Salem Medical Partners with Seidman Cancer Center
SALEM, Ohio – Patients undergoing treatment for cancer at Salem Regional Medical Center now have access to clinical trials, the result of a new partnership with the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland.
Representatives of University Hospitals joined Salem Regional officials Tuesday afternoon to announce the partnership. The center opened Monday.
Salem Regional chose to partner with the Seidman Cancer because of its reputation as a national leader in cancer treatment, said Dr. Anita Hackstedde, Salem Regional president and CEO. It is one of only 49 comprehensive cancer centers as designated by the National Cancer Institute.
“Unfortunately, we do have a high incidence and mortality rate from cancer in our region,” Hackstedde said. “Too often patients feel like they have to go to outside sources to get the best options for cancer care, and really we should all be following evidence-based, proven guidelines and strategies.”
The partnership of the two health-care organizations “represents a strategic commitment to keep patients in their own communities,” said Linda Mangosh, vice president of operations for University Hospitals Seidman.
“Your local team of physicians and staff at Salem Regional Medical Center will work in partnership with their colleagues at our nationally renowned cancer hospital to offer revolutionary therapies, which are often based on research that occurs at our main campus,” Mangosh said. Seidman has multidisciplinary teams who meet to review individual cancers and recommend the best course of treatment.
One of the most beneficial aspects of the collaboration, Hackstedde said, is for Salem Regional to offer clinical trials in its Seidman center.
The Seidman team is involved in more than 300 clinical trials for treatment, many of which involve “novel therapies,” she reported. By next summer, cancer patients at Salem Regional will be able to participate in active trials “and receive promising new therapies before they become widely available,” Hackstedde said.
“We understand that cancer is a devastating illness and people are not always prepared to drive into Cleveland, so by offering our services close to home we can provide that access and fulfill our mission,” Mangosh said.
The affiliation with Seidman will allow Salem Regional to provide ‘world-class care,” affirmed Dr. Ayla Kessler, medical director of the Salem Seidman center.
“This is amazing for our area,” Kessler remarked. Patients were already getting “great care” at Salem Regional, and the affiliation with University Hospitals will help ensure the medical center provides “the highest, evidence-based quality care to our patients,” she added.
In addition to Kessler, three other specialists are joining the center, and early next year a new advanced linear accelerator will be installed to provide patients with the latest in radiation treatment.
VIDEO:
‘3 Minutes With’ Anita Hackstedde and Linda Mangash
Pictured at top: Dr. Ayla Kessler, Dr. Anita Hackstedde, president/CEO, Salem Regional Medical Center; Dr. Zoraida Mendez, Linda Mangosh, VP of operations, University Hospital Simon Cancer Center; Dr. Lawrence Schmetterer, Matthew Bender, Salem Regional board chairman, and Dr. William Demas.
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