Karmanos Cancer Institute at The Toledo Clinic Cancer Center now accepting new patients
A year after construction began, oncology teams at the new Karmanos Cancer Institute at The Toledo Clinic Cancer Center are welcoming new patients now that the ribbon has been cut. The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, headquartered in Detroit, has completed its expansion into Ohio with the opening of the new treatment center, located in Maumee. Karmanos and The Toledo Clinic held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 14, 2022. This is the first time the world-renown cancer center will provide its level of National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated care outside of Michigan and the first time Karmanos has formed a partnership of its kind.
We will go far together,
with our partnership with
The Toledo Clinic in this
community, always keeping
in mind who it is that we
serve – our patients
“We will go far together, with our partnership with The Toledo Clinic in this community, always keeping in mind who it is that we serve – our patients,” said Justin Klamerus, M.D., MMM, president of the Karmanos Cancer Hospital & Network, during the ceremony.
“Our goal at Karmanos, in line with The Toledo Clinic’s mission and vision, is to make care available close to home and with the power of our NCI-designation, we have more opportunities for patients than ever before.”
Karmanos began seeing their first patients at the new facility on Wednesday, April 13. Under the agreement, Karmanos will operate the clinic’s radiation oncology program, encompassing seven of the 22 exam rooms, including two procedure rooms. The Toledo Clinic will provide medical oncology services.
This growth across state lines brings advanced cancer care to the patients of Northwest Ohio, which includes increased access to clinical trials and the expertise and experience of the Karmanos Cancer Network of oncologists and other cancer specialists. Karmanos’ expansive clinical trials program is one of the largest in the country with more than 250 promising, next-generation cancer fighting treatments and medications. Having access to clinical trials is a vital aspect of a patient’s individualized and evidence-based treatment.
“Ultimately, what it comes down to is we are all about the patients – the patients and their family members” said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Karmanos Cancer Institute, during the ribbon cutting ceremony. “We are here to give the best support to those diagnosed with cancer. While they are engaged on their journey, we will hold their hands and make it possible for them to come out of this on top.”
The brand-new facility offers the latest linear accelerator, the Varian TrueBeam™, a state-of-the-art image-guided radiation therapy technology that is able to precisely target large tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and organs. Karmanos invested $15M into the radiation oncology suite.
“I am thrilled to be able to offer advanced radiation therapy to patients in Maumee,” said Faheem Ahmad, M.D., radiation oncologist at Karmanos. “The possibilities that we have in treating patients at this new facility in collaboration with the greater Karmanos network is something this region has not seen before. This partnership will bring a lot of hope to the area. Patients were driving hours to reach a comprehensive cancer center. Now, they have this convenient option in Maumee.”
In addition to Karmanos bringing its physical presence to Northwest Ohio, the medical oncologists at The Toledo Clinic will benefit from the extensive experience and clinical knowledge of Karmanos clinicians by participating in the 15 multidisciplinary tumor boards — weekly meetings of Karmanos cancer experts collaboratively sharing patients’ details and treatment options to make recommendations that reflect the latest thinking from the specialists.
In addition to radiation and medical oncology, the facility’s offerings extend to infusion and laboratory services, diagnostic imaging and an on-site pharmacy. Patients and caregivers may call 1-800-KARMANOS for more information and to schedule a consultation.
About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education. The Karmanos vision is a world free of cancer. Headquartered in Detroit, Karmanos has 16 network sites and delivers world-renowned care and access to clinical trials throughout Michigan and northern Ohio. The National Cancer Institute recognizes Karmanos as one of the best cancer centers in the nation with a comprehensive cancer center designation. Learn more at Karmanos.org, or call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266).