Washington, DC -- As scientists continue to uncover the lifestyle and genetic factors that play a role in who develops cancer, a newly established center at Georgetown University may help current and future patients better understand their own genetic risk.
A $6.5 million gift from the Robert M. Fisher Memorial Foundation, Inc. will allow Georgetown to strengthen its position as one of the leading hereditary cancer research, treatment and educational programs in the country. The establishment of the Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Familial Cancer (Fisher Center) will substantially expand both the clinical and research programs at Georgetown's Vincent T. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, allowing the cancer center to conduct more research on genetic predisposition to cancer, provide increased clinical trial opportunities and allow physicians to evaluate and treat more patients.
Of the $6.5 million gift, $1.5 million will endow the Cecilia F. Rudman Arts and Humanities Program Fund, substantially expanding the reach and scope of the cancer center's current arts therapy program. This is the largest gift to Lombardi's arts and humanities program in its history.
On the Cutting Edge of Cancer Research, Prevention and Treatment
The Fisher Center will be co-directed by Claudine Isaacs, MD, and Marc Schwartz, PhD, associate professors of medicine and oncology at Georgetown. Both Isaacs and Schwartz are nationally recognized cancer researchers, particularly in the area of genetic predisposition and susceptibility for breast cancer, one of the most common hereditary cancers.
"The Fisher Center at Lombardi will be a pioneer in understanding, treating and preventing hereditary cancer. Through prevention, screening and early-detection trials, our ultimate goal is to prevent high-risk patients from ever developing cancer," Isaacs said.
As part of the gift, Lombardi will be among the first cancer centers i
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Contact: Laura Cavender
lsc6@georgetown.edu
202-687-5100
Georgetown University Medical Center
15-Aug-2006