Topeka ? Five hospitals joined forces today to form an alliance aimed at increasing patient access to cutting-edge cancer treatment statewide.

The Midwest Cancer Alliance will include Stormont-Vail HealthCare of Topeka; Goodland Regional Medical Center; Hutchinson Hospital; Mount Carmel Regional Medical Center, Pittsburg; and Kansas University Hospital, Kansas City, Kan.

The alliance is aimed at increasing cancer care trials and drug development throughout the state, and will serve as the outreach arm of the KU Cancer Center.

It will link hospitals, physicians, nurses and cancer patients throughout Kansas.

“Access to the latest advancements in cancer care is very important for patients who are fighting this horrible disease,” said Dr. Gary Doolittle, medical director of MCA.

Dr. Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, said the alliance will allow Kansas patients to receive the latest advancements in cancer care within the state.

“As we discover and develop new methods to treat and prevent cancer, and translate these discoveries into new and innovative clinical trials, we want to ensure everyone in our region has access to these discoveries,” Jensen said.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was on hand for the announcement of the addition of Stormont-Vail.

Sebelius said the alliance will expand in the future to other health care organizations.

“This is one of the most important things we could be involved in,” Sebelius said.