Henry Ford Allegiance Health Joins Henry Ford Cancer Institute

Henry Ford Allegiance Health announced today that its cancer program has become part of the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, a leader in cancer treatment, providing Jackson and surrounding communities with access to Precision Medicine, advanced technology and enhanced services.

The Institute will also provide access to Henry Ford’s leading clinical trials, research programs and pioneering care for complex and rare cancers, building new hope and improving outcomes across the region.

“This transformational step truly gives us the opportunity to enhance our overall cancer care program, and we’re delighted to expand these services to the Jackson area and beyond,” said Henry Ford Health System President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operations Officer Bob Riney. “Henry Ford is continuing to revolutionize cancer care and make these advancements accessible to patients across all of Michigan.”

Among the advances the Henry Ford Cancer Institute will bring to the Jackson area is its leadership in the evolving field of Precision Medicine, which targets cancer treatment based on a patient’s tumor profile. A patient’s tumor profile is identified with the help of genetic testing. Using the tumor profile, Henry Ford Cancer Institute experts look for specific mutations that indicate whether the cancer will respond well to a particular treatment. This lets the medical oncology team recommend treatments that are more likely to work—and avoid treatments that are less likely to work.

“Our Precision Medicine initiative is a huge step forward in cancer care, allowing us to bring highly advanced options to all our patients, at all cancer stages, where in many cases hope was not present. This initiative is supported by the Henry Ford Pathology Department, which has nationally recognized expertise in its integrated approach to disease-specific genomic testing,” said Henry Ford Cancer Institute Medical Director Steven N. Kalkanis, MD. “With our nationally recognized radiation oncology team and other experts beginning to work with partnering physicians and teams in Jackson, we believe that together we will elevate the highly personalized cancer care available through Henry Ford Allegiance Health.”

“As cancer care continues to evolve, individualized treatment plans will improve outcomes. Joining forces with the Henry Ford Cancer Institute will further enhance our ability to provide safe, high quality cancer care locally by connecting our dedicated physicians and staff with innovative resources,” Georgia Fojtasek, President & CEO, Henry Ford Allegiance Health

Patient-centered services already being provided through the Gayle M. Jacob Cancer Center for Medical Oncology and the Paul Tejada Center for Radiation Oncology will continue within the Institute. Patients will benefit from receiving well-coordinated, high-quality treatment throughout their cancer care experience.

About the Henry Ford Cancer Institute

The Henry Ford Cancer Institute is one of the largest cancer programs in Michigan. With multiple hospital-based and outpatient facilities, the Institute includes more than 900 highly skilled doctors, researchers, nurse navigators and other healthcare specialists. The integrated team ensures access to the latest advances in cancer treatment, research, clinical trials and support. The Henry Ford Cancer Institute has treated people from every state in the U.S. and every continent in the world.

About Henry Ford Allegiance Health

Henry Ford Allegiance Health (HFAH) is a 475-bed health system in Jackson, Michigan. HFAH complements traditional acute care services with mission-based services to support patient care across the continuum at every stage of life. With its Level II Trauma Center, Henry Ford Allegiance Health provides comprehensive care for severely injured patients. As a teaching hospital, Henry Ford Allegiance Health continually looks to the future with its Center for Health Innovation & Education and Graduate Medical Education program. Through its Health Improvement Organization (HIO), HFAH is also a national leader in forming community partnerships that innovatively address wellness and prevention needs across the region.