Moffitt Cancer Center and The US Oncology Network Collaborate to Advance Cancer Care in Florida

TAMPA, Fla. and THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Moffitt Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center in Florida, and The US Oncology Network, one of the nation's largest networks of community-based oncology physicians, announced today that they will work together to expand access to patient services in Florida. As part of both organizations' long-term commitment to advancing the quality and science of cancer care, the two are collaborating to develop and operate community-based cancer centers throughout the state.

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"It was natural for Moffitt to work with The US Oncology Network because our visions are aligned," said William S. Dalton, Ph.D., M.D., president and CEO of Moffitt. "Our goal at Moffitt is to utilize pathways and evidence-based medicine to bring high-quality, cost-effective cancer care and top-notch research closer to patients, so we can all be closer to a cure. The US Oncology Network has this same goal, and by working together, I believe we can better achieve this for cancer patients in Florida."

Initially, The US Oncology Network and Moffitt will develop a community-based cancer center in New Port Richey, where independent physicians will be able to treat patients while supported by the vast capabilities of both organizations. Over time, the collaboration will expand to other sites across the state. This venture complements the Moffitt Affiliate Network, which consists of 15 community hospitals and more than 400 oncologists in Florida who provide a seamless continuum of scientific innovation and patient care beyond Moffitt.

"The unique capabilities and best practices of both Moffitt and The US Oncology Network will be leveraged so patients in Florida will have access to unparalleled cancer care services closer to home and closer to their loved ones," said Roy Beveridge, M.D., chief medical officer of The US Oncology Network. "We in The US Oncology Network are excited about collaborating with such a respected research and teaching institute like Moffitt with its focus on translational research and multidisciplinary quality care."

"We at Moffitt pride ourselves with having a lasting commitment to the prevention and cure of cancer, working tirelessly in the areas of patient care, research and education to advance one step further in fighting this disease," said Alan List, M.D., executive vice president and physician-in-chief of Moffitt. "Working with The US Oncology Network will help us move this mission forward. We will be able to bring critical, Moffitt-quality cancer care to patients in communities throughout Florida. This is an exciting step."

Both Moffitt and The US Oncology Network are dedicated to advancing cancer care through a devotion to research, evidence-based medicine and providing comprehensive cancer care and treatment close to home. Both organizations have a commitment to enabling community-based practices to provide a positive patient experience throughout the cancer care continuum.

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 to advance the science, technology and quality of care. Moffitt is a member of an elite group of NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers focused on research and scientific discovery that translates into compassionate care, cures and prevention of cancer.

"This combination of expertise and passion for cancer care will truly benefit patients," said Bruce Broussard, CEO, McKesson Specialty Health. "We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration will bring to the future of community-based cancer care in Florida. We recognize that the future of healthcare depends on collaboration and will require networks and institutions like our two organizations to work together. Our alliance with institutions as renowned and respected as Moffitt is key to improving outcomes for patients while lowering their costs. "

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Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center - a designation that recognizes Moffitt's excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia, one in Pennsylvania and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country's leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for cancer. Moffitt marks a very important anniversary this year – 25 years committed to one mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

About The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network is one of the nation's largest networks of community-based oncology physicians dedicated to advancing cancer care in America. Like-minded physicians are united through The Network around a common vision of expanding patient access to high-quality, integrated cancer care in communities throughout the nation. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, refined evidence-based medicine guidelines, and quality measurements, physicians affiliated with The US Oncology Network are committed to advancing the quality, safety, and science of cancer care to improve patient outcomes. 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 to advance the science, technology and quality of care. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.

SOURCE The US Oncology Network