Baptist Health, Texas cancer center agree to transform care in region

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Baptist Health and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have signed a letter of intent to form a partnership that will provide adult cancer patients in the region with greater access to the most advanced cancer care available, officials announced Wednesday.

The institutions have agreed to create a joint cancer program in north Florida next year that will enhance patient access to MD Anderson's treatment protocols, clinical trials and translational research.

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When formalized, the agreement will make Baptist Health a partner member of MD Anderson Cancer Network, the institution's program to elevate the quality of cancer care in communities throughout the nation and world, officials said. They said as a partner, Baptist Health will be operationally and clinically integrated with MD Anderson and contribute to its mission to end cancer.

There are currently only two other MD Anderson partners in the nation: the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, Arizona, and MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper in Camden, New Jersey.

"This is truly a game-changer," said Hugh Greene, president and CEO of Baptist Health. "MD Anderson is recognized as the leader in cancer care in our nation and across the globe. With such an incredible partner, we intend to transform cancer care in our region and provide even more hope and courage for our cancer patients and their families."

"We are looking forward to establishing this partnership between MD Anderson and Baptist Health so that the patients and families of Jacksonville and surrounding areas will have greater access to our proven model of cancer treatment, care and research," said Thomas Burke, MD, executive vice president of MD Anderson Cancer Network.

Based in Houston, MD Anderson is the largest freestanding cancer center in the world.