logo
Cherokee Nation invests $16M to improve access to cancer care

Cherokee Nation invests $16M to improve access to cancer care

Yahoo20-02-2025

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Cherokee Nation is investing $16 million in two area hospitals earmarked to provide critical cancer care closer to home for Cherokee Nation citizens and others in the region.
Cherokee Nation operates the largest tribal health care system in the country, with more than 2 million patient visits annually.
American Indian and Alaska Native populations in Oklahoma experience a 36% higher cancer incidence rate and a 73% higher cancer mortality rate compared to the general U.S. population. Limited access to diagnostic services and treatments has historically been a significant challenge for many patients. By partnering with leading healthcare institutions, the Cherokee Nation is taking meaningful steps to tackle these disparities head-on, according to Cherokee Nation data.
'Cherokee Nation Health Services diagnoses nearly 400 new cancer cases per year, and we know that having treatment facilities within 60 miles of our citizens significantly increases their chances of survival,' said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. 'This investment ensures more hope and opportunity for our tribal citizens who need cancer care.'
'These facilities represent more than health care infrastructure – they are a beacon of hope for our families and communities who have long struggled with the devastating effects of cancer,' said Cherokee Nation Health Services CEO and Executive Director Dr. R. Stephen Jones. 'We are proud to lead in advancing health care equity.'
Cherokee Nation's $8 million investment in OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center will support the development of its new facility in Tulsa. This expansion will extend the advanced, research-driven care provided at the National Cancer Institute-designated center to residents of northeastern Oklahoma, where cancer mortality rates are among the highest in the state.
Patients at the new center will have access to hundreds of clinical trials and innovative cancer treatments, which will significantly improve their outcomes.
'We are grateful for the Cherokee Nation's generosity and for their partnership as we bring the highest level of cancer care and clinical trials to the people of northeastern Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation shares our mission of ensuring that no Oklahoman has to compromise on the care they receive because of their geography. This gift represents a milestone in that effort.'
Gary Raskob, Ph.D., OU Health Sciences Senior Vice-President and Provost.
Since its opening, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center has collaborated with the Cherokee Nation on initiatives such as lung cancer screenings, which provide early detection for high-risk patients. This new partnership will expand on those existing efforts and help address cancer disparities within tribal communities.
Mercy Fort Smith Oncology facilitates more than 25,000 patient visits annually. More than 5,000 residents in the hospital's service area are newly diagnosed with cancer each year.
Mercy's expansion of cancer services in Fort Smith will provide high-quality care to thousands of Cherokee Nation citizens in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. The tribe's $8 million contribution will support Mercy's capital campaign to create expanded patient access to screenings, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The hospital will more than double the number of oncology and radiation oncology providers, add surgical oncology specialists, incorporate essential technology, and expand patient access.
'Mercy's vision is to keep patients close to home while receiving care, which aligns with the Cherokee Nation's focus and continued investment in the health and well-being of its citizens. Fort Smith and the surrounding communities will benefit for years to come from this collaboration between Mercy and the Cherokee Nation, which will help address the needs of cancer patients by expanding access and enhancing the care that's currently available. We look forward to working together on a common goal: to improve the overall health and quality of care for local residents.'
Ryan Gehrig, Mercy Arkansas Communities president
'These new facilities will be a lifeline for families who want to stay close to their communities while receiving care,' said Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief Bryan Warner.
He said more treatment options on or near our reservation would benefit Cherokee citizens and the surrounding rural communities.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NeOnc Technologies Holdings, Inc. Appoints Dr. Josh Neman as Chief Clinical Officer to Advance Clinical Strategy and Translational Oncology Programs
NeOnc Technologies Holdings, Inc. Appoints Dr. Josh Neman as Chief Clinical Officer to Advance Clinical Strategy and Translational Oncology Programs

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Yahoo

NeOnc Technologies Holdings, Inc. Appoints Dr. Josh Neman as Chief Clinical Officer to Advance Clinical Strategy and Translational Oncology Programs

