Erlanger Health System and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, on behalf of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, have entered into a professional service agreement designing a long-term collaboration in comprehensive cancer care, including VICC hematology-oncology services at Erlanger Oncology and Hematology and infusion locations. 
 
The agreement, which became effective Oct. 1, establishes VICC as Erlanger’s exclusive contracted provider of adult inpatient and outpatient hematology-oncology services and medical directorship for the program. The agreement does not affect Erlanger’s relationship with its medical staff.
 
“This collaborative effort offers a unique and important opportunity for Erlanger to not only access the most clinical trials for adults in cancer care, but also to provide the most comprehensive cancer treatment program in this region,” said Tanner Goodrich, Erlanger vice-president of Operations. “By teaming with Vanderbilt, we will be able to continue to expand our cutting-edge cancer care services to the many communities we serve.”       
 
Over the next year, VICC and Erlanger will pursue plans to expand the hematology-oncology collaboration and grow the scope of services consistent with Erlanger’s vision for cancer care and VICC’s National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center capabilities. 
 
“Vanderbilt is very excited to provide excellent comprehensive cancer care in collaboration with Erlanger Health System,” said Nancy Davis, M.D., senior medical director for VICC Cancer Care Network and Strategy. “This will allow patients in the Chattanooga and surrounding areas to receive their cancer care from Vanderbilt faculty physicians closer to home, affording them the support of their families and friends without having to travel great distances.” 
 
Through the agreement, VICC provides medical direction and board-certified hematologists and oncologists as part of the nationally leading cancer care as an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients can expect expert coordinated care with cases represented at tumor boards, as well as benefit from comprehensive and coordinated treatment planning with Erlanger surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other specialists. Additionally, Erlanger patients will have improved access to the second opinion program from VICC subspecialists in specific types of cancer by telehealth, representation at molecular tumor boards, clinical trial access and other specialty procedures. 
 
“Our mission at Vanderbilt-Ingram is to share our clinical expertise and discoveries for the benefit of cancer patients everywhere, and this collaboration with Erlanger Health System is an example of our commitment to the care of cancer patients throughout the region,” said Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D., B.F. Byrd Jr. professor of Oncology, director of Vanderbilt-Ingram and executive vice president for Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.