Much reform is needed before these new oncology drugs are safe, effective, affordable choices for U.S. patients
The Woodlands, Texas (November 2, 2016) — The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care, is calling attention today to an important series of articles on pharmaceutical safety recently published by The Lancet Oncology, a leading peer-reviewed medical journal reporting on global clinical oncology research. The three-part series focuses on the need for new approaches to biosimilar and generic oncology drugs, while also examining the safety of these agents. Biosimilars and generics are viewed as logical solutions to control the increasing costs of cancer treatment, but as the articles reveal, much work must be done before these oncology drugs can become viable treatment options for patients in the U.S.
“It is exciting to see progress being made in biosimilar and generic drugs because they hold so much potential to help us drive down treatment costs,” said Robert Rifkin, MD, FACP, oncology researcher and medical oncologist with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers in Denver. “However, there are still barriers to overcome before we can fully realize the benefits these new drugs can provide. We need a streamlined approach to how we develop, regulate, manage and promote acceptance of these drugs to physicians and patient consumers,” he noted. Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers is an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, and Dr. Rifkin is a leading researcher in the organization.
“Safety and efficacy of biosimilars in oncology,” was published November 2, 2016. The research was conducted by H. Schellekens, MD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Netherlands, Dr. Rifkin, and other collaborators. The study extensively reviews the safety of oncology biosimilars designed to be similar to originator and expensive oncology biologics, such as filgrastim and epoetin. The researchers conclude the lower cost versions are safe and effective throughout Europe, and their use is expanding to the U.S. They also suggest that going forward, oncology biosimilars will receive regulatory approvals with less extensive clinical testing, as analytic testing has greatly progressed over the last decade.
“Together, this article provides much-needed information to America,” said Dr. Rifkin. “The hope has always been that these biosimilar drugs could help us control the rapidly escalating costs of cancer treatment and increase patient access. Maintenance of transparency in the review process and balance of scientific rigor with efficiency will be essential to maximize end user confidence. Significant retooling is needed if these oncology drugs are to be safe, effective, and affordable choices for patients here in the U.S.,” he concluded.
About The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network is one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. A physician-led organization, The US Oncology Network unites like-minded physicians and clinicians around a common vision of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, evidence-based guidelines and quality measurements, physicians within The US Oncology Network are pioneering new ways to achieve this vision. This includes participation in initiatives that are leading the way toward value-based care such as the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) Oncology Care Model (OCM). The US Oncology Network is committed to strengthening patient access to integrated care in local communities across the nation, including collaboration with a variety of payers, hospitals and academic institutions. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation focused on empowering a vibrant and sustainable community patient care delivery system. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contact
Claire Crye
The US Oncology Network
281-825-9927
Claire.Crye@mckesson.com
Practice gains access to world-class treatments and enhances its cutting-edge research program
Cincinnati, Ohio (November 1, 2016) – OHC (Oncology Hematology Care), the premier provider of advanced treatments for cancer and blood disorders in the Greater Cincinnati area for more than 30 years, has joined The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest associations of community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. By joining The Network, OHC enhances its ability to provide patients high-quality care as well as access to some of the most advanced cancer treatments available today, all delivered in convenient neighborhood locations close to the patient’s home. The practice also gains a wealth of resources, expertise, innovative technologies and business support services from The Network to help them succeed in transitioning to value-based healthcare.
“We are excited to join The US Oncology Network, as it will allow us to retain our independence and maintain our community relationships while strengthening the financial and operational backbone of our practice for years to come,” said Randolph Broun, M.D., OHC medical oncologist and practice president. “The comprehensive resources and guidance from The Network will enable us to continue to provide the high level of cancer care our patients and referring physicians have come to know and expect, while enabling us to compete in the marketplace with greater operational and cost efficiency.”
The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, an industry leader in solutions that empower the community patient care delivery system to advance the science, technology and quality of care. This includes strong and comprehensive practice management capabilities and value-based care expertise critical for practices navigating today’s challenging healthcare landscape. OHC is one of more than 30 practices and over 1,000 physicians supported by McKesson Specialty Health nationally who have been selected to participate in the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) Oncology Care Model (OCM), representing roughly 32 percent of all physicians selected to participate in the program. This is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to value-based, high-quality care.
“It is extremely important to cancer patients and their families that community-based oncology practices like ours remain strong and independent in this era of provider consolidations and rising healthcare costs,” said Dr. Broun. “In addition to providing high-quality, cost-effective care, we also offer patients convenient access to leading-edge treatments, including clinical trials, right in their own neighborhood where they have the support of family and friends. Our affiliation with The US Oncology Network will help us continue to provide these cost-effective patient-centric services that support optimal patient outcomes while providing superior quality and value to both patients and payers.”
As part of The US Oncology Network, OHC will have access to expertise and resources from The Network typically only available in large academic medical centers. The practice can utilize the industry-leading clinical pathways developed by The Network that provide evidence-based treatment options based on efficacy, toxicity and cost, reducing treatment variability while driving better outcomes and more predictable costs. Physicians will also be able to collaborate on difficult cases with their colleagues across America through eTumor Boards and The Oncology Portal, tapping into the collective knowledge and experience of more than 1,000 physicians. Additionally, the practice will have access to a state-of-the-art drug distribution center specifically developed to increase patient safety, as well as exciting new technologies and programs to support oncology practices as they transition to value-based care delivery models.
While OHC already has a well-established, nationally recognized award-winning clinical research program, by uniting with The Network, the practice will greatly increase the number and variety of novel clinical trials it can offer patients through US Oncology Research, a leader in bringing innovative therapies to patients in local communities across the nation. The organization manages approximately 300 active trials at any given time and has played a role in more than 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, about one-third of all those approved by the FDA to date.
“It is a privilege to have the respected physicians of OHC join The US Oncology Network,” said Kirk Kaminsky, president of The US Oncology Network and Practice Management for McKesson Specialty Health. “The addition of OHC to The Network expands our presence into another new market with a highly reputable, long-standing provider of high-quality community-based cancer care. We look forward to the many contributions this skilled group of physicians will make as we collaborate to advance the science and quality of cancer care in the new value-based healthcare landscape.”
About OHC
For more than 30 years, OHC has remained the region’s premier provider of treatments for adult cancer and complex blood disorders, offering a wide range of services, state-of-the-art treatments and leading edge technologies. As the only nationally accredited oncology medical home in Cincinnati, Ohio, OHC provides a comprehensive team approach delivering high-quality, compassionate, and convenient care, tailored to meet a patient’s medical and personal needs.