USC brain tumor authority to accelerate four clinical trials including lead asset NEO100 nearing Phase 2a completion ahead of schedule Appointment bolsters FDA approval path while company explores AI and quantum computing to enhance drug delivery platform CALABASAS, Calif., June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeOnc Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTHI), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative treatments for central nervous system (CNS) cancers and disorders, today announced the appointment of Josh Neman, PhD as its new Chief Clinical Officer (CCO). Dr. Neman brings with him a distinguished career at the intersection of cancer neuroscience, translational research, and academic medicine. Dr. Neman joins NeOnc Technologies Holdings Inc. (NeOnc) from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC), where he serves as Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery and Physiology & Neuroscience, and Scientific Director of the USC Brain Tumor Center. At USC, he also leads the Cancer Biology and Genomics PhD Program and serves as Director of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center- a leading National Cancer Institute-designated cancer research hospital. A nationally recognized leader in neurooncological sciences and cancer neuroscience, Dr. Neman's research has advanced the understanding of how brain microenvironments influence the progression of brain tumors and metastases. His pioneering studies on tumor-neuron interactions, GABAergic signaling in cancer, and mechanisms of leptomeningeal dissemination have helped shape new therapeutic paradigms for both adult and pediatric brain tumors. 'I am deeply honored to join NeOnc at this exciting time,' said Dr. Neman. 'NeOnc's commitment to developing innovative therapeutics, including Blood Brain Barrier-penetrant compounds like NEO212 and NEO100, aligns perfectly with my lifelong passion to improve outcomes for patients with brain tumors. I look forward to helping lead the translation of promising discoveries from the lab into meaningful clinical impact.' In his role as Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Neman will lead NeOnc's clinical development strategy, including investigator-initiated trials and precision oncology partnerships. He will also play a key role in expanding NeOnc's research collaborations with academic institutions, regulatory agencies, and patient advocacy groups. 'Dr. Neman's appointment signals a major step forward in NeOnc's mission to transform the treatment landscape for patients with life-threatening cancers with poor outcomes,' said Amir Heshmatpour, Executive Chairman and President of NeOnc Technologies Holdings, Inc. 'His academic and clinical leadership, coupled with his deep expertise in brain tumor biology, will be instrumental in accelerating all four of our clinical trials—especially our lead asset, NEO100, which is approaching the completion of its Phase 2a trial with full enrollment achieved ahead of schedule. As we look to add AI and quantum computing into our expanding platform in drug delivery and bio-conjugation, Dr. Neman's appointment further strengthens our commitment to advancing precision therapies and driving toward FDA approval.' About NeOnc Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTHI): NeOnc Technologies is a publicly traded, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for brain and central nervous system cancers. Its lead programs—NEO100-01, NEO100-02, NEO100-03, and NEO212—utilize proprietary formulations to bypass the blood-brain barrier and target malignancies with precision. The company's IP portfolio includes 176 patents worldwide, reflecting a broad platform with strong commercialization potential. For more about NeOnc and its pioneering technology, visit Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are "forward-looking statements" (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Generally, such forward-looking statements include statements regarding expectations, possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations, including statements regarding expectations or predictions or future financial or business performance or conditions and those statements that use forward-looking words such as "projected," "expect," "possibility" and "anticipate," or similar expressions. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Actual results could differ materially from current projections or implied results. The Company cautions that statements and assumptions made in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and make no guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the time statements are made. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof. The Company and its management are under no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements following the date of this news release, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 'NEO100' is a registered trademark of NeOnc Technologies Holdings, Inc. Company Contact:23975 Sorrento Park Suite 205, Calabasas, CA, 91302info@ Investor Relations:James CarbonaraHayden IR369 Lexington AvenueSecond FloorNew York, NY 10017Office: (646)-755-7412James@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

What patients can expect from the new leader of a South Florida hospital system
What patients can expect from the new leader of a South Florida hospital system

