Philadelphia and New York (PRWEB) February 06, 2014
The Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center (Jefferson) today announced an agreement to provide professional services to members of the Star Health Network (Star). The agreement provides for Jefferson’s expertise in oncology and genomic diagnostics to be delivered remotely to Star’s India-based partner hospitals, providing a comprehensive, proactive approach to cancer care.
The Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center operates a world-class molecular analysis laboratory (MAL) to support the demands of an increasingly genomics-based approach in the practice of oncology and to promote genomics-based translational research in cancer.
In a special collaboration to increase its global footprint and in response to the genomics revolution in cancer care, Jefferson and Star are now providing advanced molecular diagnostics/genomics testing and medical consultations to physicians in India. In one aspect of their affiliation, DNA samples from cancer patients in India are sent to Jefferson’s MAL for analysis, to identify any mutations in the cancer genes. These results can lead to treatment that is targeted specifically to the genetics of the individual patient's own tumor.
“For nearly 200 years, Jefferson has been recognized as a national leader in patient care, research and education,” said Stephen K. Klasko, M.D., M.B.A., President, Thomas Jefferson University and President and CEO of TJUH System. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to share our innovations and best practices globally with our international physician colleagues through Star’s network.”
Jefferson and Star share a common philosophy, commitment and mission to improve the quality and delivery of health care globally. Star established its network to extend the knowledge and expertise of U.S. institutions to international hospitals and healthcare providers that are interested in working together to benefit patients and enhance the delivery of health care at the local level. This agreement allows Jefferson and Star’s partner hospitals to collectively collaborate in new ways, improving physician expertise and access to leading technologies in order to improve patient care everywhere.
"This agreement will allow us to develop a broad, strong relationship with Jefferson," according to Dr. Jamal Naiyer, CEO of Star. "Our mission is to improve the health of communities globally, starting with India. By working together, more people in more places can benefit from the specialty knowledge and expertise that are hallmarks of Jefferson. We are honored and excited to have Jefferson providing services to our growing network of hospitals. This endeavor is a cornerstone of implementing our global mission and vision."
Star has partnered with some of the best cancer institutions in India. Now, these institutions and their specialists will be able to consult with Jefferson specialists about complicated cases, as well as access advanced genomic, diagnostic tests.
In the first phase of the collaboration that has already begun, MAL has completed clinical genomic sequencing tests and sent back reports detailing specific cancer gene alterations in a number of individual patient tumors for consideration of personalized treatment options. In addition, Jefferson oncologists have been providing second opinion consults via telemedicine with India-based physicians. All of these activities are already improving patient care while strengthening the development of physicians and research professionals for the future.
“This is an important initiative that fulfills the Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center’s mandate, as a NCI-accredited institution, to collaborate with health care organizations around the world,” said Richard Pestell, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center. “We are especially energized by the various initiatives that will be part of this collaboration.”
The goal of the partnership between Jefferson and the Star group is to be at the forefront of personalized medicine, supporting cancer patients and hospitals worldwide.
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About Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center:
Since 1993, the Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center, one of 68 NCI-designated cancer centers in the U.S., has provided patients with access to the latest developments in cancer research, technology and treatment. U.S.News&World Report also recognizes Thomas Jefferson University Hospital as one of the best hospitals in the nation for Cancer care.
About Star:
Star is a New York City based health care company that has formed a global network of hospitals, connecting "Centers of Excellence” in the U.S. to “Centers of Need” around the world. Star’s network provides medical intelligence through a portfolio of services to geographies and markets that are in need of expertise in advanced medical care capabilities. Star’s India network includes 29 cancer centers and 16 super-specialty hospitals.
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