OhioHealth Offers Advanced Cancer Care Close to Home, With Support in Every Step

We recently sat down with George Simon, MD, Vice President of OhioHealth Cancer Care, to discuss the state of the OhioHealth Cancer Care program and plans for the future.  In addition to growth through new buildings and programs, we talked about patient needs the system is trying to address, clinical trial opportunities and more.  The Q&A below is a summary of that conversation with Dr. Simon.

Q: What are the most significant advancements in cancer care our system is prioritizing over the next 1–3 years?

Dr. Simon: It’s an exciting time for the OhioHealth Cancer Care program as we have several initiatives that are currently underway.  This includes:

*The Supportive and Palliative Care Clinic will enable us to provide better palliative care and improved quality of life for our patients across the system.  This outpatient program will be coordinated centrally and offered virtually to patients in the region, making care as convenient as possible for patients and their families.

*Through the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic, we will accelerate the cancer diagnostic and staging process, getting patients to their cancer related treatments sooner. This can reduce the anxiety felt by patients who are waiting for diagnosis and definitive answers, as well as lead to better patient satisfaction and potentially better outcomes since patients are starting their treatments as soon as possible.

*We are also looking to expand our non‑invasive treatment options like histotripsy, where patients can be treated by techniques which do not require surgery.  In some of these cases previously, surgery or radiation would have been required, leading to longer recovery times or more side effects.  Where possible, we’re looking for opportunities to treat patients as conveniently as possible, without compromising on effectiveness, to get patients back to their lives so they can keep making plans.

*Advanced treatments are available to all patients, if needed, through our highly specialized centers located in Columbus.  This includes CAR‑T therapies (coming later this summer), targeted immune therapies, antibody‑based treatments, radioactive medicines, and tumor‑treating fields. In addition, we are offering highly specialized robotic surgeries for most cancers, while still preserving our ability to do surgeries using traditional techniques if the specific clinical situation requires it.

*AI‑based analytic tools are also being explored to not only make daily clinical operations smoother, but also to enhance clinical decision-making.

*Cancer is a rapidly evolving field, and OhioHealth is well positioned to adapt and evolve as new innovations emerge. To facilitate this progress, we are expanding several of our cancer centers, including a brand new cancer center opening in late 2028, which will have all the latest tools and specialists available to deliver advanced cancer care in a competent and compassionate manner.

Q: How do these advancements differentiate us from other cancer programs in our region?

Dr. Simon: OhioHealth has a large footprint with cancer care centers in central Ohio and throughout the state. While most of the care will be kept local to where the patient lives, patients will be able to access highly specialized care from our central hubs.  All of this can be coordinated virtually, allowing for seamless coordination of care among multiple sites. 

Q: Are we expanding access to clinical trials or research partnerships?

Dr. Simon: Yes. OhioHealth is also making the latest in cancer therapeutics available to patients through clinical trials and Phase I trials. We are currently working to expand our Phase I program to make the latest therapeutics available well before FDA approval of these agents.

Q: How are we making advanced care more accessible locally vs. needing to travel?

Dr. Simon: We know that there is a lot on the mind of patients while dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Traveling out of town frequently for care shouldn’t be something patients have to worry about. While some of the more highly specialized care is based in Columbus, most patient care can be delivered locally where patients live and work. Through centralized coordination, virtual care, and a single medical record number, patients can access sub‑specialized expertise without unnecessary travel, helping to minimize disruption to their lives while maintaining access to the most advanced of therapies.

Q: What should our communities understand about how cancer care here is evolving?

Dr. Simon: As a whole, cancer is a rapidly changing field with new treatments and technology being discovered and approved almost on a weekly basis. OhioHealth remains well positioned to adapt and evolve as new innovations emerge. As mentioned earlier, our investments in advanced therapeutics, non‑invasive treatments, coordinated virtual care, expanded clinical trials, AI‑based tools, and new facilities (including a state‑of‑the‑art cancer center opening in 2028), patients in the communities we serve should know that cancer care here at OhioHealth is  advanced, coordinated, and most importantly patient‑centered.  We are with our patients every step of the way.

To learn more about OhioHealth Cancer Care, click here.