GE, UPMC to develop international cancer centers

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is collaborating with GE Healthcare to develop cancer centers internationally.

GE said it will provide and service all the medical equipment that it is supplying to these facilities. UPMC already operates a cancer program in the U.S., which serves 30,000 newly diagnosed patients annually through more than 40 centers in western Pennsylvania. UPMC also manages two cancer centers in Ireland.

As part of the collaboration, GE said it will conduct assessments to determine which markets are most appropriate for cancer centers, and will include the availability of a suitable local partner, regulatory requirements and patient volumes. Once a market is selected, UPMC will negotiate definitive agreements and take responsibility with local partners for the construction, ownership and operation of the centers.

The new facilities are expected to be cancer centers that include medical and surgical oncology, radiation, and ancillary radiology and laboratory services, according to GE.

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