Fort Myers, Fla., Feb. 18, 2021 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is pleased to announce the opening of Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona in March 2021. The physicians, serving the Greater Phoenix Area for 40-years collectively, joined AON effective Feb. 15, 2021. AON is an alliance of physicians and veteran healthcare leaders uniting to ensure the long-term success of community oncology.

Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona (CBSA) will be providing care at its three locations at 2925 W. Rose Garden Ln., Suite 110 and 11209 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite B200 in Phoenix, and at 1501 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 200 in Gilbert.

The CBSA team includes Medical Oncologists Tania Cortas, MD, CPE and Mazen Khattab, MD, CPE, and Gynecologic Oncologists Snehal Bhoola, MD and Shana N. Wingo, MD. The team provides a comprehensive range of treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. Through its partnership with AON, the CBSA physician-led teams will enhance the services offered to patients, with advanced diagnostic technologies, an expanded oral oncolytic outpatient pharmacy providing home delivery of medications, pathology and central laboratory services, and care management support.

AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA stated, “Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona is a highly respected practice recognized for delivering exemplary, patient-centric care in the community. With a strong emphasis on treating every patient individually, the CBSA physicians and staff support their patients throughout their cancer journey. We are delighted to welcome the entire CBSA family to AON.”

AON President & COO Todd Schonherz added, “The CBSA physicians are dedicated to providing the residents of Greater Phoenix with convenient access to innovative cancer care. Their approach to care is to provide compassionate care while incorporating the most effective treatments for their patients.”

“Working with AON, we look forward to continuing to build upon our 40-year collective history of providing the highest quality cancer care that is based on research and delivered with compassion and kindness in consideration of each patient as a unique individual,” said CBSA Gynecologic Oncologist Shana N. Wingo, MD.

CBSA Medical Oncologist & Hematologist Mazen Khattab, MD, CPE said, “This partnership enables us to gain access to vital support for activities that are critical to delivering true value-based care. In turn, my colleagues and I can continue to make the best decisions for our patients and staff.”

With a mission to ensure that everyone has access to exceptional cancer care, AON was founded by well-respected leaders in the oncology community with decades of experience helping oncology practices to thrive by providing proven solutions.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 90 physicians and 61 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

About Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona: (CancerBloodSpecialistsAZ.com)
Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona is a community-based Medical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology and Hematology practice providing treatment for patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. We are experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and clinical support staff providing compassionate, patient-centered care in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding areas. Our physicians have deep roots in the Greater Phoenix Area and are proud of our 40-year collective history of delivering the highest quality cancer treatment that is based on cutting-edge research.

Proudly serving patients at:
2925 W. Rose Garden Ln., Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 265-7215
11209 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite B200, Phoenix, AZ 85028 (480) 530-4200
1501 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 200, Gilbert, AZ 85234 (480) 530-4220

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Director of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(941) 224.8736

Fort Myers, Fla., Jan. 14, 2021 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth oncology provider partners with the Community Oncology Alliance Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) helping fight for patients healthcare rights by deploying advocates not just locally but taking the issues directly to Capitol Hill.

CPAN is a national advocacy organization committed to raising awareness of independent, community cancer care and the issues that affect it. CPAN plays a vital role in advocating for patients making sure cancer care is affordable and accessible in the communities where they live.

Genesis Cancer Center in Hot Springs, Ark. and Vista Oncology in Olympia, Wash. are AON practices with local chapters raising awareness about patient rights to advanced treatments, clinical trials and affordable high-quality care without having to travel long distances.

“I am happy and honored to be a part of our newly created local chapter to help fight for patients and their healthcare rights and to make sure their voices are heard,” said Genesis Cancer Center Medical Oncologist Dr. Stephen “Fred” Divers. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) dedicated to advocating for community oncology practices and the patients they serve and is Chairman of the AON Advisory Board.

“AON’s visionary drivers are founded on helping community oncology practices thrive ensuring patients have access to exceptional cancer care close to home,” said AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA. “With two AON practices actively working with CPAN, we are ensuring legislative policies affecting cancer patients like less personalized medicine, increased cancer care costs and rising medication prices are being pushed to the forefront—making their voices heard.”

