LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center and Lexington Clinic have renewed their agreement to provide cancer services through a collaborative program, extending a partnership that began in 2019 and maintaining access to advanced cancer treatment across Central Kentucky.

Under the renewed agreement announced Monday, Lexington Clinic physicians will continue delivering cancer care at two locations: UK HealthCare Turfland on Harrodsburg Road in Lexington and a facility in Richmond. Services include medical oncology, infusion therapy and radiation treatment, complementing the primary cancer center on the UK campus.

"Our collaboration reflects our shared commitment to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care," said Rachel M. Harper, M.D., head of section for the Markey Cancer Center at Lexington Clinic, according to a University of Kentucky news release. "By working together, we ensure patients benefit from both the personalized care of our providers and the leading-edge resources of an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center."

The partnership now accounts for 7.9 percent of Markey's nearly 5,500 annual cancer cases. The five-person provider team includes three hematologists and medical oncologists plus one additional medical oncologist and an advanced practice registered nurse.

As Kentucky's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Markey holds the highest recognition level available from the NCI. The center earned Comprehensive Cancer Center status in 2023, ten years after receiving its initial NCI designation in 2013. There are only 58 such centers nationwide, and Markey remains the only one in Kentucky.

Through the collaboration, patients gain access to specialty pharmacy services, supportive care services and participation in clinical trials. The partnership enables patients to receive cancer treatment closer to home while maintaining connections to research and clinical innovations available only through an NCI-designated facility.

"Our goal has always been to make sure Kentuckians can get outstanding cancer care without having to travel far from home," said UK Markey Cancer Center Director B. Mark Evers, M.D. "The Markey Cancer Center at Lexington Clinic is a strong example of how that works in practice, and we're glad to continue this collaboration and expand access to care for patients across Central Kentucky."

Lexington Clinic operates as the largest independent multi-specialty group practice in Central Kentucky, with providers in more than 40 specialties across more than 34 locations. The renewed agreement extends through 2028.