Cancer research in Georgia has grown dramatically in recent years, largely as a result of the creation of the Georgia Cancer Coalition (GCC.) The Georgia Cancer Coalition was established in part to help fund a nationally recognized research effort to find better treatments for cancer. Attracting world-class cancer experts to Georgia is a top priority for the GCC as is establishing relationships with oncologists across the state. With monies from Georgia’s tobacco settlement and endorsement from Georgia’s Governors and the Legislature beginning in 2001, the GCC has awarded funding for Distinguished Cancer Clinicians and Scientists; grants for cancer researchers; development of a statewide tumor and tissue bank and creation of the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE.)

The Strategic Plan which propelled the development of the Georgia Cancer Coalition highlighted expansion of cancer research efforts as one of five priorities. The document acknowledged that Georgia possessed many of the components necessary for national cancer leadership including renowned medical schools and research universities, a strong public health system, a vibrant and growing technology sector, an excellent network of health care providers, an entrepreneurial business environment and the national headquarters for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS.) However, Georgia’s lack of an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, limited research funding from NCI, barriers to accessing clinical trials and lack of systems to stimulate technology transfer and translational research were deemed major deficits. Much progress has been made on these goals since the GCC’s creation. NCI funding has grown dramatically and new cancer centers, invigorated by the GCC’s support of Regional Programs of and Centers for Excellence, have emerged across the state.

Georgia CORE has made unique and significant contributions to fulfilling the state’s cancer research goals. This has been accomplished by creating a statewide research network of clinicians and scientists in academic and community settings who are committed to increasing the number of scientifically and clinically significant trials available in the state. Georgia CORE has also developed a clinical trials registry to aid patients in their search for trials while tracking Georgia’s progress in clinical cancer research. The organization provides resources, training and support to clinical research personnel and engages patients, advocates and survivors by expanding clinical trials awareness and accessibility.

Further clinical research advances will depend upon strong partnerships between academic scientists and community physicians. According to the Institute of Medicine (1), “It is commonly accepted ….that participation in clinical trials is associated with excellent medical care as well as improving the standard of care through research.” The mission of Georgia CORE, to improve the quality of cancer care in Georgia by strengthening clinical cancer research, is founded on this premise.

(1) Institute of Medicine (2005). Assessing the quality of cancer care: An approach to measurement in Georgia.