With more than 50 expert oncology providers, OHC treats nearly every form of adult cancer and complex blood disorders with medical, radiation, gynecologic, palliative and hospice oncology specialists. OHC offers nationally recognized clinical trials to help achieve groundbreaking advancements in the treatment of cancer and leads the most experienced adult blood and marrow transplant center in the tri-state area. With neighborhood locations throughout the tri-state area, OHC is one of the largest independent oncology practices in the United States. For more information visit www.ohcare.com.
About The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network is one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. A physician-led organization, The US Oncology Network unites like-minded physicians and clinicians around a common vision of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, evidence-based guidelines and quality measurements, physicians within The US Oncology Network are pioneering new ways to achieve this vision. This includes participation in initiatives that are leading the way toward value-based care such as the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) Oncology Care Model (OCM). The US Oncology Network is committed to strengthening patient access to integrated care in local communities across the nation, including collaboration with a variety of payers, hospitals and academic institutions. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation focused on empowering a vibrant and sustainable community patient care delivery system. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contacts
Mike Leavy
OHC
513-312-3801
mleavy@ohcare.com
Claire Crye
The US Oncology Network
281-825-9927
Claire.Crye@usoncology.com
PALO ALTO, Calif. and The Woodlands, Texas (October 26, 2016) — Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) and McKesson today announced a strategic agreement for the deployment and servicing of Varian advanced radiotherapy equipment and software over a three-year period across The US Oncology Network affiliated sites of care. This multiyear agreement delivers significant value to oncology providers in The US Oncology Network, which now operates the largest system of radiotherapy facilities in the U.S. following the acquisition of Vantage Oncology earlier this year.
Over the next two years, seven Varian TrueBeam™ and five VitalBeam™ medical linear accelerators will be installed in The US Oncology Network affiliated cancer centers across the U.S. In addition, McKesson and Varian will collaborate to establish interoperability between McKesson’s iKnowMedSM electronic health record (EHR) system and Varian’s ARIA® oncology information system. The interoperability aims to deliver direct value to all physicians using these information systems in managing patient care.
“McKesson and The US Oncology Network offer robust, comprehensive practice management capabilities, value-based care expertise, and state-of-the-art technology solutions to its affiliated practices, providing support as they navigate today’s challenging healthcare landscape,” said Kirk Kaminsky, president of The US Oncology Network and Practice Management for McKesson. “The US Oncology Network supports more than 1,300 affiliated physicians and approximately 400 affiliated sites of care. Bringing them together earlier this year and now executing this strategic agreement with Varian will help our affiliated practices simultaneously enhance clinical capabilities, workflow for physicians, and the quality of patient care while improving the cost-effectiveness of their operations. The specialized hardware, service offerings and roadmap for interoperability with iKnowMed gives clinicians greater efficiency and increased quality of patient care benefits.”
“We are honored by the long-term commitment McKesson is making in Varian equipment and technology as part of this agreement,” said Kolleen Kennedy, president of Varian’s Oncology Systems business. “Our companies share a common goal to develop and deliver the highest level of care. Through this strategic agreement, we are increasing the ability of patients to access the most advanced treatments in their fight against cancer.”
About Varian Medical Systems
Varian Medical Systems, Inc., of Palo Alto, California, focuses energy on saving lives by equipping the world with advanced technology for fighting cancer and for X-ray imaging. The company is the world’s leading manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating cancer and other medical conditions with radiation. The company provides comprehensive solutions for radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy and brachytherapy. The company supplies informatics software for managing comprehensive cancer clinics, radiotherapy centers and medical oncology practices. Varian is also a premier supplier of X-ray imaging components, including tubes, digital detectors, cables and connectors as well as image processing software and workstations for use in medical and industrial settings, as well as for security and non-destructive testing. Varian Medical Systems employs approximately 7,700 people who are located at manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, and China and sales and support offices around the world. For more information, visit http://www.varian.com or follow us on Twitter.
About The US Oncology Network
Every day, The US Oncology Network helps more than 1,400 independent physicians deliver value-based, integrated care for patients — close to home. Through The Network, these independent doctors come together to form a community of shared expertise and resources dedicated to advancing local cancer care and to delivering better patient outcomes. The Network provides doctors with access to coordinated resources, best business practices, and the experience, infrastructure and support of McKesson. This collaboration allows the doctors in The Network to focus on the health of their patients, while McKesson focuses on the health of their practices. Together, The Network and its affiliated physicians are committed to the success of independent practices, everywhere. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
About McKesson
McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 6th on the FORTUNE 500, is a global leader in healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care, and healthcare information technology. McKesson partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers, providers, pharmacies, governments and other organizations in healthcare to help provide the right medicines, medical products and healthcare services to the right patients at the right time, safely and cost-effectively. United by our ICARE shared principles, our employees work every day to innovate and deliver opportunities that make our customers and partners more successful — all for the better health of patients. McKesson has been named the “Most Admired Company” in the healthcare wholesaler category by FORTUNE, a “Best Place to Work” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and a top military-friendly company by Military Friendly. For more information, visit www.mckesson.com.
Media Contacts
Mark Plungy
Varian Medical Systems
650.424.5630
mark.plungy@varian.com
Claire Crye
McKesson
281.825.9927
claire.crye@mckesson.com
More than 80 healthcare employees will provide Westside residents with comprehensive care at new state-of-the-art facility
Tigard, Oregon (October 18, 2016) — The largest independent cancer practice in the Northwest has broken ground for a new multi-disciplinary center in Tigard, set to open May 2018. Construction at the site will begin spring 2017.
Compass Oncology, a practice in The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks, will build a 36,000 square-foot center near SW 72nd and SW Dartmouth in what is known as the Tigard Triangle.
Compass Oncology has six sites in the Portland metropolitan area, including two freestanding cancer centers: one at the Rose Quarter and the other in Vancouver, Washington. The Tigard facility will be the third state-of-the-art center serving patients and their families. Compass Oncology currently employs over 300 people in the metro area, treats more than 4,000 cancer patients annually, and is conducting over 60 cancer research clinical trials.
“One of our great strengths is our ability as a community oncology practice to provide care close to home,” said Lucy Langer, M.D., practice president, Compass Oncology. “The move to Tigard is exciting because it will enhance this opportunity for so many of our patients to receive comprehensive care close to where they live.”
Langer expects the new site to employ approximately 80 employees. Twelve oncologists will see patients in Tigard.
The City of Tigard is in the midst of transforming the area into a diverse and lively mixed-use district. Healthcare service facilities will be a part of the planned changes, including Compass Oncology’s newest location.
The project is being developed by Bennett Development in partnership with Spring Capital Group.
