MD Anderson Cancer Center, Ochsner Health collaborate on cancer care

Ochsner Health and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have established Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in southeastern Louisiana. (Photo: MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Ochsner Health is partnering with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to improve cancer treatment in Louisiana.

The two organizations announced this week that they have established Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in southeastern Louisiana.

Ochsner Health is one of only seven partners of MD Anderson Cancer Center and the only one in Louisiana. Officials say the collaboration will offer patients more advanced treatments in cancer care and research.

Mike Hulefeld, president and chief operating officer of Ochsner Health, said he’s looking forward to offering more services “close to home for our patients.”

“Beyond MD Anderson’s accolades and top national rankings, its clinicians and researchers advance innovative therapies through clinical trials several years before they become standard practice,” Hulefeld said in a statement. “Now, our patients will benefit from this expanded breadth of experience and therapies in Louisiana.”

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WIth the agreement, Ochsner MD Anderson patients will get care that reflects the practice standards of MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, officials said. They tout expanded options for surgery, medical oncology and radiation.

Peter WT Pisters, president of MD Anderson, said Ochsner Health’s desire to improve patient care “aligns with our own mission to end cancer.”

“By working together, we are expanding our reach and impact, ensuring even more patients have access to high-quality cancer care and advanced treatments through clinical trials,” Pisters said in a statement.

The first Ochsner MD Anderson facilities are located in the New Orleans area, Baton Rouge and Covington. They include:

• The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner Medical Center
• Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner
• Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus
• Ochsner Baptist - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center
• Ochsner Cancer Center - Baton Rouge
• Ochsner Medical Complex - The Grove
• St. Tammany Cancer Center - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center

MD Anderson and Ochsner say they plan to certify additional locations in the future.

In addition to surgery and oncology, Ochsner and MD Anderson officials say patients will receive support from nutritionists, nurse navigators, social workers, physical therapists and others.

Officials also pointed to the prospect of greater access to research, with Ochsner MD Anderson offering Louisiana’s only Phase 1 clinical trial program.

Andrew Wisdom, chairman of Ochsner Health’s board of directors, said the collaboration has been discussed for years. He’s also battling cancer.

“As a board member, I’m incredibly proud to see Ochsner’s team join forces with a global leader in cancer care, and, as a current cancer patient, I’m incredibly grateful to see our organizations come together,” Wisdom said in a statement. “I’m one of many people who will be personally impacted by this partnership today and in the future. To my fellow patients on their cancer journeys: This brings us one step closer to hope, recovery and healing.”

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