Baptist Memorial, Vanderbilt announce cancer research affiliation

Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp., Memphis, Tenn., has forged an affiliation agreement with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, that will expand its cancer research and genomic medicine offerings.

Under the agreement, Baptist oncology patients will have access to clinical research trials and genetic diagnostic tools at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, one of only two in the state to be designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, according to a news release.

In addition, physicians at both medical centers will be able to share tissue samples, partner on grant applications and participate in joint conference programs. The affiliation will also expand fellowship opportunities for oncologists as well as allow opportunities to collaborate on public education programs for local communities.

Baptist operates 14 hospitals in Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas. The system has made expanding its cancer program a priority during the past year, with the release noting that the Baptist Medical Group has added almost 30 oncologists, a breast surgeon and two thoracic surgeons.

The group last year acquired the 15-physician Boston Baskin Cancer Group, which had previously worked with the University of Tennessee.

“What this means to Mid-South residents is enhanced access to specialized research and genomic medicine,” Jason Little, Baptist's executive VP and COO, said in the release. “This relationship will allow us to bring a whole new level of cancer research to Memphis and the surrounding area. We will be working with Vanderbilt-Ingram to develop more personalized cancer programs based on patients' genetic makeup, which is the future of cancer therapy.”