Ellis Fischel Cancer Center to affiliate with MD Anderson

A cancer center in Columbia has teamed up with one of the best cancer centers in the nation.

On Friday officials at the University of Missouri announced Ellis Fischel Cancer Center will become affiliated with the MD Anderson Cancer Network. The network is a program at MD Anderson Cancer Center based at the University of Texas in Houston.

MU Health Care CEO Mitch Wasden says the two centers share a common goal of eliminating cancer and called the network a “national leader in cancer care.” Ellis Fischel’s medical director added that the move would benefit patients with rare forms of cancer.

Last year, Ellis Fischel moved into a new $50 million facility at University Hospital. The affiliation was approved by the university board at a January meeting.

MD Anderson has been ranked as the best cancer center according to an annual survey done by U.S. News and World Report.