Cancer impacts every community.
Unfortunately, cancer care does not always reach every community.
RWJBarnabas Health, in conjunction with the Rutgers Cancer Institute and University Hospital in Newark, is working to change that.
Last month, the three entities announced an agreement that is aimed at promoting — and increasing — the health and wellness of cancer patients in the greater Newark area with the addition of new oncology specialty care and related services in the city.
Patients in the region will now have enhanced access to the most cutting-edge cancer treatments and services available at University Hospital in Newark.
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center — also a part of the RWJBarnabas Health system — will benefit, too.
RWJBH CEO Mark Manigan said the agreement is consistent with the organization’s commitment to caring for all New Jerseyans.
“Patients across the region will benefit from an unparalleled network of cancer specialists, advanced treatment options and patient-centered services that are transforming the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer,” he said.
“This collaboration with University Hospital exemplifies our deep commitment and mission to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey.”
Dr. Kaitlan Baston, the former state health commissioner and the interim CEO of University Hospital, said the agreement will have great impact.
“At University Hospital, we know how devastating a cancer diagnosis can be for our patients and their loved ones,” she said. “That’s why we have committed every effort to providing the most advanced and supportive care for everyone who walks through our doors, and why we have a longstanding history of providing quality care for these patients in collaboration with Rutgers Cancer Institute.
“This relationship will broaden the services we offer at University Hospital and ensure patients have access to the most cutting-edge treatments and comprehensive support services — right here in their own community.”
Through this relationship, patients at University Hospital will benefit from an expansion of services, including radiation therapy techniques, cellular therapies, precision medicine and innovative clinical trials, many of which are typically found only at National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Rutgers Cancer Institute, and RWJBarnabas Health.
In addition to the expanded treatment offerings, this new arrangement will also ensure that the Newark community has access to nationally recognized, multidisciplinary specialty cancer care — including in gynecologic, breast, head & neck and thoracic, urologic, gastrointestinal and orthopedic/sarcoma oncology.
Dr. Steve Libutti, the director of the Rutgers Cancer Institute, said serving all is the goal.
“As the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, it is our mission to ensure that all New Jersey residents are afforded equal and easy access to world-class cancer care, close to home,” he said. “We look forward to working closely with the clinicians and administration of University Hospital to enhance access and further the health and well-being of the residents in the Greater Newark Region.”
“This collaboration with University Hospital exemplifies our deep commitment and mission to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey.” — RWJBH CEO Mark Manigan
The expansion of cancer research in the Newark region also will be heightened through the relationship with the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. This collaborative effort, involving physician-scientists and researchers, aims to deepen understanding of cancer’s origins and develop new prevention strategies.
“We look forward to the enhanced collaboration between University Hospital and the clinicians and researchers within Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, as well as other members of the Rutgers Cancer Institute,” Dr. Brian Strom, chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, said.
“It is a priority of Rutgers Health to continue to improve our understanding and advance the science of a disease that impacts so many in the region, the state and beyond, as well as expanding our expert clinical services to other parts of New Jersey, especially Newark.”
For information about University Hospital, go to uhnj.org.
