Rush University System for Health has entered a partnership with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a move aimed at enhancing cancer care for Rush patients and bolstering its competitive edge in the Chicago healthcare market. The collaboration entails renaming Rush Cancer Center as Rush MD Anderson Cancer Center, with Rush retaining ownership of its program. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed by either party.
As part of the agreement, Rush will align its protocols and cancer treatment plans with those of MD Anderson, providing its patients access to a wider array of clinical trials and treatment options. Rush physicians will also have the opportunity to consult with MD Anderson counterparts on complex cases, enhancing the expertise available to Rush patients.
Rush Teams Up with Top Cancer Center MD Anderson to Improve Access to Advanced Cancer Treatments (Credits: Chicago Tribune)
Dr. Omar Lateef, President and CEO of Rush, highlighted the potential benefits of the partnership, particularly in offering cutting-edge care and access to genetic studies that were previously unavailable at Rush. Dr. Amina Ahmed, director of the Rush MD Anderson Cancer Center, emphasized the increased availability of clinical trials, novel treatments, and expertise resulting from the collaboration.
Rush becomes the seventh hospital nationwide to partner with MD Anderson on its cancer program, reflecting MD Anderson’s commitment to extending its mission beyond Texas. Dr. Peter WT Pisters, President of MD Anderson, underscored the significance of this partnership in extending cancer care excellence to a key market like Chicago.
This partnership is part of a broader trend in the Chicago healthcare landscape, where hospitals are seeking to differentiate themselves and enhance their cancer care offerings. University of Chicago Medicine is investing in a new cancer hospital, while Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush are striving to improve their rankings and outcomes in cancer care.
Rush’s pursuit of a partnership with MD Anderson predates the pandemic, with discussions initially beginning years ago. The partnership will see Rush MD Anderson Cancer Center providing care at various locations in Chicago and the suburbs, including Rush’s new Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building and Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, among others.
