A partnership sponsored by the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute has
been selected to implement a new cancer research program that aims to
reach more Georgians in their own cities and towns.
Developed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the NCI Community
Oncology Research Program (NCORP) expands on the success of two previous
programs that led U.S. efforts in cancer research. The selection
includes a five-year, $5.85 million grant.
The partnership application was developed jointly by Northside Hospital
Cancer Institute and the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research
Pavilion, part of St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System in Savannah.
The partnership, which will implement the new research program, also
includes the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia
CORE).
The Georgia NCORP partnership will provide Georgians with access to
state-of-the-art cancer prevention, screening, control, treatment and
post treatment trials, with 110 oncology clinical providers in 41
different locations throughout the state, as well as the clinical trial
leadership and research management services of Georgia CORE.
“The National Cancer Institute created NCORP as a comprehensive
community and academic initiative to provide access to cancer trials, as
well as cancer care delivery research, to individuals in their own local
communities,” said the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute’s Dr.
Guilherme Cantuaria, who served as principal investigator for the
partnership as it developed its application. “These studies will have
great potential for improving cancer outcomes and reducing disparities
in care. We are especially proud that the NCI selection team evaluated
the Georgia NCORP capabilities as excellent or outstanding in each
area.”
“Historically, many breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment have
happened because of collaboration, and we believe the Georgia NCORP is
poised to build on that legacy,” said Nancy M. Paris, president and CEO
of Georgia CORE, which is a non-profit leader in improving the quality
of cancer care through clinical research and education. “No matter where
they live, Georgians now will have access to clinical trials and cancer
care delivery research.”
Ms. Paris said that the importance of bringing this program to the local
community level is significant. “Many of our citizens have been
challenged to find cancer care resources, but today that will begin to
change.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the
Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia is ranked 25th in cancer
incidence and 23rd in cancer deaths in U.S. – and cancer remains the
second leading cause of death in Georgia. Among the state’s males,
prostate cancer accounts for 30 percent of new cancer cases, with the
highest concentration in southwest Georgia. Among the state’s females,
breast cancer represents 31 percent of all new cancer cases, with the
highest concentration in metro Atlanta. Lung cancer is the second most
common among both males and females and is diagnosed most frequently in
rural Georgia.
“We know that 85 percent of cancer patients in the United States are
diagnosed in or near the communities in which they live, which tells us
that easier access to care is critical,” said Nancy Johnson, who leads
the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion at St. Joseph’s/Candler in
Savannah, which serves a 32-county area in Georgia and South Carolina.
“Very simply, this partnership means that cancer patients will not have
to travel long distances or leave loved ones to take part in an
NCI-sponsored trial. The positive implications for minority, elderly,
underserved and rural populations, in particular, are likely to be
substantial.”
Last year, the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute experienced
tremendous growth in newly diagnosed cancer cases, and at the same time
expanded its statewide presence in Georgia. The Lewis Cancer
& Research Pavilion and the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute each
hold the distinction of being two of only 30 U.S. hospitals ever to be
selected for the NCI Community Cancer Center Program, providing a
foundation of expertise from which all of Georgia will benefit.
“Our partnership with the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion and
Georgia CORE evolved within a practical and thoughtful process, and this
collaboration will have a very meaningful impact on Georgians today and
in the future,” said Patti Owen, director of oncology services for the
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.
Four key cancer programs and Georgia CORE research network affiliates
were selected to participate based on their leadership and track record
in community-based oncology research: John B. Amos Cancer Center in
Columbus; Harbin Clinic in Rome; Medical Center of Central Georgia
(MCCG), Cancer Life Center in Macon; and Northeast Georgia Hospital
System (NGHS) in Gainesville.
Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. These studies
test new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, or treat diseases. People
who take part in cancer clinical trials have an opportunity to
contribute to scientists’ knowledge about cancer and to help in the
development of improved cancer treatments. They also receive
state-of-the-art care from cancer experts.
Patients with cancer or increased risks of cancer in Georgia will have
access to NCI-funded clinical trials through their cancer physicians at
a participating NCORP network site. Through the NCORP network, community
physicians will be able to collaborate with the NCI Clinical Trials
Network Research Bases (NCTN) and Lead Academic Participating Sites
(LAPS) on the development of research studies that impact patients in
their communities.
Read more about the
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.