#United States #Tulsa #Oklahoma #Cancer Care #Stephenson Cancer Center

Significant Expansion at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center

The OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center has officially initiated the groundbreaking of a new facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which will encompass an impressive 176,000 square feet. This expansion, situated on the Schusterman Center campus of the University of Oklahoma, represents a pivotal development aimed at significantly enhancing cancer care accessibility for thousands of residents across northeast Oklahoma. Set to be completed by 2028, the new center is strategically designed to address Oklahoma's daunting cancer statistics—ranked fourth in the nation for cancer mortality rates.

In 2025, state estimates suggest there will be approximately 24,000 new cancer diagnoses, with a shocking 8,300 of those cases arising in the northeastern region alone. The underserved area faces escalating needs for outpatient cancer care, projected to rise by 14.2% by 2034. This alarming trend is largely attributed to high incidences of pancreatic and complex hepatobiliary cancers, which are known for their resistance to standard treatment methods.

Joseph Harroz Jr., president of the University of Oklahoma, emphasized during the groundbreaking ceremony, "Our steadfast mission is to ensure that every Oklahoman can access top-tier cancer care, regardless of their location. The Stephenson Cancer Center, as the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated facility in the state, provides a gold standard of research-driven care. This expansion is a long-awaited effort to bridge the care gap in northeastern Oklahoma, made possible through extraordinary contributions by the Stephenson family and our tribal partners. It underscores a commitment to build a legacy of health that will benefit generations to come."

This significant development is the product of a robust public-private partnership involving key players, including Charlie and Peggy Stephenson and various legislative bodies. The project has also gained vital support through appropriations related to the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as significant contributions from the Cherokee Nation and other local philanthropists.

One of the most pressing objectives of this major expansion is to increase access to clinical trials, a crucial avenue for cutting-edge cancer treatments. Historically, participation rates in the region have been alarmingly low. Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH, president, and CEO of OU Health, highlighted the center's responsibility as Oklahoma's sole NCI-designated facility. He stated, "This expansion aims to provide every individual in Oklahoma with access to the most advanced cancer treatments available, thereby improving outcomes and experiences for patients confronting complex, treatment-resistant cases."

A hallmark feature of the new facility will be its infrastructure designed to accommodate extensive clinical trials. Plans include 70 exam rooms, 45 infusion stations, three linear accelerators, and advanced imaging capabilities such as MRI and PET-CT. This will significantly enhance patient access to early-phase clinical trials, thus removing barriers to innovative treatments typically reserved for patients who have run out of conventional options. Dr. Robert Mannel, director of the center, asserted, "Our vision is to eradicate cancer in Oklahoma. We strive to provide multidisciplinary, research-driven cancer care aimed at delivering hope to patients battling rare or complex cancer diagnoses."

The expansion is also set to further fortify the partnership between OU Health and the Hillcrest HealthCare System, which has been operational since 2024. This collaboration has already started bringing specialized cancer therapies and clinical trials to the northeast Oklahoma area, and the new building will increase the capacity to serve local medical oncologists and academic physician scientists.

This ambitious project builds on the groundwork laid by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), which has funded a variety of initiatives aimed at cancer care advancement, including the lung cancer screening bus and ongoing research throughout the University of Oklahoma's academic health system. Additionally, the Stephenson Cancer Center has been expanding its reach across Oklahoma with facilities already operational in Norman and plans for further locations, including McAlester.

Ultimately, the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is committed to transforming cancer care in Oklahoma and beyond. With its dedicated focus on research and patient-centered care, it stands as a beacon of hope for patients across the state. The new facility aims not only to enhance cancer care capabilities but also to reinforce Oklahoma’s position as a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.