The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, recognized as the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone, marking a significant point in its ongoing multi-year growth strategy. In FY2025, the institute successfully treated 15,754 new cancer cases, reflecting a staggering increase of over 47% from the 10,670 cases in 2020. This growth trajectory is considered unprecedented amongst National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers nationwide.
Dr. Boris Pasche, the institute's president and CEO, attributes this phenomenal surge to the organization's commitment to advanced oncology care. Patients are increasingly viewing Karmanos as a premier destination for comprehensive cancer treatment, owing to the institute’s unwavering investment in leading oncologists, researchers, and cutting-edge technology. The focus on accessibility to innovative therapies and clinical trials has positioned the institute as a beacon of hope for those seeking advanced cancer care.
Karmanos has strategically expanded its reach throughout Michigan, with 17 locations established to enhance access to specialized cancer services across the region. Significant investments since 2020 have resulted in the addition of approximately 128,000 square feet of new clinical space. Notably, the $48 million expansion of the Weisberg Cancer Center in Farmington Hills was completed in 2022, alongside new outpatient centers in Dearborn and Roseville and expanded ambulatory services in various cities, including Clarkston and Flint. This geographic expansion not only serves local populations but also attracts patients from as far as 39 different states and countries, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to providing exceptional cancer care.
In an effort to engage and educate communities, Karmanos has implemented robust outreach initiatives through its Community Outreach and Engagement programs. These programs include Cancer Action Councils and lay health advisor training, which aim to foster awareness and advocacy within communities about cancer education, screening, and prevention. This proactive approach creates an informed patient base, empowering individuals to take charge of their health.
Research and innovation continue to be the backbone of Karmanos Cancer Institute’s progress. Annually allocating more than $60 million to cancer research, the institute ensures that cutting-edge discoveries seamlessly transition from the laboratory to patient care. Between 2020 and October 2025, Karmanos opened over 600 clinical trials, enrolling more than 2,700 patients. This commitment to research provides individuals with access to pioneering therapies that are not readily available elsewhere.
Highlights of Karmanos' innovative initiatives include:
- - Theranostics: An advanced method that combines diagnosis with treatment, allowing for highly personalized cancer care.
- - TheraBionic P-1 device: The world’s first FDA-approved systemic therapy utilizing radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to treat liver cancer.
- - Lifileucel: Karmanos was the first in Michigan to offer this immunotherapy, supplying critical treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma.
- - Gamma Knife® Icon™: A state-of-the-art technology that precisely destroys targeted tissue using radiation, significantly improving patient outcomes.
- - Hemgenix: Karmanos became the first independent cancer center in the country to provide gene therapy for hemophilia B, greatly enhancing the quality of life for patients.
The continued recruitment of nationally recognized clinicians and researchers is another key factor in the institution's success. The onboarding of 43 experts since 2020 has solidified Karmanos’ standing as one of the nation’s leading cancer research facilities. This includes the appointment of Dr. Pasche, who is known for introducing innovative treatments for liver cancer, and other internationally recognized oncologists leading groundbreaking clinical trials.
In engaging patients earlier in their cancer journey, Karmanos has prioritized educational initiatives, including its Second Opinion program, which provides patients with timely access to specialists in their respective fields. The institute’s dedication to cancer prevention transcends traditional healthcare boundaries; its Annual Screening Saves Lives events actively tackle gaps in preventive care and awareness.
In recognition of its commitment to quality, Karmanos was recently named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care and has consistently received high ratings for patient experience from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Karmanos not only focuses on scaling its operations but also on enhancing the quality of care provided.
As a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Karmanos Cancer Institute is well-poised to lead the fight against cancer, integrating advanced research with compassionate, patient-centered care. With ongoing strategic investments in both talent and technology, Karmanos is dedicated to ensuring that every patient has access to top-tier cancer therapies and clinical trials. The immense growth witnessed is a testament to the institute’s unwavering focus on delivering excellence in oncology care, thus leading the charge in transforming the future of cancer treatment.