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THROUGH SPECIAL PARTNERSHIPS with three leading cancer treatment providers, The Toledo Clinic is set to offer the most comprehensive care options available in Northwest Ohio and beyond.
The Toledo Clinic Cancer Center will by a 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art medical center. Set to open next year at Side Cut Crossings in Maumee, The Center recently announced a partnership with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a leading cancer treatment provider in Michigan.
“The name may not be as well-known in Toledo today, but if you travel throughout Michigan, either in the Grand Rapids or Detroit area, Karmanos is a major name,” said Mike D’Eramo, Toledo Clinic chief administrative officer.
Karmanos is one of just 51 cancer centers throughout the country designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This prestigious designation means patients can access treatments exclusive to Karmanos as well as clinical trials, cancer prevention programs, and multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists.
“Having the Karmanos Cancer Institute bringing the third NCI designation to Ohio is very important,” D’Eramo said. “With that designation comes a tremendous amount of research and clinical trials, which we are all interested in.”
Justin Klamerus, M.D., M.M.M., president of the Karmanos Cancer Hospital & Network, which is part of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, said that the partnership would provide broad services to those who live in this area and it is already helping patients like Mark Taylor, 59, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in 2007, and was supported by Toledo Clinic physicians, primarily Dr. Timothy Kasunic, with various oral treatments throughout the years. Unfortunately, he failed the third treatment. In 2018, the Toledo Clinic team collaborated with the Karmanos team lead by Dr. Charles Shiffler and Dr. Joseph Uberti. Taylor successfully received a stem cell transplant in December 2018, and he explains, “I’m in remission now, and I have my life back. I’m so thankful for the dedicated Toledo Clinic team, which worked seamlessly with the Karmanos experts to provide me with the best treatment a patient could ask for.”
“Creating a state-of-the-art healthcare campus will enable us to provide outstanding patient-centered care and deliver new life-changing therapies and treatments, enhancing access to robust cancer services, close to home, including telemedicine services. Together, our joint teams will advance the fight against cancer,” D’Eramo said.
In addition to Karmanos, The Toledo Clinic Cancer Center has also partnered with the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center at The University of Toledo Medical Center and with the Maurer Family Cancer Care Center at Wood County Hospital. These organizations have come together to increase access to cancer care in Northwest Ohio through academics and recruitment. And, The Toledo Clinic and The Maurer Family Cancer Care Center at Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green have come together to expand community care outreach.
The motivation to partner with those organizations is prompted in part by the number of individuals leaving the area to seek cancer treatment. According to D’Eramo, one third of cancer patients will leave Toledo for some variation of cancer care in cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, Ann Arbor, and Detroit.
The Toledo Clinic by itself was not going to be able to suddenly create the talent, research and academics it needed to provide such harmony in the care of patients, D’Eramo said.
In addition to working with regional partners, The Toledo Clinic is also working on a cutting-edge building design to promote optimal healing in a calm, peaceful environment close to home.
Bob Gesing is the principal and national healthcare practice leader for Trinity:NAC, the Columbus architectural firm that planned and designed the project. According to Gesing, a significant amount of research, exploration, and effort went into the building design. Convenience for patients and families and creating spaces that promote optimal healing were the driving factors with every element of design—from the use of materials and placement of windows to the organization of areas, he said.
Minimizing steps and travel time to treatment rooms and designing spaces around patient needs focuses on the convenience aspect.
“Cancer is a heavy burden. When patients can be treated for cancer close to home, it makes a big difference. Not only are they able to reduce travel time, they can stay connected to their friends and family,” said Dr. Klamerus. “Knowing that world-class care is available nearby will have a tremendous impact on those seeking cancer care in Northwest Ohio.”
