AC Health announced that oncology specialists at City of Hope can now provide leading-edge clinical guidance to patients living in Southeast Asia through a second opinion collaboration agreement with the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH).

City of Hope is one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States while HCCH is the first comprehensive cancer hospital in the Philippines. 

This strategic integration of services will enhance Southeast Asia’s access to world-class cancer care by leveraging the strengths of both institutions.

“With advances in precision medicine, we have learned that cancer is not one disease but hundreds, with unique variants that can be targeted for treatment,” said Harlan Levine, M.D., president of health innovation and policy at City of Hope. 

He added that, “The pace of innovation in oncology heightens the need for patients to have access to the appropriate subspecialists who can support making the most accurate diagnosis and developing a targeted treatment program specific to the cancer type. 

“Through this collaboration, we’re combining the expertise of both institutions, providing enhanced access to specialized cancer care and helping make hope a reality for all touched by cancer.”

As one of the United States’ top five hospitals for cancer care, City of Hope National Medical Center is expanding its ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients, families and communities globally. 

City of Hope has the world’s leading experts across a range of complex cancers. With more than 550 physicians and 1,000 researchers and scientists working together, City of Hope is able to make new research breakthroughs and lifesaving treatments accessible to everyone touched by cancer regardless of if they live near a City of Hope location. 

Second opinions from City of Hope subspecialists will be delivered through real-time physician-to-physician consultations and reports that provide expert cancer care treatment approaches in a convenient, written format. 

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to provide comprehensive, high-quality cancer care.

The agreement is with the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital located within the ARCA South development in Taguig City. This is a 100-bed facility dedicated to providing accessible and quality cancer services to Filipinos. 

As part of AC Health, a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital benefits from the extensive experience and resources of the Philippines' oldest and largest conglomerate. 

This affiliation with Ayala Corporation enhances its ability to provide high-quality care and access to advanced medical technologies.

“I am delighted to witness this collaboration between the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital and City of Hope. City of Hope is known to be one of the leading research and cancer treatment providers in the U.S.,” said AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo.

He noted that, “Beyond this, their view on personalized and collaborative cancer care aligns strongly with our vision, and we are excited to have them work with us in extending that approach with our own medical team, ultimately benefiting our patients in the Philippines.”

This agreement is the beginning of what both institutions anticipate will be a long and fruitful collaboration.

Both organizations are exploring plans for further joint initiatives to improve cancer patient outcomes and create opportunities for training and academic collaborations.