Miami Herald

time4 days ago

  • Miami Herald

What patients can expect from the new leader of a South Florida hospital system

The University of Miami Health System has a new leader. Dr. Dipen Parekh, a surgeon who led the hospital system through the COVID-19 pandemic, will now serve as UHealth's chief executive officer and UM's executive vice president for Health Affairs. As UHealth CEO, Parekh will oversee the more than 17,500 employees who work across the hospital system at more than 100 facilities, including Bascom Palmer Institute, the nation's top hospital for opthalmology, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida. The urologic oncologist wants UM to 'push the frontiers of research.' That goal may be challenging at a time when more than 1,000 research grants in the country have been terminated by the federal government, according to a database created by two scientists documenting the terminations and as reported by STAT News. Parekh also sees more AI in the future of healthcare in South Florida. 'The demand for our services is increasing every day, and our responsibility is to meet that demand without compromising the excellence that defines UHealth,' Parekh told the Miami Herald Wednesday in an email. 'To do so, we must continue to improve how patients access our care—whether that's through new locations, more efficient systems, or advanced technologies. Artificial intelligence will play a key role in this effort. 'AI holds tremendous promise in helping us make smarter decisions, improve outcomes, and enhance the experience for both patients and providers.' UM's Board of Trustees unanimously agreed this week to promote Parekh, UHealth's chief operating officer and a longtime urology chair at UM's medical school, to CEO. The surgeon will takes over the top job from Joseph Echevarria, who since 2024 has juggled the jobs of UM and UHealth president and UHealth CEO. Echevarria will remain president. Parekh considers expansion to be one of the health system's greatest challenges — and opportunities — and has played a key role in UHealth's recent push into North Miami-Dade and Doral, one of South Florida's hottest growing medical hubs. Like other health systems, UHealth is trying to bring care closer to patients, a strategy to not only improve access to care, but to also attract and retain patients and employees. 'Dipen has played a pivotal role each step of the way as the University of Miami Health System has grown into one of the top academic medical centers in the country,' Echevarria said in a statement. 'He understands the mission —from the operating room to the classroom to the boardroom — and he embodies the excellence we strive to deliver for our patients, students, and community.' Who is UHealth's new CEO? UHealth is now the second hospital system in South Florida to be currently led by a physician. The veteran surgeon, one of UM's highest paid employees, has performed more than 6,000 robotic urologic cancer surgeries and has published more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, including a 'groundbreaking trial, published in The Lancelet in 2018, which established the efficacy of robotic-assisted surgery for bladder cancer,' according to the university. Parekh joined UM's medical school in 2012 as the chair of urology and is also the founding director of the Desai Seithi Urology Institute. He became chief clinical officer, his first system-wide administrative role, in 2017, before becoming chief operating officer in 2020, when COVID struck and hospitals became overwhelmed with sick patients. Besides being tasked with overseeing UHealth's day-to-day operations, Parekh in 2021 was also made executive dean for clinical affairs at UM's Miller School of Medicine. Becker's Hospital Review named him among the top 60 academic health system COO's to know in 2024. The private university declined to reveal is new salary. For years, UHealth has been the only academic health system in South Florida although that will change once Baptist Health South Florida finalizes the process of becoming the future teaching hospital of Florida International University. FIU has tapped Nicklaus Children's Health System to be its pediatric teaching hospital. UHealth's teaching hospital is Jackson Memorial, part of Miami-Dade's public hospital network. At UM's medical school and health system, researchers have long tackled infectious diseases, cancer treatments and therapies, Alzheimer's, dementia, genetic diseases and many other conditions. The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis is working with Elon Musk's startup company Neuralink to test whether its brain chip can give people who are paralyzed the ability to use mind to wirelessly control computers, smartphones and other electronic devices. 'Our role as an academic health system is not just to care for patients, but to lead in innovation, discovery, and training the next generation of healthcare leaders,' said Parekh, who plans to keep caring for patients while serving as CEO. 'That's what sets us apart — and that's what we'll continue to build on.'

From no hope to a potential cure for a deadly blood cancer
From no hope to a potential cure for a deadly blood cancer