About Compass Oncology
The physicians of Compass Oncology provide a full range of medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, pathology, palliative care, and breast surgery services. The practice’s specialized physician and clinical staff offer the latest advancements in cancer treatment and clinical research in a supportive and caring environment. Compass Oncology serves the Portland and Vancouver area communities with six offices: four in Portland, one in Tualatin, and one in Vancouver. For more information, please visit, www.CompassOncology.com.
Compass Oncology is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Compass Oncology is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. Compass Oncology participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in more than 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contact
Jonathan Kipp
Compass Oncology
(360) 597-1300 or (503) 887-2444
jonathan.kipp@compassoncology.com
THE WOODLANDS, Texas and SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, October 4, 2016 – Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN) and The US Oncology Network (The Network) announced today that The Network has selected Myriad Genetic Laboratories as its preferred provider laboratory for hereditary cancer testing. The US Oncology Network is one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based, and independent physician practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. With more than 1,000 affiliated physicians in 19 states, providers in The Network treat over 800,000 patients every year.
As part of the collaboration, Myriad and The US Oncology Network will work together to perform hereditary cancer research through the Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing (GREAT) program within The Network affiliated practices. Under this program, the two organizations will collaborate to create a database that links patient outcomes with genetic test results. Principal among the research aims of this program is to better understand the genotype-phenotype correlation, gene prevalence, and research related to improving patient counselling and access to testing. The scale achieved by combining the largest hereditary cancer testing laboratory in the world with the more than 350 sites of care affiliated with The US Oncology Network will lead to unprecedented insights into the field of oncology.
“We are excited to work with Myriad as they have been a pioneer in personalized medicine for more than 25 years and have an unmatched reputation for diagnostic accuracy and customer service,” said Michael Seiden, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of The US Oncology Network. “Additionally, Myriad’s expertise and scientific leadership, having authored or co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications in the last three years, makes them an ideal research collaborator for The US Oncology Network.”
“We are exceptionally pleased to work with The US Oncology Network, and are honored by their recognition of Myriad as a preferred provider laboratory,” said Johnathan M. Lancaster, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc. “We share with The Network an absolute commitment to the highest possible quality of clinical care. We will continue to invest in both research and customer service, which set Myriad apart as the industry gold-standard for hereditary cancer testing.”
About The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network is one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. A physician-led organization, The US Oncology Network unites like-minded physicians and clinicians around a common vision of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, evidence-based guidelines and quality measurements, physicians within The US Oncology Network are pioneering new ways to achieve this vision. This includes participation in initiatives that are leading the way toward value-based care such as the CMS Innovation Center’s Oncology Care Model. The US Oncology Network is committed to strengthening patient access to integrated care in local communities across the nation, including collaboration with a variety of payers, hospitals and academic institutions. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation focused on empowering a vibrant and sustainable community patient care delivery system. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
About Myriad Genetics
Myriad Genetics Inc., is a leading personalized medicine company dedicated to being a trusted advisor transforming patient lives worldwide with pioneering molecular diagnostics. Myriad discovers and commercializes molecular diagnostic tests that: determine the risk of developing disease, accurately diagnose disease, assess the risk of disease progression and guide treatment decisions across six major medical specialties where molecular diagnostics can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. Myriad is focused on three strategic imperatives: transitioning and expanding its hereditary cancer testing markets, diversifying its product portfolio through the introduction of new products and increasing the revenue contribution from international markets. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company’s website: www.myriad.com.
Myriad, the Myriad logo, BART, BRACAnalysis, Colaris, Colaris AP, EndoPredict, myPath, myRisk, Myriad myRisk, myRisk Hereditary Cancer, myChoice, myPlan, BRACAnalysis CDx, Tumor BRACAnalysis CDx, myChoice HRD, Vectra and Prolaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. or its wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-F, MYGN-G
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the Network’s selection of Myriad as its preferred provider laboratory for hereditary cancer testing; the collaboration between Myriad and the Network to work together to perform hereditary cancer research through the Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing (GREAT) program within The Network affiliated practices; the anticipated scope, aims and goals of the GREAT program, including the achievement of unprecedented insights into the field of oncology; Myriad’s continued investment in both research and customer service; and the Company’s strategic directives under the caption “About Myriad Genetics.” These “forward-looking statements” are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risk that sales and profit margins of our existing molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services may decline or will not continue to increase at historical rates; risks related to our ability to transition from our existing product portfolio to our new tests; risks related to changes in the governmental or private insurers’ reimbursement levels for our tests or our ability to obtain reimbursement for our new tests at comparable levels to our existing tests; risks related to increased competition and the development of new competing tests and services; the risk that we may be unable to develop or achieve commercial success for additional molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that we may not successfully develop new markets for our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services, including our ability to successfully generate revenue outside the United States; the risk that licenses to the technology underlying our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services tests and any future tests are terminated or cannot be maintained on satisfactory terms; risks related to delays or other problems with operating our laboratory testing facilities; risks related to public concern over our genetic testing in general or our tests in particular; risks related to regulatory requirements or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries and changes in the structure of the healthcare system or healthcare payment systems; risks related to our ability to obtain new corporate collaborations or licenses and acquire new technologies or businesses on satisfactory terms, if at all; risks related to our ability to successfully integrate and derive benefits from any technologies or businesses that we license or acquire, including but not limited to our acquisition of a healthcare clinic in Germany; risks related to our projections about the potential market opportunity for our products; the risk that we or our licensors may be unable to protect or that third parties will infringe the proprietary technologies underlying our tests; the risk of patent-infringement claims or challenges to the validity of our patents; risks related to changes in intellectual property laws covering our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services and patents or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries, such as the Supreme Court decision in the lawsuit brought against us by the Association for Molecular Pathology et al; risks of new, changing and competitive technologies and regulations in the United States and internationally; and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A of our Annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Myriad Media Contact:
Ron Rogers
(908) 285-0248
rrogers@myriad.com
Myriad Investor Contact:
Scott Gleason
(801) 584-1143
sgleason@myriad.com
The US Oncology Network Contact:
Claire Crye
(281) 825-9927
claire.crye@usoncology.com
September 28th is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day and women are encouraged to take control of their health
Scottsdale, Ariz. (September 22, 2016) – Arizona Oncology, one of the largest medical groups in Arizona devoted to cancer care and a practice in The US Oncology Network, is the first in Arizona to utilize the latest technology and advancement in the early detection of cervical cancer and pre-cancers. The practice has implemented the DYSIS® Advanced Cervical Imaging System. This advanced digital colposcope, an instrument for examining the cervix, has computer-aided mapping technology and can enhance a doctor’s ability to diagnose and manage cervical neoplasia, precancerous cells, by detecting changes in a woman’s cervix after an abnormal Pap smear.