From an operations standpoint, community oncology practices face many challenges including economic and administrative burdens, payer complexities and high procurement costs. In fact, data from the 2020 Community Oncology Alliance Practice Impact Report shows that since 2008, 1,748 community oncology clinics/practices have closed, merged or been acquired by a hospital, or are struggling financially.

There are currently 27 active CPAN chapters across the U.S. advocating in Washington, D.C. influencing policy and expressing the importance of community oncology. CPAN advocates at local chapters include patients, survivors, caregivers, family members, physicians, staff and community members.

Rose Gerber, Director of Patient Advocacy and Education for CPAN said, “We support the cure but we advocate for the care.” Gerber continued, “Local chapters are important to our cause of educating, engaging and activating cancer care advocates across the nation, helping to ensure patients benefit from quality, affordable and accessible cancer care.”

AON practices, Genesis Cancer Center and Vista Oncology, are working together with CPAN to mobilize community oncology advocates to become politically active and raise awareness of the healthcare issues affecting cancer patients.

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About Community Oncology Alliance Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN): (COAadvocacy.org)
CPAN is a national advocacy organization committed to raising awareness of independent, community cancer care and the issues that affect it. CPAN advocates include patients, survivors, caregivers, nurses, pharmacists, oncologists and more. CPAN chapters are based within local cancer centers where they educate, engage and activate advocates around key national cancer care issues.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 88 physicians and 61 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 15 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Director of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(941) 224.8736

This time of year is a time of thanks and gratitude, at Messino Cancer Centers the focus is on supporting their patients and community

Asheville, N.C., Dec. 16, 2020, Messino Cancer Centers (MCC), an American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) partner, is pleased to announce that Medical Oncologist Christopher Chay, MD is a recipient of the 2020 Excellence in Medicine Pride in the Profession Award. This award is one of the highest honors given by the American Medical Association (AMA) and recognizes physicians who aid underserved populations in the U.S.  Dr. Chay has been honored for his efforts in championing an Oncology Medical Home model of delivering quality and value in cancer care to rural areas.  The national award ceremony will be in 2021 but it is unclear at this point if it will be in person or virtual due to COVID-19.

Through his initiatives, Dr. Chay recruited leading medical oncology experts, developed a clinical trials program and successfully launched a triage/urgent care for cancer patients in the most rural parts of Western North Carolina. His actions resulted in some of the lowest rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for this areas oncology patients. 

“I am so honored yet humbled to receive this award by the American Medical Association,” said Dr. Chay. “I am passionate about helping my patients during their cancer journey, but I also care deeply about giving back to the community where my patients live, making sure they have access to quality care and positive outcomes.”

With this award, Dr. Chay receives a $2,500 grant which he is donating to LoveLights.  This charitable foundation serves patients who have a cancer diagnosis and need assistance during treatment.  The charity provides support for food, utilities and transportation for those in need.

Founder of Messino Cancer Centers Medical Oncologist Michael Messino, MD was also awarded earlier this year for his service to the community.  Dr. Messino was the recipient of North Carolina’s highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor.

“From the start our philosophy has been to provide cutting-edge, evidence-based medicine with personalized care without worrying about the patients’ socioeconomic background or location,” said Dr. Messino.

This recognition for Dr. Chay is a great acknowledgement for him and the MCC team.  Messino Cancer Centers was built on over 30 years of family caring for family by providing genuine kindness and compassion for their patients and their community.  The team of 14 medical oncologists and 18 physician assistants and nurse practitioners and 120 staff members demonstrate their commitment to their community holding fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for various charitable organizations including LoveLights and Toys for Tots.  Staff wishing to participate donate $5 to “dress down” on Fridays.  Additionally, every month members of the MCC team cook and serve meals to the residents at Steadfast House. 

“We admire the Messino physicians for their merited awards for giving back to their communities,” said AON CEO, Brad Prechtl, MBA.  “As an AON partner practice, Messino Cancer Centers embodies AON’s mission of providing the highest quality, cost effective—yet compassionate cancer care close to where patients live.”

About Messino Cancer Centers: (MessinoCancerCenters.com)

Messino Cancer Centers (MCC) provides treatment for adult patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders.  We are experienced physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and clinical support staff dedicated to providing the most advanced and innovative treatments of the highest quality. We work together as a team and recognize that each patient is not just a person with cancer, but a unique individual. Care is provided with the utmost concern and consideration of what is best for the whole person throughout their cancer journey.

