, qualities known to be innovative hallmarks of quality cancer care. For people with cancer, longer life expectancy and better quality of life are among the benefits of clinical trials," said Dr. Carey. "These cutting-edge treatments present an opportunity for patients to benefit from the therapies not offered anywhere else."

With real-time updates from the National Cancer Institute and Georgia CORE's vast network of community and academic oncologists, scientists, nurses and educators, the online information center is the first of its kind. 

"We are calling on healthcare professionals, patients, survivors and their families to use GeorgiaCancerInfo.org to learn more about all the cancer care, research and resources that are offered in Gainesville," added Dr. Carey.

Georgia CORE is a private non-profit funded by the Georgia Research Alliance, Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, government grants, research contracts and private contributions. Its Board of Directors is composed of community oncologists, scientists, nurses and educators, representing leading private practices, cancer centers, academic institutions and all programs in Georgia funded by the National Cancer Institute.