Innovating the Future of Cancer Care
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Author: Thomas Varghese Jr., MD, MS, MBA, FACS
It is an incredible privilege to lead Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 efforts in transforming cancer care through innovation, collaboration, and patient centered solutions. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of oncology, our goal is to ensure all patients鈥攔egardless of where they live鈥攔eceive the highest quality treatment and support.
A key milestone in this aim was the launch of the Innovative Medical Practices Advancing Care Transformation (IMPACT) Center. This center represents the intersection of innovation science and implementation science, striving to bring best practices in cancer care to urban, rural, and frontier populations alike.
A few examples include personalizing cancer treatment using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital models such as multimodal deep learning and digital histopathology to assist with more comprehensive and precise diagnosis and prognosis. AI-enabled wearables are another potential means by which technology can assist health care teams. They could safely monitor patients who live far from a care facility or serve as an early alert system for patients at home.
鈥淥ur goal is to eliminate distance as a barrier to care.鈥
We now have two mobile clinics. They will help eliminate distance as a barrier to care鈥攑articularly to crucial cancer screenings. We currently offer mobile mammography and intend to expand services to include screening for colon cancer, HPV infection, prostate cancer, and genetic testing for cancer risk. The mobile clinics may serve as labs of sorts, enabling us to study and improve cancer screening throughout the Mountain West.
By leveraging digital health tools and innovative care models, we enhance access, improve coordination, and provide seamless care across communities. The future Vineyard location will be a major step in these efforts, where we will integrate technology and telehealth solutions to better connect patients, caregivers, and providers.
The success of the IMPACT Center depends on our ability to embrace change as opportunity, remain mission-driven, and uphold transparency in our outcomes. We will work collectively to ensure every initiative leads to tangible improvements. Together, we are transforming lives and creating a future where every patient has access to the care they deserve.
Thomas Varghese Jr., MD, MS, MBA, FACS
Director, IMPACT Center
Huntsman Cancer Institute
Professor of Surgery
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