The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Indianapolis-based Community Health Network today announced a partnership agreement to create Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center. A comprehensive clinical and research cancer program collaboration in central Indiana, Community MD Anderson will provide Hoosier cancer patients greater access to some of the most advanced oncology care.

Community has been a certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center, for nine years. The new partnership builds upon Community’s previous collaboration and MD Anderson’s nationally recognized expertise to create Community MD Anderson, making Community the sixth partner in the country and the first new partner in six years. Community MD Anderson is the only partner in the Midwest.

“This partnership with MD Anderson combines the best of what Community already offers its patients with the added expertise of a global leader in cancer care,” said Bryan Mills, president and CEO of Community Health Network. “One of the key advantages Community offers patients is convenient access to exceptional health care with a full continuum of services. In taking this next step with world-renowned experts in cancer care, Community MD Anderson will further elevate the care we offer our patients, while holding to our core value of patients first.”
In addition to giving Community physicians access to MD Anderson experts for peer-to-peer consultations, the partnership allows Community to offer eligible patients throughout Central Indiana and the broader Midwest access to innovative cancer treatments that are among the most advanced in the nation, and to select MD Anderson clinical trials and research studies, as well. Patients also will have the benefit of a centralized scheduling process and ease of access through Community MD Anderson’s commitment to seeing new patients within 48 hours of referral.

“Our team of 22,000 cancer experts in Houston applauds the excellence of Community and its commitment to elevate its cancer care, research and prevention services in order to offer world-renowned treatment to patients in the Midwest,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “Together, we are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge research and groundbreaking clinical advances to help more patients affected by cancer across the nation and worldwide. We are excited for Community MD Anderson to join us in Making Cancer History.”

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