MCC physicians provide state-of-the-art evidence-based medicine for patients, incorporating personalized medicine, standard and nationally accepted guidelines, and clinical trials. Through care management and dedicated oncology certified staff, we provide support for patients through all phases of their diagnosis and treatment. The physicians of MCC are grounded in the region of Western North Carolina and devoted to providing care to patients in their communities.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)

American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly growing AON network represents 88 physicians and 57 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 15 states. The executive management team of AON brings more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

LoveLights:

LoveLights was established in 1998 to assist patients receiving cancer treatment.  The LoveLights program provides aid by paying electric bills, buying heating oil, providing local transportation to appointments for cancer care, and supplying gift cards for groceries and incidentals. 

Steadfast House:

Monthly members of the Messino Cancer Centers team cook and serve a meal to the residents at Steadfast House.  Steadfast House is transitional housing that gives hope, healing, health, and home to single women, mothers with children, and female veterans in need. 

Toys for Tots:

Western North Carolina Toys for Tots is a locally operated campaign of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. Messino Cancer Centers supports Toys for Tots during the iHeart Radio Toy Campaign in November and Jackson County Toy Run in collaboration with a local motorcycle club, Hell on Wheels.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Director of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
239.789.2341

Fort Myers, Fla. & Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 9, 2020 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) and Sarah Cannon Research Institute announced today the addition of AON partner practice Messino Cancer Centers (MCC), as a second strategic research site. Hematology/Oncology Clinic (HOC) in Baton Rouge, La., also a partner practice of AON, was the first strategic research site under this partnership.

Clinical trials will now be offered as a part of MCC’s oncology services at its Asheville, N.C. location. For over 30 years, the MCC physicians have been providing a full range of exceptional cancer care in the Western North Carolina region. MCC medical oncologists serving patients in Asheville are Dr. Michael Messino, Dr. Charles Bryan, Dr. Shantae Lucas, Dr. Christopher Chay, Dr. Wieslawa Pekal, Dr. Mridu Chand, Dr. Mohan Thakuri, Dr. Martin Palmeri, Dr. Trevor Austin, Dr. Rachel Raab, Dr. Sean Warsch, Dr. Hiromi Terawaki, Dr. Andrew Beardsley and Dr. Brent Skiver.

“Messino Cancer Centers partnership with Sarah Cannon Research Institute is truly a value add for cancer patients in Asheville and the surrounding communities, most of whom live in rural areas,” said AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA. “Having access to community-based clinical trials enables patients to be matched with potentially life-saving research, while staying within the comfort and familiarity of their local oncologist’s office.”

AON is currently comprised of an expanding network of partner practices across 15 states. AON practices offer in-house laboratory, pathology and oral pharmacy services all under one roof so that patients can receive the care they need in one location. Research has shown that having easy and convenient access to expert physician care and a comprehensive range of treatments and support services close to home is vital to a patient’s well-being. By collaborating with Sarah Cannon Research Institute, which is a global leader in offering community-based clinical trials, AON is expanding opportunities for patients to participate in cutting-edge cancer research, while reducing the need to drive long distances or travel out of state for care.

Sarah Cannon Research Institute pioneered the first community-based oncology drug development program in the United States and has grown to become a global leader in early phase research, conducting more than 450 first-in-human studies to date.  Through its efforts to advance therapies for patients, Sarah Cannon Research Institute has been a clinical trial leader in the majority of approved cancer therapies over the last decade and enrolls thousands of patients on clinical trials annually throughout its network of strategic research sites.  

“By expanding our collaboration with AON, we will further advance our mission to bring the latest therapies through clinical trials into the western North Carolina community,” said Howard A. “Skip” Burris, III, MD, President of Clinical Operations and Chief Medical Officer at Sarah Cannon. “We look forward to working together with the experts at Messino Cancer Centers to provide even greater access to cutting-edge therapies that patients vitally need, close to home.”

