Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Expands Reach to Greater Newark

New partnership with University Hospital expands oncology services to community

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University HospitalNew Brunswick/Newark, N.J. – A new partnership between Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and University Hospital in Newark is resulting in the expansion of National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center services to the greater Essex region. The multidisciplinary service line at the cancer center at the Newark hospital now includes care provided by Rutgers Cancer Institute medical oncologists, which augments radiation oncology services that have been provided by Rutgers Cancer Institute for the past seven years and surgical oncology services provided by Rutgers faculty members. An infrastructure to bring additional cancer clinical trials to patients in the region is also part of the new partnership, as is the expansion of community outreach, education and screening programs. The new entity, known as Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital, was celebrated today at the Newark facility at an event which included Governor Chris Christie and other government officials along with University Hospital President and CEO John N. Kastanis, MBA, FACHE; Rutgers University President Robert Barchi, MD, PhD; and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Chancellor Brian Strom, MD, MPH.

“Enhancing the access to care to cancer patients in the Essex County area is a major achievement.   Bringing these services to Newark through this partnership with University Hospital reflects an understanding of the need for the types of care the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey can provide as one of the leading cancer centers in the country,” notes Dr. Strom.

“The changing healthcare environment requires that a more progressive approach be taken to provide access to the most advanced treatment options for the greater Newark community and all of northern New Jersey.  We are pleased that this partnership will address this significant need,” adds Kastanis.

“As the state’s only NCI-Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has a mission to provide patients with advanced care, including clinical trials, some of which are only available at NCI-designated centers.  This new partnership with University Hospital will expand access to these novel cancer therapies bringing the latest treatments to all populations in the greater Newark area,” notes Susan Goodin, PharmD, the newly named interim director of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital and professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.  

Along with clinical trials that study innovative new therapies and diagnostic methods that are not widely available, care options will include precision medicine approaches that are based on targeting genetic characteristics of cancer and utilizing drug compounds that "block" cancer-inducing pathways, adds Dr. Goodin.

“As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has the expertise to offer the latest treatment options and clinical trials as well as opportunities to reduce cancer incidence and improve patient outcomes. Residents in the greater Newark area have a unique need for the most rigorous education, research and best care available, and this new partnership between Rutgers Cancer Institute and University Hospital will result in additional care options,” notes Bruce Haffty, MD, interim director of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and professor and chair of radiation oncology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School.

Additionally, the new partnership will result in increased screening, treatment and education with a special focus on underserved populations.  The aim is to work with community partners in the greater Newark area to identify cancer-related needs and develop community-based participatory education, training, and research among racial/ethnic minorities and underserved populations.  These activities will form the basis for future cancer-focused outreach initiatives, which will include creating culturally-sensitive educational materials and improving cancer literacy and communication between patients and healthcare providers.

About Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey is dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and to serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. Physician-scientists at Rutgers Cancer Institute engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice.  To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 848-932-8013 or visit www.cinj.org/giving. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCINJ.

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides the highest quality cancer care and rapid dissemination of important discoveries into the community. Flagship Hospital: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. System Partner: Meridian Health (Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center, and Bayshore Community Hospital). Affiliate Hospitals: JFK Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (CINJ Hamilton), and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.

About University Hospital
University Hospital is an independent medical center with more than 500 licensed beds, an active medical staff of more than 600, and over 3,000 employees. Located in the Central Ward of Newark, New Jersey, University Hospital is a regional resource for advanced care in a wide range of medical specialties. University Hospital was awarded the prestigious Gold Plus recognition by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association for Heart Failure and Stroke.  Designated as the Level 1 Trauma Center for Northern New Jersey, the Hospital maintains 24-hour in-house coverage by general surgeons, and prompt availability of care in specialties such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, internal medicine, plastic surgery, and pediatrics. As part of its mission to serve the residents of Newark and surrounding communities, University Hospital is also proud to be the principal teaching hospital of the schools of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, including New Jersey Medical School, the School of Dental Medicine, the School of Health Related Professions, and the School of Nursing.  Learn more at www.uhnj.org.
 

Michele Fisher
Media Relations Specialist
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
732/235-9872 
michele.fisher@rutgers.edu  

Stacie J. Newton
Department of Public Affairs
University Hospital
973/972-6273 or 201/463-2335
newtonsj@uhnj.org