The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute has launched its Precision Oncology Program to help clinicians across Georgia incorporate genomic insights into everyday cancer care.
The program is designed to make precision therapeutics accessible, efficient and patient-centered. Its core goals include:
- Equitable genomic testing for all patient populations
- Efficient use of tissue samples to reduce waste and testing delays
- Genomic-informed care coordination to optimize outcomes
- Financial protection to reduce unnecessary patient costs
How it works: The program is anchored by the Genomic Oncology Advisory Board (GOAB) and a genomic care coordination team, led by Northside’s Clinical Oncology Quality Manager and an experienced nurse practitioner.
- Each patient case undergoes a thorough review covering diagnosis, personal and family history, treatment pathways, genomic profiling and potential barriers to access.
- GOAB rigorously evaluates clinical data, medical literature, clinical trials and emerging research to recommend targeted treatments, backed by peer-reviewed evidence.
Recognition and innovation: Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is a member of the Caris Precision Oncology Alliance™, a network of 69 cancer centers advancing biomarker-driven therapies.
In April 2025, Northside received a national grant from the Association of Cancer Care Centers and Eli Lilly to expand its Genomics Care Coordination Pilot, which aims to improve precision oncology pathways statewide.
What they’re saying: “The advancements of research in genomics and personalized oncology care are constantly changing and improving patient outcomes,” said Drew Snyder, director of oncology quality and support services at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. “Northside Hospital Cancer Institute will set the foundation for an integrated and expedient approach to precision oncology in a community cancer center setting.”
“The evolution of cancer treatments from chemotherapy to targeted therapies and immunotherapies reflects the deep impact of research on patient outcomes,” said Dr. Rodrigo Maegawa, medical director of the Oncology Research Program at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. “Precision medicine emerged from studies demonstrating that treatments tailored to specific molecular profiles can greatly improve results.”
Why it matters: By pairing genomic data with strong clinical oversight and care coordination, Northside is creating a model that’s:
- Inclusive — reducing disparities in access to molecular testing
- Efficient — preventing unnecessary tests and delays
- Patient-centered — balancing prognostic insight with affordability
- Cutting-edge — integrating peer-reviewed science to support medication access
Learn more about cancer research at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.
