Fox Chase Cancer Center will merge resources with Temple University Health System

Temple University Health Systems and Fox Chase Cancer Center are joining forces. The two institutions will merge resources, research and aspects of patient care.

Dr. Larry Kaiser, CEO of Temple University Health System, spelled out the details of the deal in a news conference Thursday: “As part of the terms of this agreement, Temple will invest in cancer research at Fox Chase, providing new resources to recruit additional physician scientists.”

Temple will initially invest $10 million dollars, Kaiser said. In addition to signing on new scientists, Fox Chase will be able to use sections of nearby Jeanes Hospital, which is part of Temple Health system.

That, explained Fox Chase CEO Dr. Michael Seiden, puts a permanent end to the long-standing controversy over a proposed Fox Chase expansion into a section of Fairmount Park.   The center announced earlier this year that it was shelving those plans.

Read the rest of this story on NewsWorks, a NEast Philly partner.

State Reps. Brendan and Kevin Boyle both issued statements about the merger.

“I hope that this affiliation marks a new and innovative direction in cancer research and treatment in Philadelphia,” said Brendan Boyle, whose 170th District includes parts of the Northeast and Montgomery County.

“Its existence not only helps fight cancer but serves as an engine of economic growth and jobs in the Fox Chase/Rockledge area,” Kevin Boyle of the 172nd District said. “I pledged to do all I can to keep this facility operating in our community. This announcement demonstrates Fox Chase Cancer Center is here to stay.”