OU Health Breaks Ground on $176M Cancer Centre Expansion in Tulsa, Oklahoma
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A new, state-of-the-art facility will significantly expand access too advanced cancer care for residents of northeast Oklahoma.
OU health Stephenson Cancer Center recently commenced construction on a 176,000-square-foot facility on the University of Oklahoma’s Schusterman Center campus in Tulsa. The expansion aims to address a critical need for specialized cancer treatment in a state grappling with a disproportionately high cancer mortality rate.
Addressing a Critical Need in Oklahoma
Oklahoma currently ranks fourth nationally in cancer deaths, a sobering statistic that underscores the urgency of improved access to care. According to projections from OU Health, approximately 24,000 new cancer diagnoses are expected in the state by 2025, with roughly 8,300 cases anticipated in northeast Oklahoma alone. Driven by increasing rates of complex cancers – including pancreatic and hepatobiliary – demand for outpatient cancer care is projected to rise by 14.2% through 2034.
Expanding Access to Cutting-Edge Treatment
The new facility, slated to open in 2028, will be equipped with 70 exam rooms, 45 infusion spaces, and three linear accelerators – advanced machines used for radiation therapy. Thorough imaging capabilities, including MRI and PET-CT scanners, will also be available, alongside dedicated space for clinical trials designed to accommodate future growth.
A key focus of the expansion is to increase participation in early-phase clinical trials, which have historically been low in northeast oklahoma. “As Oklahoma’s only NCI-Designated Cancer Center, we have a responsibility to ensure every Oklahoman has access to the most advanced cancer care available,” stated a senior official with OU Health. “This expansion reflects our commitment… providing access to destination programs, complex care, and research-driven therapies.”
