Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy
The Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy at the University of Florida, co-directed by Erin M. Dunbar, MD, adult neuro-oncologist, and William A. Friedman, MD, neurosurgeon, is a result of a generous $5 million gift from the Fort Lauderdale-based Lillian S. Wells Foundation Inc. The state of Florida, through its matching gifts program, will add another $5M to the Center bringing the total value of the donation to $10 million. The Center has a number of active clinical trials as well as on-going basic and translational research.
Clinical trials are available for patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors, including trials involving treatment, support, quality of life, and outcomes. Phase I-III clinical trials are available through our development of novel UF clinical trials, our participation in industry-sponsored research, and our membership in various consortia.
For more information and eligibility, please contact Jennifer West, RN, BSN, CCRP at 352-273-9000.
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Basic & translational research is actively conducted in all major areas of brain tumor studies. The Center has recruited basic scientists and physicians and invested in facilities and infrastructure to support these research efforts. The Center has or is affiliated with established tissue banks as well as the highly specialized labs within the Evelyn F. & William L. McKnight Brain Institute (MBI), most recently with the newly constructed Movement Disorder Center, that facilitate collaborations with investigators nationwide. A Clinical Research office directs the work of talented clinical coordinators, medical biostatisticians, web designers, medical illustrators, medical editors, database engineers, as well as bioinformatics and technology support.
News From the Center
Stand Up to Cancer
Stand Up to Cancer is an national initiative to find an end to cancer as quickly as possible. This campaign began in 2008 and has received the attention of celebrities, lawmakers, clinicians, advocates, families and communities around the nation. All are united in this campaign and support the quest to find an end to cancer. The campaign is year-round, however, there will be a call to action on September 10 with a telethon on NBC and CBS. The telethon will start at 8 p.m.
Haven Hospice, the American Cancer Society and MyGTN (NBC/CBS/My 11) have partnered together to bring awareness of this campaign and of putting an end to cancer to the local Gainesville community. To localize this national campaign, MyGTN created four Public Service Announcements using local people who have had cancer and who treat cancer, including University of Florida Neuro-Oncologist, Erin M. Dunbar. MD to reach the community on this very important issue. Staring this month,four PSAs will be running on all three stations.The PSAs will run right up until September 10, the date of the Stand Up to Cancer telethon.
Other News
- Our Neuro-Oncology Research Coordinator Jennifer West, RN, BSN, CCRP, was invited to provide an oral presentation at the Celldex Investigator’s Meeting in Dallas on behalf of our trial site for the ACT IV Clinical Trial. This trial is an international, randomized trial for Glioblastoma patients, using the vaccine Rindopepimut. We have been actively screening since our opening in December 2011. We are the second active site out of 200 worldwide. It was a great honor for Jennifer to be able to share her passion for this trial and represent the University of Florida.
- Dr Dunbar talked recently to a local Gainesville station, TV20, in its Medical Spotlight (read more) program about a new clinical trial.
- Does cell phone use cause cancer? Dr. Dunbar explains recent reports of a study by the World Health Organization in an interview with local TV station, TV 20.