The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation in November recognized physician Jeffrey J. Kirshner with the Richard L. Schilsky Cancer and Leukemia Group B Achievement Award. Established in 2010, the honor is bestowed for significant contributions to cooperative group research for cancer care.
“With our mission to provide the highest level of care to patients, research is integral to identifying better and more effective therapies,” says physician Anthony J. Scalzo, physician-partner and president of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOACNY). “We are very thankful and proud that Dr. Kirshner has led the HOACNY research department for over 30 years.”
Scalzo said Kirshner has consistently represented HOACNY with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and HOACNY’s main cooperative group, The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. “His leadership has been instrumental in our national recognition as a strong supporter and contributor to important cancer research,” Scalzo adds.
With the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation, Kirshner serves as chairman of the Alliance Data and Safety Monitoring Board and is a member of the Alliance Breast Committee, Alliance Symptom Intervention Committee, and Alliance Community Oncology Committee. He serves on several committees for ASCO, including CancerLinQ Research and Publications. He is a member of the Practice Guidelines Implementation Network (PGIN) and serves as the community oncology representative on four expert panels. Kirshner also has authored or co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed research publications.
“Before, clinical trials were sometimes seen only as a last resort, when people had no other treatment options,” said Kirshner. “However, many people with early stage cancers choose to participate in treatment and/or symptom management clinical trials, making today’s clinical trials tomorrow’s standard of care!”
Kirshner said that patients should ask their physician and other members of their healthcare team about clinical trial options for them, as well as check the NCI website — cancer.gov. Additionally, HOACNY also offers individuals the option to contact its research department at 315-472-7504 (x 1350).