Henry Ford Allegiance Health President and CEO Georgia Fojtasek at the unveiling event (JTV Photo)
Henry Ford Allegiance Health announced this morning that its cancer program has become part of the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, a leader in cancer treatment, providing Jackson and surrounding communities with access to Precision Medicine, advanced technology and enhanced services. The Institute will also provide access to Henry Ford’s leading clinical trials, research programs and pioneering care for complex and rare cancers, building new hope and improving outcomes across the region.
“This transformational step truly gives us the opportunity to enhance our overall cancer care program, and we’re delighted to expand these services to the Jackson area and beyond,” said Henry Ford Health System President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operations Officer Bob Riney. “Henry Ford is continuing to revolutionize cancer care and make these advancements accessible to patients across all of Michigan.”
Among the advances the Henry Ford Cancer Institute will bring to the Jackson area is its leadership in the evolving field of Precision Medicine, which targets cancer treatment based on a patient’s tumor profile. A patient’s tumor profile is identified with the help of genetic testing. Using the tumor profile, Henry Ford Cancer Institute experts look for specific mutations that indicate whether the cancer will respond well to a particular treatment. This lets the medical oncology team recommend treatments that are more likely to work—and avoid treatments that are less likely to work.
“Our Precision Medicine initiative is a huge step forward in cancer care, allowing us to bring highly advanced options to all our patients, at all cancer stages, where in many cases hope was not present. This initiative is supported by the Henry Ford Pathology Department, which has nationally recognized expertise in its integrated approach to disease-specific genomic testing,” said Henry Ford Cancer Institute Medical Director Steven N. Kalkanis, MD. “With our nationally recognized radiation oncology team and other experts beginning to work with partnering physicians and teams in Jackson, we believe that together we will elevate the highly personalized cancer care available through Henry Ford Allegiance Health.”
Patient-centered services already being provided through the Gayle M. Jacob Cancer Center for Medical Oncology and the Paul Tejada Center for Radiation Oncology will continue within the Institute. Patients will benefit from receiving well-coordinated, high quality treatment throughout their cancer care experience.
“As cancer care continues to evolve, individualized treatment plans will improve outcomes. Joining forces with the Henry Ford Cancer Institute will further enhance our ability to provide safe, high quality cancer care locally by connecting our dedicated physicians and staff with innovative resources,” said Georgia Fojtasek, President and CEO, Henry Ford Allegiance Health.
The Henry Ford Cancer Institute is located at the lower left in the above photo (JTV Photo)
