Rapides Regional investing $10 million to enhance cancer program

Alexandria, La., Jan. 20, 2022 – Rapides Cancer Center and American Oncology Network are joining forces to provide advanced, comprehensive and convenient care for patients in Central Louisiana.

A Division of American Oncology Partners, Hematology Oncology Clinic (HOC) at Rapides will begin seeing patients in January in a new clinic inside Rapides Cancer Center located on the campus of Rapides Regional Medical Center. Rapides Cancer Center is a Division of Rapides Regional Medical Center and has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer since 1972.

HOC at Rapides will be part of the American Oncology Network, a growing medical oncology provider with a focus on supporting the long-term viability of cancer treatment in communities across the country. With AON support and ancillary services, HOC at Rapides will provide improved access to advanced oncology care in Central Louisiana. AON includes an expanding team of 105 physicians providing care at numerous locations in 16 states.

The HOC at Rapides team will include Medical Oncologists Michael Castine III, M.D., Pavani Ellipeddi, M.D., Christopher McCanless, M.D. and Gerald Miletello, M.D. and Nurse Practitioner Kasey Gill. This will be HOC’s third location in Louisiana, joining clinics in Baton Rouge and Zachary.

“This partnership represents a new day in cancer care for our community,” said Jason Cobb, Chief Executive Officer of Rapides Regional Medical Center. “Our community will be able to receive world-class care based on a patient-centered care model without having to leave home. With the recent Rapides Cancer Center renovations and upgrades in technology, we are proud to offer Central Louisiana cancer care on a higher level than ever before.”

Rapides Regional Medical Center is investing $10 million to enhance its cancer program. The upgrades include the first TrueBeam linear accelerator in Central Louisiana to provide the latest technology in radiation oncology. Coming in early 2022, RRMC will open the Rapides Breast and Diagnostic Center and install the first 64-slice PET CT Scanner to be located in a cancer center in Louisiana, allowing oncologists to pinpoint the precise tissue location of tumors.

The 7,700 square-foot HOC at Rapides practice is expected to open in mid-January. The state-of-the-art facility will include six exam rooms and 14 chemotherapy chairs, and will offer infusion therapy, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, an in-house laboratory performing all routine blood work on-site and an in-house specialty pharmacy. Patients will have access to clinical trials, care management support, including nutrition guidance, Oncology Care Model participation and financial counseling.

“The entire Hematology Oncology Clinic at Rapides team is committed to enhancing the patient experience in order to have a greater impact on those who need care,” said Dr. Castine. “We hope to create the type of experience that patients expect and deserve, placing them at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.”

HOC at Rapides is committed to providing the community with the highest quality care that is based on research, evidence-based medicine and focused on the whole person. Cancer patients will now have access to a diverse range of services for diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, survivorship, patient support and amenities under one roof, giving them unparalleled access to comprehensive, integrated cancer care, close to home.

“A key differentiator of AON is flexibility for our partner practices,” said AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz. “Hematology Oncology Clinic at Rapides is able to leverage AON support for pharmaceutical purchasing strategies, revenue cycle, payer negotiations, human resources and technology to form a strong hospital partnership that will enable practice growth while bringing comprehensive cancer care services to Alexandria residents.”

“With these entities joining forces, it will advance the mission of both organizations,” said Cobb. “Together, we are transforming the future of cancer care in our region and it is our cancer patients who will reap the benefit of this partnership.”

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About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly growing AON network represents 105 physicians and 79 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON brings more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

About Hematology/Oncology Clinic: (HOCBR.com)
Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and cancer, Hematology Oncology Clinic (HOC) serves patients from offices in Baton Rouge, Zachary and Alexandria. HOC is the practice of Dr. Gerald Miletello, Dr. Christopher McCanless, Dr. Michael Castine, III and Dr. Pavani Ellipeddi. The practice’s highly trained and experienced clinical staff consists of Nurse Practitioners, Oncology Certified Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses.

HOC’s exceptional quality care includes access to innovative clinical trials, an in-house specialty pharmacy, timely labs and pathology reports, and on-site infusion therapy. The practice also offers comprehensive supportive care such as access to Care Management, nutrition counseling, and much more.

About Rapides Regional Medical Center: (rapidesregional.com)
Rapides Regional Medical Center is a 380-bed acute care hospital located in Alexandria, La., providing healthcare on a higher level for families in approximately 16 central Louisiana parishes. Our mission is to provide high quality, efficient and compassionate health care services for our patients and community through the efforts of our employees, physicians and volunteers.

Rapides Regional Medical Center has provided state-of-the-art, comprehensive medical services to our community for 118 years. Our campus is home to Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Rapides Cancer Center, Rapides Outpatient Center, Rapides Regional Trauma Center, 51-bed emergency department, NICU, PICU and ICU. Read about these services and more at rapidesregional.com.

