Dutch firm acquires UPMC subsidiary

No change in staffing expected

A Dutch company with offices in Philadelphia has acquired a UPMC subsidiary, which developed step-by-step guidelines for doctors treating patients with cancer.

Elsevier acquired Via Oncology, a UPMC subsidiary that provides decision support and best practices recommendations for treating cancer. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Via Oncology’s clinical pathways, which were developed by cancer doctors at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in 2004 and commercialized in 2009, are used by more than 1,500 cancer doctors nationwide. The protocols address more than 2,000 unique patient presentations, including clinical algorithms and specific recommendations for effective cancer treatment.

“Elsevier’s acquisition of Via Oncology accelerates our ability to support not only the referential needs of caregivers, but also the workflow needs of clinicians,” John Danaher, president of Clinical Solutions at Elsevier, said in a prepared statement. “Now we can further support health care professionals to improve clinical outcomes through evidence-based care.”

Doctors have wide latitude in making disease treatment decisions, which has given rise to a variety of cancer care guidelines that are used to encourage treatment options that have proven effective. Via Oncology’s guidelines are updated regularly to reflect advancements in research and new medications.

Elsevier’s Clinical Solutions group supports health institutions in improving patient outcomes, reducing clinical errors and optimizing cost and reimbursement. No changes in staffing are anticipated at Via Oncology as a result of the acquisition.