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UChicago Medicine Advances Cancer Care with Completion of the AbbVie Pavilion

The University of Chicago Medicine has announced a major milestone with the completion of the construction phase for the AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion, a project that marks a significant leap towards transforming cancer treatment and research in the region. Set to open in April 2027, this state-of-the-art facility spans 575,000 square feet and is the first of its kind in Illinois specifically dedicated to cancer care.

The pavilion, located on the main campus of UChicago Medicine in Hyde Park, Chicago, is part of a larger initiative to enhance cancer care service delivery in underserved areas. It is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the alarming cancer mortality rates in South Chicago, which are nearly double the national average.

During the recent opening ceremony, leaders from UChicago Medicine, the AbbVie Foundation, and Turner Construction gathered to celebrate the achievement, unveiling the pavilion's new name. The construction project is significantly backed by a generous $75 million donation from the non-profit AbbVie Foundation, which focuses on reducing health disparities and promoting innovative health solutions.

The new facility aims to provide comprehensive, integrated cancer care, bringing together a range of services such as diagnostics, treatment, clinical trials, and support for patients and survivors. Designed to cultivate a patient-centered environment, the pavilion will facilitate seamless collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, enhancing the overall patient experience. Once operational, it is projected that the pavilion will manage approximately 200,000 outpatient visits and 5,000 hospital admissions annually, featuring 80 private inpatient beds.

UChicago Medicine is committed to health equity, and the launching of the AbbVie Pavilion is a testament to this dedication. With the rising predictions that cancer incidences in the region will surge by 19% by 2035—more than double that of the rest of metropolitan Chicago—the importance of having advanced cancer treatment facilities is more crucial than ever. This pavilion is not only a healthcare facility; it symbolizes hope for improved health outcomes in the communities served by UChicago Medicine.

UChicago Medicine has long held a prominent position nationally in cancer care, being home to one of the few National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country. Its extensive history since its inception in 1927 showcases its commitment to research, medical education, and patient care. As the organization transitions to the final preparation phase for patient care in the new pavilion, it continues to equip clinical spaces, test systems and workflows, and train staff to ensure seamless operation within the ground-breaking environment.

With a focus on advanced cancer treatment options and a commitment to addressing the unique healthcare needs of the community, the AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion paves the way for a new era of cancer care at UChicago Medicine. For further information about UChicago Medicine and its ongoing commitment to health, please visit uchicagomedicine.org.