More than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S., and many of those women will be among the thousands participating in local health and fitness events across the country on Wednesday, September 28th. One goal of the National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is to encourage women to take control of their health and to gather information to help them make smart choices related to their health. Arizona Oncology adopted the DYSIS colposcope technology to not only assist physicians in identifying pre-cancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, but to also help women understand their colposcopy exam through high-resolution imagery and easy-to-read color-coded maps of the cervix provided by DYSIS technology.
“The new DYSIS technology helps us better pinpoint questionable areas on the cervix that may need biopsy,” said Dr. Mike Janicek, gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology. “We can share images and the color-coded maps with women in real time immediately following the exam. We can provide color digital or paper copies of the exam images for patients and their referring providers. Our goal is have our patients feel reassured and involved in their healthcare when having a DYSIS colposcopy exam, and referring doctors can feel more involved in the evaluation process as well.”
Colposcopy, which can be subjective and has remained unchanged for decades, is an exam performed after a woman has an abnormal Pap smear. DYSIS has advanced the standard colposcopy technique by using digital imaging technology that assists physicians in detecting changes in a woman’s cervix and helping guide biopsy selection to determine the best course of treatment to prevent cervical cancer.
“We are excited to be working with Arizona Oncology, a distinguished oncology specialty group that recognizes the importance of advancing today’s cervical screening technology,” said Kim Stebbings, U.S. president of DYSIS Medical. “By standardizing the currently subjective colposcopy procedure, we can help improve care for women and help them take control of their health.”
About Arizona Oncology
Arizona Oncology is one of the largest medical groups in Arizona. With more than 75 practicing physicians devoted exclusively to providing comprehensive, compassionate and high-quality cancer care, Arizona Oncology specializes in Medical, Gynecologic, and Radiation Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplant, Research, Genetic Risk Assessment and patient ancillary programs. The physicians and their staff treat patients in many communities throughout the state including: Chandler, Deer Valley, Estrella, Flagstaff, Glendale, Green Valley, Nogales, Peoria, Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Safford, Scottsdale, Sedona, and Tucson.
Arizona Oncology believes it is beneficial to provide cancer therapies in a community setting, close to patients’ homes and support systems. The physicians are supported by a talented clinical team sensitive to the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. For more information, visit ArizonaOncology.com.
Arizona Oncology is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Arizona Oncology is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. Arizona Oncology participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in more than 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
About DYSIS Medical
DYSIS Medical has its global headquarters in Edinburgh and US Headquarters in Tampa, FL. The company is committed to saving lives through the early detection and diagnosis of disease using biophotonic innovations. It aims to be the global leader in automated optical molecular imaging technologies for medical diagnostic and screening applications. For more information, please visit: www.abnormalpapsmear.com or call 844-DYSISMED.
About the DYSIS colposcope
The DYSIS colposcope differs from traditional colposcopes by measuring the cervical epithelium automatically using Dynamic Spectral Imaging and producing a map of the cervix, which assists the clinician with assessing the cervix, identifying biopsy locations and performing treatment if needed.
About cervical cancer
Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women and the seventh most common cancer overall. While it is the only entirely preventable cancer, approximately half a million women are diagnosed with the disease every year.
Media Contact
Amy Robertson
480-789-2986
Amy.Robertson@usoncology.com
New physicians enhance access to specialized gynecologic care across the Valley
Phoenix (September 12, 2016) – Arizona Oncology, one of the largest medical groups in Arizona devoted exclusively to cancer care and a practice in The US Oncology Network, welcomes four additional gynecologic oncologists to the practice. This exciting expansion will enhance its gynecologic oncology program, offering the largest, most comprehensive state-of-the-art gynecologic oncology program in the region. The four new physicians are: Dana M. Chase, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Heather J. Dalton, M.D., Bradley J. Monk, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., and Lyndsay J. Willmott, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. All are highly-skilled and credentialed with extensive experience providing specialized services to women with gynecologic cancers.
“We are excited to have these four highly-regarded and knowledgeable physicians join our practice,” said Shana Wingo, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist with Arizona Oncology. “We are committed to finding physicians who share our patient care philosophy, treatment goals, and work ethic. We also admire those who give back to the community they serve. These like-minded physicians are a perfect fit and will greatly enhance our program, allowing us to better serve women throughout our region who need specialized gynecologic care.”
The new physicians will be joining Arizona Oncology’s highly-skilled and experienced team of gynecologic specialists who serve the greater Phoenix and northern Arizona region: Drs. Snehal Bhoola, Matthew Borst, Mike Janicek, Dennis Scribner, and Shana Wingo. Four other Arizona Oncology gynecologic oncologists treat patients in the Tucson area: Drs. Michael Bookman, Joseph Buscema, Alton Hallum III and Candice Lewis. These world-class physicians have dedicated their entire professional lives to meeting the unique needs of women fighting female cancers, and each has years of experience solely focused on these unique diseases. All Arizona Oncology gynecologic oncologists―including the four new physicians―have in-depth training and deep experience in the very latest treatment advancements, including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and the da Vinci® robotic-assisted Surgical System.
The practice’s gynecologic oncology team performs the most minimally invasive da Vinci® robotic-assisted cancer surgeries in Arizona and has the most expertise in women’s health in the state. The program serves as a regional resource for patients and physicians and is well respected throughout the medical community for its specialized treatment capabilities for gynecologic cancers. It offers evidence-based treatment plans, personalized chemotherapy, research and clinical trials, genetic and molecular profiling of tumors, minimally invasive surgical procedures, as well as complex pelvic surgery performed by some of the nation’s leading gynecologic oncologists.
Not only is Arizona Oncology a leader in gynecologic oncology, it is also a leading provider of comprehensive cancer care in the state. It is the largest cancer practice in Arizona with more than 75 physicians and is among the biggest medical groups in the state. In addition to gynecologic oncology, the practice provides integrated multidisciplinary cancer care, including medical and radiation oncology, urology, stem cell transplantation and an extensive array of supportive care services to help patients and their loved ones have the best possible experience and outcome. Also, as a practice in The US Oncology Network, Arizona Oncology gains access to comprehensive practice management capabilities and value-based care expertise, both critical for large practices navigating today’s challenging healthcare landscape. The Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, an industry leader in solutions that empower the community patient care delivery system to advance the science, technology and quality of care.
The new physicians will treat patients in Arizona Oncology facilities in East Valley, Deer Valley, Scottsdale and the Phoenix Biltmore Cancer Center. With the expanded physician staff, the practice can now give more patients convenient access to high-level surgeons and specially trained surgical care teams who will provide advanced procedures in state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, they can also offer more patients the opportunity to participate in leading-edge clinical trials in their local community where they have the support of family and friends.
