February 10, 2010 - A newly formed non-profit, the Radiosurgical Research Institute will initiate clinical studies and collect treatment data from radiosurgery centers throughout the United States to establish best practices, increase patient educational resources and provide radiosurgery centers with more clinical data to improve treatment recommendations.
Inspired by a comparatively small amount of research and funding dedicated to comparing the effectiveness of treatment modalities, including conventional surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, among others, the new nonprofit clinical research organization will examine and compare the effectiveness of various radiation treatment modalities in combating cancer.
“Although hundreds of millions of dollars goes into cancer research, there is a relatively limited amount going toward treatment. Most goes to research for diagnosis and prevention, and is generated by academic-based facilities,” said George Stevens, US Radiosurgery CEO. “We saw a need and an opportunity to build upon existing research programs using data available from our community-based radiosurgery centers and others who may be interested in participating.”
radiation oncologist Luther Brady, M.D., medical director of Philadelphia CyberKnife, will lead the Radiosurgical Research Institute’s clinical review board. Brady said that ultimately, the institute will expand well beyond US Radiosurgery.
“The institute will welcome physicians and researchers from all radiosurgery facilities, regardless of affiliations,” Dr. Brady said. “Our purpose is to generate the best clinical research and scientific study of radiosurgery possible for the benefit of cancer patients and their doctors.”
US Radiosurgery, a developer and operator of full-body radiosurgical facilities in cooperation with community hospitals and physicians, is also a founder of the institute. The Radiosurgical Research Institute has headquarters in Nashville, Tenn.
For more information: www.usradiosurgery.com
