Temple Lung Center a Founding Member of New Sarcoidosis Alliance
Temple Lung Center at Temple Health in Philadelphia has become a founding member of the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance, a group of clinics and hospitals around the world that aims to improve the lives of sarcoidosis patients through care and research advancement.
“Sarcoidosis is a complex disease that requires specialized multidisciplinary care,” Rohit Gupta, MD, director of Temple’s sarcoidosis program, said in a press release. “As a member of this Alliance, Temple will strengthen its commitment to meeting the needs of sarcoidosis patients.”
Temple is a World Association for Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence. The designation, which is in conjunction with the FSR, is recognition of Temple’s commitment to its patients and efforts to stay atop the latest in treatment and research.
As required to receive the designation, the center’s sarcoidosis program provides a range of disease specialists who have experience with several treatments, including corticosteroids, immune suppressants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Temple also has a well-known lung transplant program for patients with severe sarcoidosis, a disorder that impairs lung function in 90% of patients and can involve multiple other body organs. Approximately 2.5% to 3.5% of referrals for potential lung transplant are those with advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis.
A chief goal of the alliance, launched in June, is to ensure that all patients can access pertinent information about clinical studies, patient support services, and the like. Through networking events and forums, clinicians will be able to share knowledge about improved care practices. Alliance members have access to sustainable programming, resources to quicken treatment development, and tools to better patient care.
The alliance, which is open to clinics that serve high levels of underserved communities, will also accelerate research through FSR funding and the organization’s global assets. Further, the alliance seeks to bolster business outcomes through patient benchmarks as well as community health improvement efforts.
The initiative is expected to have a global impact on the advancement of sarcoidosis investigations and the improvement of patients’ lives. There are thought to be approximately 1.2 million sarcoidosis patients worldwide.
The organization now has 27 founding members and is seeking more through Sept. 30.
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