WASHINGTON (Dec. 7, 2016) -- The U.S. Senate voted to pass the 21st Century Cures Act this afternoon – a vote that follows passage in the House last week.

Louis M. Weiner, MD, director of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University says the bill is critical to moving the needle on cancer treatments.

He says, “The 21st Century Cures Act will make a big difference in accelerating progress in cancer research so that we can prevent more cancers, treat cancers more effectively and cure more people. I am grateful for the efforts of so many people especially Vice President Biden, whose dynamic leadership of the Cancer Moonshot has created a unanimity of effort and purpose that will allow us to reach our goals in years as opposed to decades.”

To schedule an interview with Dr. Weiner, please contact Karen Teber at [email protected].

About Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center — the only cancer center of its kind in the Washington, DC area. A part of Georgetown University Medical Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown Lombardi seeks to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer through innovative basic and clinical research, patient care, community education and outreach, and the training of cancer specialists of the future. Connect with Georgetown Lombardi on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgetownLombardi) and Twitter (@LombardiCancer).

About Georgetown University Medical CenterGeorgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) is an internationally recognized academic medical center with a three-part mission of research, teaching and patient care (through MedStar Health). GUMC’s mission is carried out with a strong emphasis on public service and a dedication to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis -- or "care of the whole person." The Medical Center includes the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing & Health Studies, both nationally ranked; Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute; and the Biomedical Graduate Research Organization, which accounts for the majority of externally funded research at GUMC including a Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. Connect with GUMC on Facebook (Facebook.com/GUMCUpdate), Twitter (@gumedcenter) and Instagram (@gumedcenter).