When Georgia CORE was founded in 2003, the state of Georgia faced the challenge of overcoming the perception that better cancer care was available elsewhere. Neighboring states each had at least one National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, while Georgia the largest state east of the Mississippi River struggled with high cancer incidence, a scarcity of clinical trials, and no NCI-designated cancer center. Consequently, patients often had to leave the state to get the best treatment available at least those who were able. Despite having distinguished medical schools, hospitals, oncologists, and cancer centers, Georgia lacked a cohesive, strategic approach to oncology care and research.
Discussions within the oncology community began to emphasize the promise of clinical trials in controlling cancer and its progression. Georgia’s existing strengths in cancer care and its diverse prevention efforts inspired a coalition of advocates, led by then-Governor Roy Barnes, to establish the necessary focus that had been missing. This was the genesis of Georgia CORE the Center for Oncology Research and Education.
Georgia CORE was established to address two critical deficiencies in the state: a lack of clinical trials and limited research capacity. It immediately fostered collaboration among community oncologists and academic researchers, evolving into a public-private partnership guided by a Board of Directors composed of experts from cancer centers, hospitals, and educational and academic institutions. Today, Georgia CORE is a unique statewide organization working with a vast array of groups Ð from local hospitals and community organizations to public health centers and NCI leveraging public and private funding to provide greater impact and generate greater results. When I was asked in 2025 to join the board as its Chief Medical Officer, it was not a difficult decision. The organizations mission embodies my long-standing passion for enhancing access to clinical trials for cancer patients, as well as my dedication to developing innovative treatment strategies.
Working as a convener, funder, partner and champion, Georgia CORE has nurtured an environment that enhances focus within the states oncology community through a network built over more than two decades, and my colleagues and I can be even more impactful in our careers because of it. The nonprofit is currently expanding participation in clinical trials through three key initiatives:
1. Georgia NCORP: A collaboration of eight sites in Georgia partnered with the National Cancer Institute to improve access to cancer clinical trials in underserved communities.
2. Blood Cancer Trial Network: A partnership with Emory University to enhance access to trials specifically for blood cancers.
3. Georgia Cancer Trial Finders: Assisting providers and patients in identifying and navigating available trials throughout the state.
Additionally, Georgia CORE advances research by investing in top-tier talent through the Georgia Cancer Research Fund. Utilizing donations made by Georgia taxpayers on their state income tax forms, Georgia CORE administers annual grants to collaborative teams from the states research institutions.
While steadfast in its commitment to increasing the number and accessibility of clinical trials, Georgia CORE’s mission has grown to also address gaps in cancer education. It empowers the cancer community by providing actionable information on screenings, prevention, and treatments, along with networking and professional development opportunities in cancer care. Here’s how:
- The Georgia Genetics Program increases access to testing, counseling, and management for individuals with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer-related mutations.
- Cancer Patient Navigators of Georgia supports the sharing of best practices among navigators statewide.
- Specialized License Plates promoted by Georgia CORE generate funds for grants administered by CORE to support community partners in providing free cancer screenings.
- The Georgia Colorectal Cancer Control Program is a multi-institutional effort aimed at enhancing screenings in southwest and southeast Georgia.
- The Southeastern Rural Cancer Care Network addresses quality cancer care gaps in rural, southeast Georgia.
All of this would not be possible without dedicated and strategic advocacy the third pillar of Georgia CORE’s mission. Its leadership and government partners are at the forefront of policy discussions at both state and federal levels concerning all aspects of cancer care. Often, Georgia CORE leads the charge in engaging stakeholders to identify and secure critical public funding to combat cancer. With more than two decades of advancing research, expanding access to innovative treatments, and providing education and prevention services, we know there remains much work to be done. Fulfilling the mission to transform the oncology landscape in the state will never be over. The team will continue to work each day toward making Georgia the model for exceptional advancements and unimpeded access in cancer care.
Trevor M. Feinstein, MD
Dr. Feinstein is the Georgia CORE Board Chief Medical Officer and a Medical Oncologist at Piedmont Cancer Institute (PCI). Dr. Feinstein joined PCI in 2011. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Thomas O’Toole Award for his outstanding work with the underserved populations; a Sanofi-Aventis Grant; and the Amgen Fellowship Award. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts and manuscripts in hematology and oncology. He co-runs PCI’s research department, sits on the hospital’s Oncology Scientific Review Committee, and is director of research at Piedmont Fayette Hospital.
