Markey Cancer Center Enters Formal Partnership with Kyiv Regional Oncology Dispensary

Photograph provided by KROD.

Lexington, Ky. — in a significant step towards combating cancer on a global scale, the Markey Cancer Center affiliated with the University of Kentucky has unveiled a formal partnership with the Kyiv Regional Oncology Dispensary (KROD) based in Kyiv, Ukraine. This partnership will usher in a new era of collaboration with a mutual focus on cancer prevention, breakthrough research and cross-training on cutting-edge medical procedures.

Making the Partnership Official

The partnership was officially clinched in April with Director B. Mark Evers, M.D., of the Markey Cancer Center and KROD General Director Alla Areshkovych, Ph.D, signing a memorandum outlining the extent of their collaboration. Evers stated he was thrilled to have KROD as the newest international partner and stressed that this combination of resources will enhance cancer care, research and education for beneficiaries in Kentucky, Ukraine and the world at large. Meanwhile, Areshkovych expressed her enthusiasm for the beneficial impact this partnership would have on the continual education and research in translational and clinical oncology for physicians and scientists in Ukraine.

A Historic Cancer Center in Kyiv

The Kyiv City Oncology Center (KCOC) was founded in 1947 to offer the residents of Kyiv exceptional cancer care. The center features a 400-bed hospital and treats approximately 30,000 patients annually.

Shared Research, Education and Treatments

One of the leading researchers from Markey, Vivek M. Rangnekar, Ph.D., played a pivotal role in uniting the two Centers. He regards this collaboration as a milestone in allowing productive educational, scientific and clinical exchanges in oncology, which will in time lead to new breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

The Third International Sister Center

KROD is now the third international sister center that Markey collaborates with. Earlier, partnerships were established with Shanghai First People’s Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center in China and the Kailash Cancer Hospital in Waghodia, Baroda, India – both brokered with the assistance of Rangnekar. This symbolizes Markey’s consistent commitment in broadening its global reach for cancer care and research.

The Markey Cancer Center Global Cancer Consortium

Inclusivity and collaboration are not new to Markey, as the Markey Cancer Center Global Cancer Consortium was launched in 2020, including eight member institutions. The consortium is a powerful hub for global research and education initiatives that has Chapters in North America, South Asia, East Asia, Europe, and partner institutions in Brazil.

The partnership with KROD is fully endorsed by the UK Office of Global Health Initiatives and the UK International Center, which are constantly working towards expanding research, education, and service learning opportunities for students and faculty, thereby promoting worldwide health equity.

Final Note

This new partnership between these cancer centers aims to maximize research outcomes, boost clinical care, and provide enhanced learning opportunities for the medical world. With more than 10,000 health care professionals committed to providing subspecialty care, UK HealthCare has the resources and the will to combine efforts with international partners, fostering a healthier Kentucky and a healthier world.