United in patient-focused cancer care
Officially launched in October 2008, the UC Davis Cancer Care Network is a collaboration of hospital-based cancer centers in Northern and Central California dedicated to providing first-rate care to patients close to home. Through the network, the expertise of a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center is linked with the unique insights of hospital-based community cancer centers. Oncology teams at participating sites are committed to working together to provide the latest diagnostic techniques and treatment approaches to their patients.

Current network members
In addition to UC Davis Cancer Center, www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/cancer, current network members are:

Fremont-Rideout Cancer Center: www.frhg.org
Marysville

Mercy Cancer Center: www.mercymercedcares.org
Merced

Regional Cancer Center at ValleyCare: www.valleycare.com
Pleasanton

Tahoe Forest Cancer Center: www.tahoecancercenter.com
Truckee

Using technology as a foundation
Interaction across network sites is facilitated through “virtual tumor boards.” Using state-of-the-art telemedicine technology, multidisciplinary teams of specialists meet via real-time videoconferencing, share medical information and agree on treatment plans. Patients then receive care in their own communities and from their own physicians. Virtual tumor boards also provide opportunities to assess patients’ needs for novel treatments available through clinical trials and for referrals to UC Davis for specialty care.

For more information on virtual tumor boards, click here.

How it works
Hospital-based cancer care providers become members of the network through an evaluation process led by a UC Davis management team. The agreements are flexible and based on member needs. Network physicians at member sites have associate physician diplomat or volunteer clinical faculty appointments with UC Davis.

Directed by a leader in patient care
Scott Christensen, a UC Davis associate professor of hematology and oncology, serves as medical director of the network. He is responsible for overseeing clinical quality, strategic planning, fiscal direction and clinical trials participation for network members. He is a physician noted for his dedication to patient quality-of-life and expertise in breast cancer, sarcomas, melanoma, pain management, hospice care and improving access to innovative treatments.

Find out more
For more information about the UC Davis Cancer Care Network, contact Patricia Keast, UC Davis Health System regional affiliations officer, at (916) 734-0754 or patricia.keast@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.