A Place for Discovery
By Wally Curran
"I see the opportunity for unique partnerships with researchers at the best cancer centers around the world," says Wally Curran.
A few months ago, the Winship Cancer Institute leadership team announced a new initiative to refocus our efforts on high quality clinical research engagement and to educate patients and caregivers about the benefits of participating in clinical trials. Gaining access to state-of-the-art cancer therapies and helping future generations of patients are two of the main reasons to talk to your doctor about whether you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial.
How does proton compare to X-ray radiation? In our "Power & Precision" story, this magnetic resonance image (MRI) is used to illustrate the different delivery paths of the two treatments. |
As we officially open the doors of the Emory Proton Therapy Center, we have been thinking a lot about the role of clinical trials in our work. We are only beginning to discover the potential of how proton treatment will benefit patients. Applying novel technologies to cancer care is a top priority at Winship. Now, we want to learn how we can incorporate one of the most advanced forms of radiation treatment. Will proton therapy allow us to reduce the number of cancer-related surgeries or eliminate the need for long courses of systemic therapies? Over the next few years, we plan to identify, and hopefully, answer such questions through carefully designed clinical research studies.
Offering clinical trials at the Emory Proton Therapy Center also allows Winship to align with investigators in new domains. I see the opportunity for unique partnerships with researchers at the leading cancer centers around the world. These new alignments will be excellent for our physicians and future faculty recruits and even more beneficial for our patients as we create additional options for cancer treatment right here at home.
For 81 years, Winship has delivered on its mission of reducing the cancer burden in the state of Georgia. I am excited that the Emory Proton Therapy Center is providing an array of new therapeutic opportunities for our patients with the added benefit of creating a new environment for discovery.
