Thomas J George, MD, FACP, FASCO : Research

Clinical research in gastrointestinal malignancies is a primary aspect of Dr. George’s academic interests.  Specific areas of focus include active participation and development of clinical trials to promote novel drug application in patient care, quality of life/cancer care decision making, and identification of predictive markers for individualized therapy.  He has been a 10 year Gubernatorial appointee to the Executive Committee and immediate past Chair of the Florida Cancer Control and Research and Advisory Council which advises the legislature on matters related to cancer care and research in the state. He is a dedicated mentor and teacher of fellows, residents, and students in the College of Medicine and junior faculty both at UF and other major institutions.

Experimental Therapeutics - Dr. George is involved as a Principle Investigator in numerous clinical trials aimed at determining the optimal treatment for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies and bringing new therapies to patients with advanced cancers.  Collaboration includes numerous national clinical trial groups as well as the National Cancer Institute.  Representative protocols include studies in colon, rectal, pancreatic, esophagogastric, hepatobiliary and other treatment refractory cancers.  These novel therapies offer patients access to new treatments and hold the promise of becoming the next breakthrough in cancer patient care. 

Personalized Oncology - As cancer care becomes more complex, focus on a tailored approach to individualized treatments which maximize benefit while minimizing risk is critical.  Research involving the identification of specific markers or elements of a patient or their cancer which will predict, in advance, response to a given therapy is an area of active investigation.  The incorporation of new molecular markers, gene expression profiling, and pharmacogenomics into clinical care will help to provide patients with truly personalized care. 

Quality of Life and Decision Making - Patients and their loved ones facing the new diagnosis of a cancer face a variety of potentially overwhelming treatment options and decisions.  Collaboration with behavioral scientists, communication experts, and others are helping to break down the complex process of decision making in an attempt to determine how best to deliver treatment options and maximize quality of life.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Oncologists - The next generation holds the keys to continuing the work currently ongoing in cancer biology, therapeutics, and patient care.  Cancer therapies and knowledge are constantly changing and medicine requires a lifelong commitment to education. Development of novel educational tools, training modules, advanced curricula, mentorship and sponsorship aimed at providing oncologists with the skills needed to practice state of the art medicine while maintaining the humanism and sensitivity required for being entrusted with the honor of caring for patients with cancer is an area of ongoing professional and research interest.