Northern Nevada-based Cancer Care Specialists joins UC Davis Cancer Care Network as affiliate

Cancer Care Specialists (CCS), a leading oncology and hematology provider in Northern Nevada, has joined the UC Davis Cancer Care Network as an affiliate member.

The affiliation, which began this month, connects patients and physicians in Reno, Carson City and surrounding communities with the expertise of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of 58 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S.

Through the new relationship, CCS physicians and care teams will have greater access to UC Davis Health specialists, multidisciplinary case review, provider education and research support. The goal is to help more patients receive advanced cancer care close to home while creating clear pathways to specialized services when needed.

"We believe patients deserve exceptional cancer care without having to leave the communities where they live and receive support from family and friends," said Wesley Falconer, president and COO of Cancer Care Specialists. "This affiliation with UC Davis Health strengthens our ability to bring advanced expertise, innovative therapies and academic collaboration to our patients while preserving the community-based care that is at the heart of our mission."

For patients in Northern Nevada, the affiliation means:

• More access to cancer expertise close to home
• Additional support for patients with complex cancers
• Easier access to specialized services and advanced treatments
• The ability to stay with local care teams whenever possible

Specialized support for complex cancers

The UC Davis Cancer Care Network works with community cancer providers across Northern and Central California to expand access to specialized expertise, clinical trials and leading-edge cancer care. Through the new affiliation with Cancer Care Specialists, the network is extending that support into Nevada.

"We are excited to welcome Cancer Care Specialists," said Yulia Thorpe, director of the UC Davis Cancer Care Network. "This affiliation brings together the strengths of community-based cancer care and a nationally recognized academic cancer center. Together, we can expand access to clinical research support and advanced treatments for patients throughout Northern Nevada."

The affiliation will also strengthen coordination for patients with rare, advanced or complex cancers. This includes expanded pathways to services at UC Davis Health such as bone marrow and stem cell transplantation.

As part of the new agreement, CCS providers will have access to a variety of educational and training opportunities through UC Davis Health. This could include on-site shadowing of providers, reviews of cancer care standards and a nurse navigation workgroup where best practices are discussed.

"Cancer care is rapidly evolving, and relationships like this help ensure more patients can benefit from the latest advances without traveling far from home," said Andrew Bresnahan, vice president of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cell and Gene Therapy. "We look forward to working alongside CCS to expand access to specialized expertise and help improve outcomes for patients across Northern Nevada."

About Cancer Care Specialists

Founded in 2015, Cancer Care Specialists (CCS) is a leading oncology and hematology provider serving patients throughout Northern Nevada. CCS is committed to advancing community oncology through personalized, precision-based cancer care and access to innovative therapies, clinical research and comprehensive cancer services close to home.

CCS provides medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging and supportive services with a focus on delivering sophisticated cancer care in a personalized community setting.

In addition, CCS runs a management services organization, sharing infrastructure, expertise and resources it has developed in Northern Nevada to help community oncology practices nationwide deliver high-quality, patient-centered and value-focused cancer care.

For more information, visit the CCS website.

About UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

Outside of San Francisco, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center from the Bay Area north to Portland and east to Salt Lake City. It is the only designated center in the Sacramento region. Its specialists provide compassionate, comprehensive care for more than 100,000 adults and children every year and access to more than 200 active clinical trials at any given time. Its innovative research program engages more than 240 scientists at UC Davis who work collaboratively to advance discovery of new tools to diagnose and treat cancer. Patients have access to leading-edge care, including immunotherapy and other targeted treatments. Its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement addresses disparities in cancer outcomes across diverse populations, and the cancer center provides comprehensive education and workforce development programs for the next generation of clinicians and scientists. For more information, visit the cancer center website.