Radiosurgical Research Institute to examine effectiveness of treatment methods.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 9, 2010) – US Radiosurgery, a leader in developing and operating full-body radiosurgical facilities in cooperation with community hospitals and physicians, has formed a new nonprofit clinical research organization that will examine and compare the effectiveness of various radiation treatment modalities in combating cancer.
With headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., the Radiosurgical Research Institute will initiate clinical studies and collect treatment data from radiosurgery centers throughout the country to establish best practices, increase patient educational resources and provide radiosurgery centers with more clinical data to improve treatment recommendations.
US Radiosurgery operates a number of cancer-treatment centers throughout the United States using stereotactic radiosurgical devices as well as conventional radiation therapy technologies. These various centers will provide the initial funding to establish the Radiosurgical Research Institute.
George Stevens, US Radiosurgery chief executive officer, says the institute was 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.
“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,” Stevens said. “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.”
Renowned radiation oncologist Dr. Luther Brady, 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.”
Based in Nashville, Tenn., US Radiosurgery is a market leader in developing and operating full-body radiosurgical centers in partnership with local health-care providers. With over 75 years experience in partnering with physicians and hospitals, US Radiosurgery provides comprehensive expertise at every level beginning with development and market analysis to financing and legal structure, as well as ongoing management and daily operations of radiosurgical centers. More information is available at www.usradiosurgery.com, or call (615) 263-7888.
Contact
Chris Gautreau
Zehnder Communications
225-448-0757
chrisg@z-comm.com
Florence Chassaignac
US Radiosurgery
615-263-7852
florence@usradiosurgery.com