For More Information, Contact:
Rapides Regional Medical Center
Charla Ducote, Vice President of  Marketing, Public Relations & Business Development
charla.ducote@hcahealthcare.com

American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

Statesboro, Ga., Jan. 5, 2022 – Low Country Cancer Care (LCCC), is pleased to announce the opening of their new cancer center in Statesboro, Ga., located at 1601 Fair Road, Suite 900. This new clinic is the fifth LCCC location, making it easier for patients to have access to the highest quality cancer care close to where they live.

Other locations are in Savannah, Hinesville and Pooler, Ga., and Bluffton, S.C. The team consists of seven providers including four medical oncologists, one physician assistant and two nurse practitioners. LCCC offers a comprehensive range of treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders.

In 2020, LCCC joined the American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth medical oncology provider with a focus on supporting the long-term viability of cancer treatment in community-based settings. The LCCC and AON partnership helps provide the best cancer care with additional services including in-house pathology and specialty pharmacy, access to a care management team and financial assistance programs to help navigate insurance coverage.

AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz said, “Low Country Cancer Care and AON believe every patient deserves access to affordable yet high-quality cancer care in the communities where they live.”

LCCC is committed to providing the community with innovative cancer care that is based on research, evidence-based medicine and focused on the whole person. Cancer patients will now have access to a diverse range of services for diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, survivorship and patient support, giving them unparalleled access to comprehensive, integrated cancer care, close to home.

“Dr. Negrea and I are pleased to provide medical oncology and hematology services in Statesboro, so we can serve patients close to their home. Our decision to expand to better serve patients in this area continues the vision we share with AON of positively impacting patients’ lives,” said Low Country Cancer Care Medical Oncologist Dr. Rohit Bishnoi.

AON President & Chief Development Officer Brad Prechtl, MBA stated, “This expansion makes it the fourth clinic we have opened in Georgia, showing our commitment to offering patients access to the latest advancements and cancer treatments right where they live.”

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About Low Country Cancer Care: (LCCCSav.com)
Low Country Cancer Care has five locations, including one office in Savannah and four satellite offices in Hinesville, Statesboro and Pooler, Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina. The team includes four medical oncologists, one physician assistant and two nurse practitioners who provide a comprehensive range of treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 105 physicians and 79 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

Puyallup, Wash., Jan. 3, 2022 – Partner Oncology, serving Puyallup and the Lakewood areas in oncology and hematology, recently rebranded the practice name to Panacea Oncology (Panacea). Panacea provides personalized and compassionate care, offering cancer patients in Pierce County the most advanced treatments of the highest quality.

The name was changed to show the wider scope of value and services offered. Panacea means a solution or remedy for all diseases which embodies Panacea’s mission of innovative care based on research and evidence-based treatment.

Panacea Medical Oncologist Dr. Joseph Ye said, “The available resources we have in this constantly changing world of complex diseases of oncology and blood disorders allows us to better serve our patients. We felt it was necessary to rebrand our practice to better represent the exceptional cancer care we provide right here in the communities where our patients live.”

In addition to the name change Panacea also introduced a new logo design which features all the colors from the cancer awareness ribbons. These colors represent all the indications of cancer.

AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz said, “The new Panacea identity better aligns with the clinical services offered while making a more memorable impression.”

Panacea Oncology Medical Oncologists Drs. Joseph Ye, Xinda David Wang and Weigang Tong are part of the American Oncology Network, LLC (AON)—a leading physician network helping community oncologists have greater access to more resources so patients get top-level cancer care within their communities.

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About Panacea Oncology: (PanaceaOncology.com)
Panacea Oncology (Panacea) offers convenient access to quality cancer and hematology care for patients in Puyallup and Lakewood, Washington. A community-based practice, Panacea provides medical oncology/hematology services and infusion therapy including immunotherapy for treating cancer and other diseases.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 105 physicians and 79 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

Fort Myers, Fla., Dec. 16, 2021 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is pleased to announce that eight research studies co-authored by AON physicians were presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, held December 11-14, 2021.

Abstracts submitted for oral and poster presentations at the ASH annual meeting represent important, novel research in the field and are considered the best of the thousands of abstracts submitted. Typically, more than 5,000 scientific abstracts are submitted each year and more than 3,000 are accepted for oral and poster presentations through an extensive peer review process.

The following AON physician investigators presented their research results during poster discussions and/or presentations.

