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Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Becomes First Care Partner of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the Nation

December 05, 2024

In a groundbreaking development that stands to transform the delivery of cancer care in Connecticut, the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center has been designated as the first Care Partner of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in the United States. This achievement reflects the completion of an extensive review process by MSK to ensure that all oncology care at the Hartford HealthCare Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center meets MSK Standards of Care™.

This enhanced partnership is built upon the 10-year collaboration in which the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute became the first member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance.

“This is a truly historic day for Connecticut. Together Hartford HealthCare and MSK are transforming the way cancer care is delivered in our communities,” said Jeffrey A. Flaks, President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare. “This collaboration will provide easier access to the latest breakthroughs, clinical trials, and pioneering research that reaches patients earlier. It’s about bringing hope to our patients by expanding access to the world’s best cancer care in Fairfield County.”

MSK Care Partners are healthcare organizations that have committed to meeting MSK Standards of Care™ to provide more patients access to the highest quality cancer care in their community.

“Cancer patients at St. Vincent’s Medical Center will now receive care that incorporates MSK’s innovative treatment guidelines, practices, and procedures, emphasizing better outcomes for patients,” said Shelly Anderson, MPM, Hospital President of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Hartford HealthCare to transform cancer care delivery in Connecticut.”

Patients at St. Vincent’s will now benefit from:

  • Adopting a world-class standard of care. MSK is a world-class institution at the forefront of cancer care and research. Through knowledge-sharing, care delivery guidance, access to forthcoming clinical trials, educational opportunities and collaboration with the world’s preeminent cancer specialists, St. Vincent’s Medical Center has adopted the MSK Standards of Care™ in their oncology practice.
  • Collaboration with MSK physicians. Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute physicians at St. Vincent’s Medical Center will have access to MSK’s expertise and the opportunity to collaborate and interact with MSK physicians. In some cases, this may include consulting with MSK’s highly specialized experts on the optimal treatment plan for patients.
  • Forthcoming access to the latest clinical trials. In the future, patients will have access to MSK clinical trials while in the care of Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute physicians at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.
  • Fast adoption of the latest standards of care. This relationship fosters the rapid adoption of the newest and most effective standards of care in the community setting, giving more patients access to the best possible care. It will also expand access to MSK’s cutting-edge research program.

“At its heart, MSK Care Partners is about accelerating patient access to breakthroughs in cancer care that are saving more lives and improving quality of life for patients and their families,” said Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute Physician-in-Chief Peter Yu, MD. “The relationship between Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Hartford HealthCare promotes seamless collaboration between physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals of both institutions through education, research and patient-centered care.”

In the future, following completion of the successful review process by MSK to ensure oncology care meet MSK Standards of Care™, all Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute patients would have access to the highest quality cancer care at the health system’s cancer centers.

In addition to the partnership with MSK, Hartford HealthCare is set to open a new state-of-the-art cancer center at 4185 Black Rock Turnpike near the Merritt Parkway in Fairfield in April. The 25,000-square-foot facility will offer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, surgical consultations, imaging and laboratory testing on site. Hartford HealthCare also plans to create a new dedicated cancer unit at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, providing comprehensive inpatient oncology care in a space designed for optimal care and patient experience.