Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and King Hussein Cancer Center sign a Memorandum of Understanding

TORONTO, June 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the University Health Network's (UHN) Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) and the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will begin discussions about an international partnership and shared vision of delivering advanced, world-class cancer care.

"This is an opportunity to share expertise in clinical research, support innovation in cancer education programs and collaborate on future research projects that will benefit cancer patients on a global scale," said Dr. Mary Gospodarowicz, Medical Director, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network.

At a public ceremony hosted at The Princess Margaret, the two internationally acclaimed cancer centres signed the MOU, establishing the principal areas of focus for the partnership, including: working together to enhance academic and research opportunities at both organizations, sharing best practices in cancer care diagnostics and therapeutics, exploring joint ventures in clinical practice, and promoting e-health and new distance education initiatives.

Signing the MOU on behalf of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, UHN, was Dr. Robert Bell, President and CEO of UHN and Dr. Mary Gospodarowicz, Medical Director of the cancer program.  Signing on behalf of the King Hussein Cancer Center and Foundation was Her Royal Highness, Princess Dina Mired.

"Our organizations have a common purpose and vision," said Dr. Bell. "That is to share best practices in all aspects of cancer care and research which inform tomorrow's clinical practice. This MOU says that we will support each other's efforts in achieving global impact and delivering the best care possible to our patients."

About the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and its research arm, Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, have achieved an international reputation as global leaders in the fight against cancer and delivering personalized cancer medicine. The Princess Margaret, one of the top five international cancer research centres, is a member of the University Health Network, which also includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. All are research hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto. For more information, visit: www.theprincessmargaret.ca or www.uhn.ca.

About the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC)

The King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) is the only specialized cancer center in the Middle East treating both adult and pediatric patients. Founded in 1997, KHCC is a non-governmental, not-for-profit comprehensive center dedicated entirely to cancer care. It has a capacity of 148 beds and currently treats more than 2,300 new patients per year. www.khcc.jo/

Image with caption: "Signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN) and the King Hussein Cancer Center are (l to r) Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired, Dr. Robert Bell, President and CEO of UHN and Dr. Mary Gospodarowicz, Medical Director of the cancer program. (CNW Group/Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130613_C7711_PHOTO_EN_28018.jpg

SOURCE: Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation

For further information:

Media contacts

Erica Di Maio
Public Affairs & Communications
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, UHN
416-946-4501 x4011
[email protected]

Kevin Shea
Associate Director, Public Relations
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
416-946-2898
[email protected]
www.thepmcf.ca