“With our larger expanded group collaborating to serve our patients, we will affect positive change in more women’s lives,” noted Dr. Wingo. “When trying to find better ways to treat women, the more patients we serve, the better data we can collect. This leads to high-quality clinical research that can advance the care of women battling gynecologic cancers.”
For more information about the Arizona Oncology gynecologic oncology program and other services, please visit www.ArizonaOncology.com or call 888-972-CURE.
About Arizona Oncology
Arizona Oncology is one of the largest medical groups in Arizona. With more than 75 practicing physicians devoted exclusively to providing comprehensive, compassionate and high-quality cancer care, Arizona Oncology specializes in Medical, Gynecologic, and Radiation Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplant, Research, Genetic Risk Assessment and patient ancillary programs. The physicians and their staff treat patients in many communities throughout the state including: Chandler, Deer Valley, Estrella, Flagstaff, Glendale, Green Valley, Nogales, Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Safford, Scottsdale, Sedona, and Tucson.
Arizona Oncology believes it is beneficial to provide cancer therapies in a community setting, close to patients’ homes and support systems. The physicians are supported by a talented clinical team sensitive to the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. For more information, visit ArizonaOncology.com.
Arizona Oncology is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Arizona Oncology is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. Arizona Oncology participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in more than 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contact
Amy Robertson
Arizona Oncology
480-789-2986
Amy.Robertson@usoncology.com
Liana Makarian, M.D., brings leadership and quality improvement expertise to the practice, complementing MCA’s world-class care team
Columbia, Missouri (August 9, 2016) – Missouri Cancer Associates (MCA), the premier cancer treatment center in mid-Missouri and an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, has added another physician to the practice to meet growing demand for its services. Liana Makarian, M.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist, joined the practice in July, providing services from MCA’s Columbia and Kirksville treatment centers.
“The addition of Dr. Makarian will allow us to continue to provide timely, high-quality patient-centered care for new and existing patients as we deal with increasing demand for our services,” said Mark Tungesvik, M.D., oncologist with Missouri Cancer Associates. “Dr. Makarian is a highly-skilled and compassionate oncologist trained in the very latest therapies and technologies for treating cancer. She also has leadership and quality improvement skills which will be a great asset to our growing practice as we meet the challenges of the evolving cancer care landscape.”
Dr. Makarian completed her undergraduate studies in human biology and mathematics at The University of Toronto in Canada. She then obtained her Medical Degree from Saba University School of Medicine in the Netherlands-Antilles, West Indies. This was followed by a co-residency in internal medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, both in New York City. Dr. Makarian then completed a fellowship in oncology and hematology at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center. Board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology, Dr. Makarian is interested in treating all types of cancers and blood disorders. Throughout her career, she has published and lectured on a variety of cancer-related topics, and she enjoys participating in public outreach events.
In addition to her clinical background, Dr. Makarian brings strong leadership skills and experience to MCA, having most recently been chair of the Department of Medicine at Ozarks Medical Center’s Cancer Care Center in West Plains, Mo. For several years, she also served as a Quality Improvement Committee Member for the Hematology/Oncology Division at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, gaining knowledge and expertise in various quality initiatives which will be helpful to MCA as the practice responds to the new value-based cancer care environment.
“It was important for me to join a practice that offers a high level of support for patients, as cancer patients are facing some of the most difficult and vulnerable times of their lives,” noted Dr. Makarian. “Missouri Cancer Associates has a wonderful reputation for delivering compassionate, patient-centered state-of-the-art cancer care, and I am excited to join these highly-skilled, like-minded physicians who are committed to providing the best possible outcome for the patients they serve.”
About Missouri Cancer Associates
Missouri Cancer Associates (MCA) is the largest oncology group in mid-Missouri and offers patients advanced comprehensive care from their state-of-the-art facility in Columbia, as well as treatment centers in Kirksville and Marshall. MCA has 13 cancer physicians on staff and offers a full range of hematologic care, chemotherapy and radiation services, laboratory and diagnostic testing delivered by compassionate, caring professionals dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal outcomes. The practice prides itself in offering the latest technologies to diagnose and treat cancer, including PET/CT and a full range of advanced radiation therapies. In 2014, Urology Associates of Central Missouri, a leading provider of urology services in the region, joined MCA, adding eight highly-credentialed and experienced urologists to the practice. Urology Associates of Central Missouri offers the very latest treatment options and technologies, such as robotic and minimally invasive surgery. The practice is committed to providing compassionate, quality, state-of-the-art urological care in a prompt and courteous manner. To learn more visit www.missouricancer.com and www.mo-urology.com.
Missouri Cancer Associates is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, MCA is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contact
Claire Crye
281-825-9927
Claire.Crye@usoncology.com
New facility at ASU Research Park will offer leading-edge cancer care to growing East Valley region
Tempe, Ariz., (July 22, 2016) – Arizona Oncology, one of the largest medical groups in Arizona devoted exclusively to cancer care and a practice in The US Oncology Network, held a groundbreaking ceremony today for its new state-of-the-art cancer treatment center in the East Valley. The new 21,000 square foot facility will be located at Arizona State University Research Park. Scheduled to open in April 2017, it will offer patients in the growing East Valley region convenient access to the very latest cancer treatment services and technologies available. The new treatment center is currently the only center in the East Valley that will provide medical, radiation and gynecologic oncology, and hematology services in one location. This provides patients a new treatment option for comprehensive advanced cancer care and supportive services.
“We are excited to break ground on our new center after months of planning,” said Paul Brosor, director of Practice Operations–Phoenix Division, Arizona Oncology. “The facility incorporates the very latest design concepts to support patient comfort, serenity and healing while offering leading-edge cancer services. We strive to provide patients comprehensive state-of-the-art care in a convenient, comfortable setting close to home where they have the support of family and friends. This beautiful new facility will play a vital role in meeting that goal for our East Valley patients.”
The new center will offer access to integrated, high-quality care to diagnose and treat cancer including: hematology services, medical, radiation and gynecologic oncology, advanced diagnostics including PET/CT imaging, as well as supportive care services and clinical trials. The practice will be hiring two new medical oncologists and a new radiation oncologist to serve patients from the new facility. Comprehensive gynecologic oncology services will be provided by Snehal Bhoola, M.D., and Dana Chase, M.D., gynecologic oncologists with the practice who specialize in the treatment of ovarian, uterine, vaginal, cervical, fallopian tube and vulvar cancers.