Boston Globe

time6 days ago

  • Boston Globe

From no hope to a potential cure for a deadly blood cancer

A third responded so well that they got what seems to be an astonishing reprieve. The immunotherapy developed by Legend Biotech, a company founded in China, seems to have made their cancer disappear. And after five years, it still has not returned in those patients -- a result never before seen in this disease. Advertisement These results, in patients whose situation had seemed hopeless, has led some battle-worn American oncologists to dare to say the words 'potential cure.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'In my 30 years in oncology, we haven't talked about curing myeloma,' said Dr. Norman Sharpless, a former director of the National Cancer Institute who is now a professor of cancer policy and innovation at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. 'This is the first time we are really talking seriously about cure in one of the worst malignancies imaginable.' The new study, reported Tuesday at the annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology, was funded by Johnson & Johnson, which has an exclusive licensing agreement with Legend Biotech. The 36,000 Americans who develop multiple myeloma each year face an illness that eats away at bones, so it looks as if holes have been punched out in them, said Dr. Carl June, of the University of Pennsylvania. Bones collapse. June has seen patients who lost 6 inches in height. Advertisement 'It's a horrible, horrible death,' June said. 'Right now advanced myeloma is a death sentence.' (June has immunotherapy patents that are owned by his university.) There have been treatment advances that increased median survival from two years to 10 over the past two decades. But no cures. Dr. Peter Voorhees of the Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute in North Carolina and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who is lead researcher for the newly published study, said patients usually go through treatment after treatment until, ultimately, the cancer prevails, developing resistance to every class of drug. They end up with nothing left to try. The Legend immunotherapy is a type known as CAR-T. It is delivered as an infusion of the patient's own white blood cells that have been removed and engineered to attack the cancer. The treatment has revolutionized prospects for patients with other types of blood cancer, like leukemia. Making CAR-T cells, though, is an art, with so many possible variables that it can be hard to hit on one that works. And it can have severe side effects including a high fever, trouble breathing and infections. Patients can be hospitalized for weeks after receiving it. But Legend managed to develop one that works in multiple myeloma, defying skeptics. The Chinese company gained attention for its CAR-T eight years ago when it made extravagant claims, which were met by snickers from American researchers. Advertisement Johnson & Johnson, though, was looking for a CAR-T to call its own. So, said Mark Wildgust, an executive in the oncology section of the American drug giant, the company sent scientists and physicians to China to see if the claims were true. 'We went site by site to look at the results,' he said. The company was convinced. It initiated a collaboration with Legend and began testing the treatment in patients whose myeloma had overcome at least one standard treatment. Compared with patients who had standard treatment, those who had the immunotherapy lived longer without their disease progressing. The immunotherapy received regulatory approval in that limited setting and is sold under the brand name Carvykti. The study did not determine whether this difficult treatment saved lives. The new study took on a different challenge -- helping patients at the end of the line after years of treatments. Their immune systems were worn down. They were, as oncologists said, 'heavily pretreated.' So even though CAR-T is designed to spur their immune systems to fight their cancer, it was not clear their immune systems were up to it. Oncologists say that even though most patients did not clear their cancer, having a third who did was remarkable. To see what the expected life span would be for these patients without the immunotherapy, Johnson & Johnson looked at data from patients in a registry who were like the ones in its study -- they had failed every treatment. They lived about a year. For Anne Stovell of New York, one of the study patients whose cancer disappeared, the result is almost too good to be true. She says she went through nine drugs to control her cancer after it was diagnosed in 2010, some of which had horrendous side effects. Each eventually failed. Advertisement Taking the Legend CAR-T was difficult -- she said she had spent nearly three weeks in the hospital. But since that treatment six years ago, she has no sign of cancer. She said it was still difficult for her to believe her myeloma is gone. A new ache -- or an old one -- can bring on the fear. 'There's that little seed of doubt,' she said. But in test after test, the cancer has not reappeared. 'It's a relief for me every year to get a bone marrow biopsy,' she said. Myeloma experts applauded the results. Like treatments for many other cancers, treatments for multiple myeloma come with a high price. The drugs are 'hideously expensive,' June said, costing more than $100,000 a year. The total cost over the years can be millions of dollars, June said, usually paid by insurers, 'and it doesn't even cure you.' CAR-T is expensive too. Carvykti's list price is $555,310. But it is a one-time treatment. And, more important, the hope is that perhaps by giving it earlier in the course of the disease, it could cure patients early on. Johnson & Johnson is now testing that idea. Dr. Kenneth Anderson, a myeloma expert at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute who was not involved with the study, said that if the treatment is used as a first-line treatment, 'cure is now our realistic expectation.' That, at least, is the hope, Sharpless said. And for those like the patients in the new study who are living at least five years -- so far -- without disease, the outcome 'really is eye-popping,' Sharpless said. Advertisement 'That's getting to a point where you wonder if it will ever come back,' he added. This article originally appeared in

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store