THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Physicians in The US Oncology Network, supported by McKesson Specialty Health, announced today the selection of med fusion and Foundation Medicine as their preferred diagnostic labs. This new relationship is expected to advance the delivery of high-quality, precision medicine and the appropriate use of molecular diagnostics, supporting The US Oncology Network in continuing to deliver high-quality, cost-effective cancer care.

Were very excited about the selection of med fusion and Foundation Medicine to help us with our precision medicine initiative. They are both leaders in molecular testing and will offer physicians in The US Oncology Network a broad array of testing services, says Marcus Neubauer, MD, medical director of Oncology Services for McKesson Specialty Health and The US Oncology Network.

The US Oncology Network is one of the nations largest networks of community based oncology physicians and integrated cancer care practices. Through a physician-led request for proposal (RFP) process, The Network selected med fusion and Foundation Medicine from a broad field of candidates.

Located in Lewisville, Texas, med fusion was selected for its logistical capabilities and broad clinical testing menu and will serve as the diagnostic gateway for The US Oncology Network.

Foundation Medicine, a molecular information company, was selected for its FoundationOne test, which offers a fully informative genomic profile useful in many cancer types and clinical scenarios. Med fusion and Foundation Medicine will also contribute guidance and educational support around genomics-based oncology. Working with both companies allows physicians in The US Oncology Network to meet the needs of patients with a variety of types and stages of cancer.

Molecular diagnostics are becoming increasingly important in oncology care and its imperative for physicians to have the support they need to order the right test at the right time, says Dr. Neubauer. The US Oncology Network empowers its affiliated physicians to collaborate on important topics like precision medicine, molecular diagnostics and evidence-based treatments so that all physicians in The Network have easy access to the tools, resources and support necessary to provide patients with high-quality cancer care.

By working with med fusion and Foundation Medicine, physicians in The US Oncology Network will have a simplified technology solution that will streamline ordering and data collection, provide access to and guidance about use of the most advanced cancer testing, and support US Oncology Research clinical trials.

There is an onslaught of new tumor profile tests from clinical labs. We would like to give physicians in The Network guidance on which tests to order for which patients and help payers understand how these tests will improve patient care and potentially reduce overall cost of care, says Neubauer.

Clinical trials are a critical part of patient care, and molecular data is now often required to enroll patients in trials, says Steve Jones, MD, medical director for US Oncology Research, a nationwide network of physician investigators supported by McKesson Specialty Health. This initiative will improve our ability to identify and enroll patients in these targeted trials.

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The US Oncology Network Selects med fusion and Foundation Medicine to Optimize Molecular Diagnostic Testing and ...