“Our new state-of-the-art treatment center will elevate cancer care in the East Valley by giving patients another treatment option,” said Dr. Bhoola. “It also enables us to expand our gynecologic services into the East Valley region, providing women in the area a convenient location to receive specialized gynecologic oncology care.”
Land acquisition and construction of the facility are being made possible through the practice’s affiliation with The US Oncology Network, which supports and enables the nation’s foremost cancer treatment and research network with operational expertise and innovative technologies and treatments that advance cancer care.
“Opening this integrated cancer care center in an environment such as ASU Research Park is ideal for patients needing care in the Tempe area. It is a vibrant corporate community with the benefits of a comprehensive research university,” said Molly Ryan Carson, vice president of Development at Ryan. “We are honored to be the collaborator that helps bring this building to life.”
Ryan is providing development, construction and financing services for the project and will own the single-tenant office building once completed. This will be Ryan’s ninth build-to-suit project developed and constructed at ASU Research Park.
“ASU Research Park is a premier location for innovation led by leading companies, which benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with ASU intellectual assets,” said Morgan R. Olsen, ASU Research Park board president and ASU executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Arizona Oncology, an organization that is committed to advancing treatment modalities to help defeat this disease in its many forms. Arizona Oncology will also further the contribution of the ASU Research Park community to the Valley’s economic development, which currently employs more than 6,000 people and houses more than 50 companies.”
For more information about Arizona Oncology’s physicians and services, please visit www.ArizonaOncology.com or call 888-972-CURE.
About Arizona Oncology
Arizona Oncology is one of the largest medical groups in Arizona. With more than 75 practicing physicians devoted exclusively to providing comprehensive, compassionate and high-quality cancer care, Arizona Oncology specializes in Medical, Gynecologic, and Radiation Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplant, Research, Genetic Risk Assessment and patient ancillary programs. The physicians and their staff treat patients in many communities throughout the state including: Chandler, Deer Valley, Estrella, Flagstaff, Glendale, Green Valley, Nogales, Peoria, Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Safford, Scottsdale, Sedona, and Tucson.
Arizona Oncology believes it is beneficial to provide cancer therapies in a community setting, close to patients’ homes and support systems. The physicians are supported by a talented clinical team sensitive to the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. For more information, visit ArizonaOncology.com.
Arizona Oncology is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Arizona Oncology is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. Arizona Oncology participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in approximately 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
About Arizona State University Research Park (ASURP)
The ASU Research Park is located on the site of a former experimental farm and was acquired with funds from the Arizona State College Foundation (now ASU Foundation) in 1956. Founded in 1984, the ASU Research Park now represents ASU’s commitment to the transfer of technology through university-industry research. Located in the Valley’s high technology hub, the park is comprised of 320 acres and offers a strategic location with access to the southeast valley high tech employment pool.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a New American University – a major public educational institution, a premier research center and a leader in innovation. Our vision is described by our three core principles: excellence in scholarship, access to education, and impact in our global community. As a New American University, ASU is intellectually vibrant, socially conscious and globally engaged. For more information, please visit www.asu.edu.
About Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Ryan Companies US, Inc. is a 3rd generation, family-owned national developer, designer, capital investment consultant, builder and real estate manager specializing in fully integrated solutions for over 75 years. Key market sectors include: retailers, industrial, healthcare, senior living, and corporate build-to-suit; and product experience includes work on office, retail, mixed use, hospitality, multi-housing, industrial, medical office building, senior living, distribution center, public sector, and mission critical facilities. Ryan serves customers throughout the United States with offices in the North, Midwest, Great Lakes, Southeast, South Central, Southwest and West regions. Ryan was named the 2007 National Developer of the Year by NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. For more information, visit www.ryancompanies.com.
Media Contacts
Amy Robertson
Arizona Oncology
480-789-2986
Amy.Robertson@usoncology.com
Sara Dial
Sara Dial & Associates, Inc.
480-205-6034
Sara@saradial.com
Practice recognized for providing high-quality clinical trials in a community setting
Fairfax, Va. (July 12, 2016) — Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCS), Northern Virginia’s premier cancer care center with more than 40 years of service to patients battling cancer and blood diseases, announced it is one of only three community oncology practices in the country recognized this year by the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for its commitment to providing high-quality clinical trials to patients. As a recipient of the Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Clinical Trials Participation Award, the VCS Research Institute is being honored for its contribution to the improvement of cancer care through clinical research in a community-based setting.
“We are pleased to recognize Virginia Cancer Specialists with the Clinical Trials Participation Award, aimed at honoring community practices that bring cutting-edge, clinical cancer research to their patients,” said Thomas G. Roberts, Jr., MD, chair of the Conquer Cancer Foundation Board of Directors. “Through participation in clinical trials, Virginia Cancer Specialists not only brings support and groundbreaking therapies to its local community, but also directly contributes to cancer research at large.”
While patient advocacy groups and various organizations within the cancer community promote clinical trials as part of comprehensive cancer care, participation numbers are still low. The Conquer Cancer Foundation awards were given to increase awareness and participation in clinical trials among physicians. The awards were based on various criteria that emphasize high patient accrual in clinical trials by overcoming barriers to enrollment. Preference was also given to practices with clinical trial programs that recruit underrepresented populations in their service area. In 2015, the VCS Research Institute enrolled nearly 200 patients in various trials, and today they continue to offer access to a wide range of cutting-edge research studies in many different disease types.
“It is very gratifying to receive recognition from the Conquer Cancer Foundation for our clinical research efforts and the quality of our program,” said Alexander Spira, M.D., medical oncologist and co-director of the VCS Research Institute. “We feel a great responsibility to participate in finding new and better ways to treat cancer. Clinical research not only helps us fulfill this mission, but also gives our patients convenient access to some of the most novel and leading-edge treatment options available today. Providing these advanced therapies in the community where patients have the support of family and friends supports better outcomes.”
Through its affiliation with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest associations of community-based oncologists, Virginia Cancer Specialists conducts clinical trials through US Oncology Research, a community-based cancer research program which has played a role in approximately 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies. As the leading cancer center committed to research in Northern Virginia, the VCS Research Institute serves as a regional resource for the surrounding medical community, referring physicians and patients. The practice has a long-standing commitment to provide patients access to the very latest treatment options and offers clinical trials at six convenient treatment sites throughout the area. As part of its cutting-edge research program, numerous novel immunotherapy trials are available―more than any other program in the Metropolitan D.C. area. The VCS Research Institute was recognized by INC Research, LLC, in 2014 for its outstanding research program and efficient start-up timelines.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from the Conquer Cancer Foundation,” said Raymond Wadlow, M.D., medical oncologist and co-director of the VCS Research Institute. “While we know we have achieved a high level of performance with our program, it is very rewarding to be recognized by others in the research world for our achievements. I am extremely proud of our dedicated research team who made this award possible by continually striving for excellence while providing patients access to these groundbreaking trials that play a vital role in conquering cancer.”
