The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has completed its $30 million expansion in Ohio, opening at the Toledo Clinic Cancer Center in Maumee. Headquartered in Detroit, this marks the first time Karmanos will provide its high level of cancer-designated care outside of Michigan.

This growth comes hand in hand with increased access to clinical trials and the expertise and advice from its oncologists and other cancer specialists to the patients of northwest Ohio.

“When this partnership was first announced, we were collectively excited about the opportunity to partner with the Toledo Clinic, but mainly we were mindful and motivated by how the population of northwest Ohio will benefit from this facility and our work together,” says Dr. Justin Klamerus, president of the Karmanos Cancer Hospital and Network.

“Having announced this partnership a year ago, it’s a thrill to see it come to a physical fruition, and we’re eager to begin having a positive impact on this community. Together, we will improve cancer care for the people of northwest Ohio,” he said.

Under the agreement made with the clinic, Karmanos will manage the clinic’s radiation oncology program, encompassing seven of its 22 exam rooms, including two procedure rooms. On the other hand, the Toledo Clinic will deliver medical oncology services.

Using the latest technology in the industry, radiation treatments will be performed with linear acceleratory (LINAC), a radiotherapy system whose technology targets large tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and organs.

Karmanos invested $15 million toward the purchase of LINAC units and the necessary construction of its specialized treatment rooms. The Toledo Clinic medical oncologists will benefit from the widespread experience and knowledge of Karmanos clinicians, as they will participate in 15 multidisciplinary tumor boards, as well as weekly meetings by cancer experts. This collaboration will heighten the overall performance of the clinic, providing patients will outstanding service.

At the new center, Karmanos will open the gateway to its expansive clinical trials program, which is one of the largest in the country. With more than 250 promising next-generation cancer fighting medications, patients experience therapies which will benefit their journey.

“This expansion into Northwest Ohio is a great achievement for our Institute, but the best part is how it will benefit the communities of the region, says president and CEO of Karmanos Cancer Institute, Dr. Gerold Bepler, who added, “We are very proud of our history and roots in Detroit and the care our team provides here. We’re now grateful for the opportunity to grow those service into another state.”