About American Oncology Network, LLC: 
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network currently represents 88 physicians and 57 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 15 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

About Sarah Cannon Research Institute
Sarah Cannon Research Institute is the research arm of HCA Healthcare’s global cancer institute, Sarah Cannon. Focused on advancing therapies for patients, it is one of the world’s leading clinical research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials throughout the United States and United Kingdom. Sarah Cannon’s network of strategic sites includes hundreds of physicians who engage in research. The organization has led more than 450 first-in-man clinical trials since its inception in 1993, and has been a clinical trial leader in the majority of approved cancer therapies over the last 10 years. Additionally, Sarah Cannon offers management, regulatory, and other research support services for drug development and industry sponsors as well as strategic investigator sites through its contract research organization (CRO), Sarah Cannon Development Innovations. For more information about Sarah Cannon and the latest news from across the network, visit https://sarahcannon.com/about/newsroom/.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt
Director of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
239.789.2341

Sarah Cannon Research Institute
Samantha Maxwell
Samantha.maxwell@sarahcannon.com

Fort Myers, Fla. and Cary, N.C., Nov. 3, 2020 – Waverly Oncology Hematology (Waverly), an American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) partner, recently announced that the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) has published the full results of the landmark MonarchE trial of abemaciclib (Verzenio®) combined with endocrine therapy for the adjuvant treatment of HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high risk, early breast cancer. Waverly was the only site within the Research Triangle to participate in the worldwide trial. The MonarchE trial is the first significant improvement in outcome for these patients in 20 years. Trial results were presented at the Presidential Symposium at the ESMO Virtual Congress 2020, Europe’s most prestigious platform for oncology stakeholders.

Many patients with HR+, HER2− early breast cancer (EBC) will not experience recurrence or have distant recurrence with currently available standard therapies. However, up to 30% of patients with high-risk clinical and/or pathologic features may experience distant recurrence, many in the first few years. The trial sought to identify treatment options to prevent early recurrence and development of metastases for this group of patients.

The phase III clinical study included patients with HR+, HER2−, high-risk EBC, who had surgery and, as indicated, radiotherapy and/or adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with four or more positive nodes, or one to three nodes and either tumor size ≥ 5 cm, histologic grade 3, or central Ki-67 ≥ 20%, were eligible and randomly assigned (1:1) to standard-of-care adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) with or without abemaciclib (150 mg twice daily for 2 years).

The trial found abemaciclib when combined with ET to be the first CDK4/6 inhibitor to demonstrate a significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival in patients with HR+, HER2− node-positive EBC at high risk of early recurrence.

“The tremendous advancements made in cancer treatment in recent years have been achieved through clinical trials,” said Dr. Mark Graham of Waverly Hematology Oncology. “We are extremely proud to have participated in this research contributing significantly to these advances.”

For over 30 years Dr. Graham has been an active clinical investigator through the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a cancer clinical trials network in the U.S., leading in patient accrual and data. Waverly is also the only Research Triangle site of the Southeast Clinical Oncology Research (SCOR), representing over 20 communities in six states.

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About Waverly Hematology Oncology: (WaverlyHematologyOncology.com)
Waverly Hematology Oncology (Waverly) offers centralized easy access cancer care for Cary, North Carolina patients and is conveniently located at the intersection of two major highways, Route 1 and Highway 64 (Tryon Road). In private practice since 2004, Waverly represents two medical oncologists, three physician assistants and a team of over 40 employees, 17 of which have over 10 years of employment. A community-based practice, Waverly offers medical oncology, chemotherapy, infusion therapy, laboratory services, an on-site pharmacy and has the oldest cancer genetics clinic in Wake County. At its site at 300 Ashville Avenue, services such as diagnostic radiology, breast imaging, radiation oncology and surgery, are also offered by other practices located within the same building.

For over 30 years Dr. Graham has been an active clinical investigator through the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a cancer clinical trials network in the U.S., leading in patient accrual and data. Waverly is also the only Triangle site of the Southeast Clinical Oncology Research (SCOR), representing over 20 communities in six states.

Waverly expanded the practice in 2015 and opened the first formal Cancer Survivorship Clinic in the county that now includes over 2,000 breast cancer survivors and those at high risk for breast cancer.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly growing AON network represents 88 physicians and 57 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 15 states. The executive management team of AON brings more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Director of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(239) 789.2341