The Clinical Trials Participation Award is funded through the Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO with the generous support of the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups, which has supported the award since it was established in 2003.
To learn more about clinical trials at the VCS Research Institute, please call 703-208-3192 or visit www.VirginiaCancerSpecialists.com.
About Virginia Cancer Specialists
For more than 40 years, Virginia Cancer Specialists has contributed to the campaign against cancer and diseases of the blood. VCS has nine locations throughout Northern Virginia staffed by highly-skilled physicians, each delivering exceptional care. The practice has built a world-class treatment team of cancer specialists, as well as acquiring the very latest treatment technology to help achieve the best outcomes for patients. VCS unites medical, radiation and orthopedic oncologists, hematologists, oncology nurse navigators, oncology infusion nurses, radiation therapists, genetic counselors, oncology pharmacists and laboratory technicians, all working together as a team to design the optimal multidisciplinary treatment program, efficiently sharing knowledge, executing the treatment plan, and providing a patient-centered, consumer-friendly approach to cancer care. Patients receive the full spectrum of high-quality care necessary to treat their disease from a care team united in their effort to provide each patient with the specific personalized care they need to battle cancer. The physicians at VCS have published more than 100 abstracts and papers over the last few years, and have been invited to present at national meetings.
Virginia Cancer Specialists is united in healing with The US Oncology Network. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, VCS is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. Virginia Cancer Specialists has the only Phase I research program in the Northern Virginia area and participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. To learn more about Virginia Cancer Specialists, please visit www.VirginiaCancerSpecialists.com.
About the Conquer Cancer Foundation
The Conquer Cancer Foundation (CCF) was created by the world’s foremost cancer doctors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology to seek dramatic advances in the prevention, treatment, and cures of all types of cancer. Toward the vision of a world free from the fear of cancer, CCF works to conquer this disease by funding breakthrough cancer research and sharing cutting-edge knowledge with patients and physicians worldwide, and by improving quality of care and access to care, enhancing the lives of all who are touched by cancer. For more information, visit www.conquercancerfoundation.org.
Media Contact
Claire Crye
The US Oncology Network
281-825-9927
Claire.Crye@mckesson.com
Areas of research include HER2-negative and early stage breast cancer, advanced melanoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, advanced solid tumors, disease management and more
The Woodlands, Texas (June 1, 2016) – At the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, leading investigators affiliated with The US Oncology Network and US Oncology Research will showcase detailed findings from 30 studies. These presentations cover novel approaches to numerous types of cancer including breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, solid tumors and more. The 52nd ASCO Annual Meeting will be held June 3-7 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“Research is paramount to the advancement of cancer care, and I am proud to be part of an organization that values and supports cutting-edge trials in the community setting,” said Michael Seiden, MD, PhD, chief medical officer for The US Oncology Network and US Oncology Research. “Having numerous affiliated physicians participate in groundbreaking studies being presented at ASCO is an honor and highlights the commitment they have to current patients as well as future ones.”
Nicholas Robert, MD, medical oncologist and cancer researcher with Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCS), a practice in The US Oncology Network, and former ASCO community research forum chairman, co-authored a trial study titled, “Patient-reported outcomes from MA.17R: A randomized trial of extending adjuvant letrozole for 5 years after completing an initial 5 years of aromatase inhibitor therapy alone or preceded by tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer.” This oral presentation will occur on Monday, June 6 from 1:15pm to 4:15pm in Hall D1.
“This is an important study for patients who are at higher risk for late recurrence,” said Dr. Robert. “The results of this study can help postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer decide whether to continue treatment with an aromatase inhibitor past the standard five years. This is the first study to address this question.”
Two US Oncology Research affiliated physicians also co-authored studies chosen as Best of ASCO oral presentations. Thomas Hutson, DO, PharmD, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology and co-chair of genitourinary research for US Oncology Research, co-authored a study titled, “Overall survival (OS) in METEOR, a randomized phase 3 trial of cabozantanib (Cabo) versus everolimus (Eve) in patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC),” which will be presented Sunday, June 5 from 8:00am to 11:00am in Hall D2. Joanne Blum, MD, PhD, FACP, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology at the Baylor-Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, specializing in breast cancer, co-authored a study titled, “Interim joint analysis of the ABC (anthracyclines in early breast cancer) phase III trials (USOR 06-090, NSABP B-46I/USOR 07132, NSABP B-49 [NRG Oncology]) comparing docetaxel + cyclophosphamide (TC) v anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy regimens (TaxAC) in women with high-risk, HER2-negative breast cancer,” which will be presented Saturday, June 4 from 1:15pm to 4:15pm in Hall D2.
Additionally, a study in the category of Health Services Research will be presented during this year’s ASCO. Marcus Neubauer, MD, medical director of Oncology Services for The US Oncology Network and McKesson Specialty Health, will give an oral presentation titled, “A disease management pilot program in a Medicare-age population with cancer,” on Monday, June 6 from 9:45am to 12:45pm in S100a.
Nicholas Vogelzang, MD, medical oncologist with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) and former ASCO board of directors member, will chair an education session titled, “Tumor Board on Systemic Therapies for Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Induction, Maintenance, and Sequencing,” on Sunday, June 5 from 8:00am to 9:15am in E253B. Also, Dr. Hutson will chair an education session titled, “Renal Cell Carcinoma: Systemic Treatment, Evolving TKIs, and Immunotherapy,” on Monday, June 6 from 11:30am to 12:45pm in S406.
“It’s only through research that we can improve,” said Dr. Robert. “The way to achieve our goals toward developing better treatments and higher quality of care is by asking questions and going through the research process.”
Find the complete list of affiliated studies being featured at ASCO on the US Oncology Research presentation brochure.
About US Oncology Research
Supported by McKesson Specialty Health and The US Oncology Network, US Oncology Research draws from a network of experienced investigators and dedicated clinical staff who specialize in oncology clinical trials. US Oncology Research serves approximately 60 research sites and nearly 165 locations managing about 300 active trials at any given time. Physicians in the research network have enrolled nearly 63,000 patients in close to 1,500 trials since inception in 1992 and have played a role in nearly 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, about one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information call (800) 482-6700 or visit www.usoncology.com/oncologists.
