More than 20 Iowa clinics, including Trinity Regional Medical Center’s Norma Schmoker Cancer Center and Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City, are now part of University of Iowa Health Care.

Clinics operating in partnership with Mission Cancer + Blood were acquired on December 31, 2024, several months after their intent to join forces to fight cancer in Iowa was first announced, according to a press release from University of Iowa Healthcare.

With the acquisition, the community clinics are now backed by UIHC’s National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“This is a turning point in the fight against cancer in Iowa,” Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, said. “By adding Mission to UI Health Care’s growing system of care, we are better positioned to collaborate with health systems across the state and critical access hospitals in central Iowa to improve cancer care in Iowa. We intend to build on Mission’s strong, long-standing and trusted partnerships to bring the highest quality cancer care closer to home for all Iowans.”

Patients receiving care at Trinity Regional Medical Center and Van Diest Medical Center, in partnership with Mission Cancer + Blood, will not see changes in care or services.

“Patients will continue to receive high quality cancer and hematology care at VDMC,” said Lori Foster, senior director of Marketing and Public Relations at VDMC.

“There will not be changes in the care offered at Norma Schmoker Cancer Center,” added Molly Hiveley, Communications Specialist at UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge.

According to Foster, Dr. Robert Behrens and Britta Ten Haken, PA-C, with Mission Cancer + Blood, have been providing oncology services. Dr. Sydney Brehany will join Mission Cancer + Blood this month and begin seeing patients in VDMC’s specialty clinic in late February.

“The collaboration of cancer care between UI Health Care and Mission Cancer + Blood means greater access and opportunities for patients to receive top-notch oncology services from specialists throughout the state of Iowa,” said Foster.

Iowa has one of the fastest growing cancer rates in the country. By purchasing Mission Cancer + Blood’s assets, UIHC says it is “investing in the future of cancer care for Iowans,” valued at more than $280 million.

“Addressing Iowa’s cancer rates requires better collaboration across the state and pooling of resources, which is why Mission and UI Health Care joined forces,” Phil Stover, JD, MBA, CEO of Mission Cancer + Blood, said. “Both organizations realized we could do more together: We can provide more patients with access to comprehensive services, shortened time between diagnosis and treatment for rare and difficult cancers, and expanded options for the latest therapies. This is the right thing to do for Iowans.”

According to UIHC, patients will “continue to have access to the same high-quality cancer care at existing locations. Over time, Mission’s patients will have greater access to clinical trials and enhanced resources from UI Health Care and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa’s only NCI-designated cancer center.”

An official NCI comprehensive cancer center designation is the highest distinction a cancer center can achieve. NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers are recognized for scientific leadership and clinical research, in addition to serving their communities by integrating training and education.