Dr. Larissa Korde, a breast cancer researcher in the Clinical Research and Public Health Sciences divisions, is the new director of PHS's Prevention Center. She replaces Dr. Anne McTiernan of PHS, who directed the Prevention Center since its inception. Dr. Johanna Lampe, also of PHS, continues her longtime role as co-director of the expansive facility, home to exercise, nutrition and clinical research studies.
Korde, whose primary appointment is in the University of Washington's Department of Medicine, has been at the Center since 2009. She conducts lifestyle modification studies in women at risk of breast cancer.
"I think the Prevention Center is an incredible resource for investigators, particularly those interested in lifestyle modification studies, but it is able to encompass a lot more than that," Korde said. "For patients, I think being able to have study visits in a place that exists separately from their clinical care is a real bonus."
An invitation to utilize this resource
Korde hopes to broaden the number of studies utilizing the Prevention Center. "I would like to see more investigators take advantage of this incredible resource," she said. "I hope to see additional studies from across the Center make use of our space, and I would like to see us become involved in more intervention studies, including chemoprevention and behavioral studies."
Korde is the primary breast medical oncologist at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance's high-risk clinic. She plans to pursue chemoprevention and lifestyle modification studies in women at high risk of breast cancer and is involved in research in survivorship issues, particularly in young women with breast cancer. Additionally, she is interested in prevention interventions and treatment options for women at genetic risk of breast cancer.
"I would like to bridge our scientific understanding of the continuum of cancer, from risk and prevention to treatment and survivorship. I think the Prevention Center can take a role in providing research support for studies across this spectrum," Korde said.
Korde said she is grateful for the support of the Prevention Center leadership. "Anne has been an incredible leader, resource and mentor for me. I have greatly enjoyed working with both Anne and Johanna and look forward to their continued support."
