The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, part of McLaren Health Care in Grand Blanc, has entered into a partnership with The Toledo Clinic to establish a new cancer center outside of Toledo, Ohio. The facility is expected to treat its first patients in the spring of 2022.
Karmanos will operate the radiation oncology program at a new freestanding cancer center in Maumee. Together, Karmanos and The Toledo Clinic will provide oncology services with multidisciplinary clinics, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, laboratory, genetic counseling, and social work services in 22 exam rooms and 24 infusion bays.
The services will give patients increased access to care and clinical trials.
“This partnership represents a bold and ambitious collaboration for cancer treatment and research in Lucas County and northwest Ohio,” says Dr. Justin Klamerus, president of the Karmanos Cancer Hospital and Network. “Our colleagues at The Toledo Clinic share a common vision with the entire team at Karmanos: use the very latest in treatment modalities combined with access to ‘bench-to-bedside’ clinical trials and precision medicine to achieve the goal of eradicating cancer.”
This is the first time Karmanos is expanding into Ohio. Karmanos is one of 51 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country.
“Having the Karmanos Cancer Institute bring the third NCI designation to Ohio is very important,” says Mike D’Eramo, chief administrative officer of The Toledo Clinic. “With that designation comes a significant increase in research protocols and clinical trials, as well as continued efforts to improve the standard of care in cancer treatment.”
NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers have the capability to integrate diverse research approaches. Karmanos gives patients access to more than 250 new treatments.
“Not only can patients receive care in their own backyard, they will also be able to get all the services they need under one roof,” says Kamerus. “Our collaboration brings together every element of care from the lab, to the pharmacy, to imaging, and the infusion center.”
Along with the newest therapies, patients will receive individualized clinical care plans. The Maumee teams will work across the continuum of care to ensure that patients have the expertise of many providers without having to make multiple appointments.
Telemedicine and auxiliary services such as virtual support groups, social services, and art therapy will be available through the partnership. Patients will also be able to obtain a variety of educational, spiritual, nutrition, and palliative care services.
“Cancer is a heavy burden,” says Klamerus. “When patients can be treated for cancer close to home, it makes a big difference. Not only are they able to reduce travel time, they can stay connected to their friends and family. Knowing that world-class care is available nearby will have a tremendous impact on those seeking cancer care in northwest Ohio.”
The Toledo Clinic is a multi-specialty group practice, consisting of more than 250 physicians and associated health care professionals practicing in 40 medical and surgical specialties at more than 60 locations across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.
Karmanos’ administrative and research headquarters are in Detroit. It has 15 network sites throughout the state and has an academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine.