• Dr. Ruemu E. Birhiray of Hematology Oncology of Indiana, who served as co-author of a study titled an Extended Characterization of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) Patients with In-Class Transition (iCT) from Parenteral Bortezomib to Oral Ixazomib Proteasome Inhibitor (PI) Therapy in the Community-Based United States (US) MM-6 Study: Updated Efficacy and Safety, and Reasons for Premature Discontinuation (Abstract # 2726)
• Dr. Ralph V. Boccia of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, who served as co-author of several studies titled a Phase 1b/2 Study of the First-in-Class SUMO-Activating Enzyme Inhibitor TAK-981 in Combination with Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients with Triple-Class Refractory Multiple Myeloma (Abstract # 2742) and the Efficacy and Safety of Ruxolitinib and Steroids for Treating Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (Abstract # 2727)
• Dr. Arvind Chaudhry of Summit Cancer Centers, who presented and served as co-author of several studies titled the Efficacy and Safety of the BTK Inhibitor MK-1026 in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: Phase 2 Study (Abstract # 3737) and a Phase 2 Study of Zanubrutinib in BTK Inhibitor – Intolerant Patients with Relapsed / Refractory B-Cell Malignancies (Abstract # 1410)
• Dr. Christopher Chay of Messino Cancer Centers, who served as co-author of a study titled BRUIN MCL-321: A Phase 3 Open-Label, Randomized Study of Pirtobrutinib Versus Investigator Choice of BTK Inhibitor in Patients with Previously Treated, BTK Inhibitor Naïve Mantle Cell Lymphoma (Trial in Progress) (Abstract # 2422)
• Dr. Victor M. Priego of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, who served as co-author of several studies titled A Phase 1a/b Dose Escalation Study of the Mutation Agnostic BTK/FLT3 Inhibitor Luxeptinib (CG-806) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Malignancies (Abstract # 1355) and Rusfertide (PTG-300), a Hepcidin Mimetic, Maintains Liver Iron Concentration in the Absence of Phlebotomies in Patients with Hereditary Hemochromatosis (Abstract # 943)

AON CEO Todd Schonherz said, “The physicians within our network are dedicated to bringing innovative treatment options to patients, close to home. To have eight AON physicians’ research studies being shared at this prestigious program confirms that our physicians are not only uniting in collaboration, they’re at the forefront of new discoveries and findings that will expand and improve blood disease treatment options for every patient.”

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About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly growing AON network represents 105 physicians and 79 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON brings more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

Phoenix, Ariz., Nov. 23, 2021 – Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona (CBSA), a partner practice of American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) launches a new chapter of the Community Oncology Alliance Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN).

CPAN is a national advocacy organization committed to raising awareness of independent, community cancer care and the issues that affect it. CPAN plays a vital role in advocating for patients making sure cancer care is affordable and accessible in the communities where they live.

CBSA Medical Oncologist Tania Cortas, MD, CPE said, “We feel honored to be the first community oncology practice in the entire state of Arizona to partner with CPAN. At Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona we pride ourselves on being patient centric and joining this national advocacy group will help our patients to be able to continue to get affordable, yet high-quality cancer care close to where they live.”

“Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona patients, survivors, caregivers, family members, physicians, staff and community members can all play a part in helping to influence national policies that can influence cancer care within our community,” said Todd Schonherz, AON Chief Executive Officer.

There are 31 active CPAN chapters across the U.S. advocating in Washington, D.C. to make an impact on influencing policy and expressing the importance of community oncology.

Rose Gerber, Director of Patient Advocacy and Education for CPAN said, “We support the cure but we advocate for the care.” Gerber continued, “Local CPAN chapters within our community cancer centers are important to our cause of educating, engaging and activating cancer care advocates across the nation, helping to ensure patients benefit from quality, affordable and accessible cancer care.”

AON Chief Growth & Relationship Officer Shelly Glenn, added “A CPAN chapter in the Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona community means that Greater Phoenix Area patients will have a direct impact on major key cancer issues at a national level.”

CBSA and CPAN will work together to combat issues affecting many patients such as limitations on choice of doctors, less personalized medicine, increased hospital care costs, rising medication prices and being forced to travel for care and treatment.

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About Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona: (CancerBloodSpecialistsAZ.com)
Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona is a community-based Medical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology and Hematology practice providing treatment for patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. We are experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and clinical support staff providing compassionate, patient-centered care in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding areas. Our physicians have deep roots in the Greater Phoenix Area and are proud of our 40-year collective history of delivering the highest quality cancer treatment that is based on cutting-edge research.

About Community Oncology Alliance Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN): (COAAdvoacy.org)
Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona is a community-based Medical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology and Hematology practice providing treatment for patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. We are experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and clinical support staff providing compassionate, patient-centered care in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding areas. Our physicians have deep roots in the Greater Phoenix Area and are proud of our 40-year collective history of delivering the highest quality cancer treatment that is based on cutting-edge research.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 104 physicians and 78 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com