Ochsner Health and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have partnered to advance cancer care in Louisiana.
ochsnerConsists of a 46-hospital system based in New Orleans Seven other health systems who have adopted the oncology standards and treatment plans of MD Anderson in Houston. In the first phase of clinical affiliations, MD Anderson will certify seven hospitals and cancer centers, giving the facilities access to clinical trials and MD Anderson’s network of experts. The organizations did not offer an implementation timeline for the first or additional phases.
“We can bring incredible new cancer treatments to communities together with the strength of our brand and expertise,” said Dr. Peter Pisters, MD Anderson President. “Ochsner already has deep clinical research experience.”
Ochsner and MD Anderson have been working together informally since 2019 to strengthen Ochsner’s infrastructure and treatment plans, Pisters said.
MD Anderson’s health system partnership essentially includes creating centers of excellence, MD Anderson expands its brand to multiple cities, while its health system partners benefit from its experts, care model and name recognition. In addition to clinical trial expansion, MD Anderson typically helps its partners identify and bridge various care gaps, such as how oncology drugs are processed, compounded and delivered; quality control of radiation therapy; and the configuration of the linear accelerator, Pisters said. Those involved with the health system often attract independent medical practices in the same or nearby communities, as well as MD Anderson physicians and staff looking to relocate, he said.
Ultimately, MD Anderson aims to help improve patient outcomes in its partner systems so that they match the quality of the Houston-based facilities, Pisters said.
MD Anderson’s other health system partners are Phoenix-based Banner Health; Cooper University Health Care in Camden, New Jersey; Baptist Health based in Jacksonville, Florida; the Indianapolis-based Community Health Network; UT Health San Antonio and Scripps Health based in San Diego.
The cancer centers have continued to grow their network through partnerships and acquisitions. city of hope Acquired Cancer Treatment Centers of America In February 2022, expanding the Los Angeles-based organization to Arizona, Illinois and Georgia. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City also made clinical affiliation With Health Systems since 2013.