About The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network is one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. A physician-led organization, The US Oncology Network unites like-minded physicians and clinicians around a common vision of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, evidence-based guidelines and quality measurements, physicians within The US Oncology Network are pioneering new ways to achieve this vision. The US Oncology Network is committed to strengthening patient access to integrated care in local communities across the nation, including collaboration with a variety of payers, hospitals and academic institutions. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation focused on empowering a vibrant and sustainable community patient care delivery system. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contacts
Claire Crye
The US Oncology Research
281-825-9927
Claire.Crye@usoncology.com
Edie DeVine
On behalf of US Oncology Research
209-814-9564
Edie.DeVine@gcihealth.com
Chicago (March 30, 2016) – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) and Illinois Cancer Specialists (ICS), a practice in The US Oncology Network, announce the first oncology intensive medical home (IMH) pilot program in Illinois. The overall goal of the oncology IMH is to provide coordinated, cost-effective care, in part, through the use of evidence-based medical treatment guidelines.
“We worked with ICS physicians to develop the Oncology IMH model as a patient-focused system of delivering benefits for quality cancer care that is coordinated and efficient,” said Walter Hollinger, M.D., medical director of strategic operations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “As such, the pilot program is designed to help meet the needs of patients, payers, and providers.”
Last November, the program started identifying BCBSIL PPO patients who were currently being treated by an ICS physician. To qualify, patients must be receiving chemotherapy or hormone therapy, with a cancer diagnosis of breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, prostate and any non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The program intends to enroll 150-200 patients per year. Current ICS patients are selected to join the program for six months while receiving treatment at one of the ten ICS sites: Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Chicago/Resurrection Hospital, Elgin, Hinsdale, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, McHenry, Niles and Woodstock.
“We at Illinois Cancer Specialists sought to improve efficiency and quality by following NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®), leading to the development of a patient-centered, value-based cancer care program,” said David Hakimian, M.D., practice president, ICS. “Our goal is to provide evidence-based validated, outcome-driven patient care. This type of quality care also has to meet the national quality standards that follow cost-effective pathways to provide access and affordability to patients.”
Illinois Cancer Specialists provides Chicago area patients with advanced, comprehensive, compassionate cancer care in a community setting. The practice employs the latest technologies and drug therapies to ensure patients receive high-quality care for their particular diagnosis in a collaborative setting. ICS treatment centers feature outpatient treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, positron emission tomography (PET), computerized tomography (CT), stem cell transplant, laboratory, x-ray studies, specialized pharmaceuticals, and clinical research, including immuno-oncology trials. A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care in 2015 titled, “Cost Differential by Site of Service for Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy,” has shown that providing chemotherapy in a community setting rather than a hospital setting allows patients to stay near loved ones while receiving high-quality care at a lower cost.
Through the new IMH pilot, enrolled patients being treated at ICS will receive the free services of an ICS Nurse Care Manager (NCM), an oncology certified nurse whose primary purpose is to proactively address the challenging needs of oncology patients. The NCM will provide disease and treatment education, schedule phone calls after treatment, and closely follow symptom management issues. Subsequent meetings may include continued use of chemotherapy, advance care planning and hospice when appropriate. The ICS physicians will continue to assess these patients to develop and implement a plan of care that will attempt to actively address the patients’ needs during their treatments and beyond.
Some of the key aspects of the BCBSIL/ICS Oncology IMH model are:
- Access to cancer care that is coordinated with the central focus on patients and their entire medical condition;
- Cancer care that is optimized based on evidence-based medicine to produce quality outcomes;
- Cancer care that is efficient, with treatment provided in a high-quality, low-cost setting for the patient;
- Cancer care that is delivered in a patient-centric, caring environment that optimizes patient satisfaction; and
- Cancer care that is continuously improved by measuring and benchmarking results against other facilities providing care, so that best practices “raise the bar” in delivering care.
“Providers with Illinois Cancer Specialists will enhance the quality of cancer care while controlling overall costs of care,” said Dr. Hakimian. “This will happen in a system where quality and value are measured and continuously improved.”
BCBSIL and ICS physicians will meet quarterly to exchange information and discuss if the IMH is a sustainable model for benefit and care delivery services. Some of the information discussed will include metrics on hospital admission rates, hospital days, ER visits, office visits and home health visits.
“The key to managing health costs is providing access to the right care in the right place,” said Dr. Hakimian. “This program with BCBSIL gives us valuable data that providers can use to improve the care our patients receive. This is a real opportunity for direct access to quality and cost data that will help inform decisions about how best to care for our patients. Blue Cross is making this level of transparency possible, something that wouldn’t otherwise be available to us.”
In traditional fee-for-service arrangements, reimbursement is based on specific services provided to patients; effectively rewarding providers for the volume of services they provide. In value-based care, provider reimbursement is associated with meeting quality or performance measures.
“Cancer care has evolved dramatically over the past 40 years from academic, in-patient treatment to community-based, comprehensive, and coordinated cancer care,” said Hollinger. “In this model, reimbursement to providers is more appropriately aligned with the quality and value of cancer care delivered.”
The IMH is one of BCBSIL’s value-based programs that utilizes incentives to engage healthcare professionals and help facilitate improved health, affordability and customer experience. The BCBSIL intensive medical home programs initially focused on large primary care physician groups and have expanded to include hospitals, small primary care practices and specialists. The first BCBSIL specialty intensive medical home was launched in 2014 with the Illinois Gastroenterology Group.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
With over 8.1 million members, BCBSIL, a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, is the largest health insurance company in Illinois. Begun in 1936, BCBSIL remains member owned rather than publicly traded and is committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and its communities, fostering greater access to care, and working to lower the overall cost of care while improving health care quality and patient outcomes.
About Illinois Cancer Specialists
Illinois Cancer Specialists (ICS) is dedicated to providing convenient, compassionate leading-edge cancer care to patients in Chicago and the surrounding areas. With more than 30 years in practice and over 400 years of combined physician experience, ICS is changing the forefront of patient care. Our dedicated and highly-skilled physicians and staff, who specialize in caring for patients with cancer and blood disorders, provide unparalleled access to the most innovative, advanced therapies and latest technologies throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. With more than 20 board certified physicians, ICS offers convenient, compassionate care in ten locations. For more information about Illinois Cancer Specialists visit www.illinoiscancerspecialists.com.
Illinois Cancer Specialists is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, ICS is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. Illinois Cancer Specialists participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in nearly 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contacts
Mary Ann Schultz, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
(312) 653-6701, MaryAnn_Schultz@bcbsil.com
Christy Sullivan, Illinois Cancer Specialists
(847) 421-4919, Christy.Sullivan@usoncology.com
Claire Crye, The US Oncology Network
(281) 825-9927, Claire.Crye@usoncology.com
