The Blood Cancer Healing Center, located at 3229 Burnet Avenue in Uptown Cincinnati, is poised to redefine care standards by offering comprehensive patient support and innovative treatments under one roof. With clinical services opening as part of a phased approach in the summer of 2024, this state-of-the-art facility will address the critical needs of the 1.6 million individuals affected by blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, annually in the U.S. Other spaces within the facility are scheduled to open in 2025.
Care will be given around the clock in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, featuring 30 inpatient beds, outpatient and infusion clinics, survivorship and supportive services, and a dedicated clinical trials unit. Novel therapies and other treatments, including cellular and stem cell therapies, will expand access to cutting-edge options for patients.
The Center's vision also includes additional support for patients through integrative health therapies, including group wellness spaces. These services will become available at a later date, to support patients at every stage, mitigate side effects during treatment, and enhance overall quality of life.
Driven by the visionary leadership of John C. Byrd, MD, a University of Cincinnati Cancer Center physician-researcher who is one of the leading figures in blood cancer research in the world, the Center embodies a whole-person approach to healing. Dr. Byrd's pioneering work, including his contributions to eliminating chemotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients, underscores the Center's commitment to personalized care and breakthrough treatments. His work has changed the face of blood cancer treatment for patients globally.
"Research advancements for many forms of blood cancer are giving new life to patients. You can now survive years past a blood cancer diagnosis, managing it as a chronic illness. The Blood Cancer Healing Center supports this new life for patients by bringing all the needed supportive services and pioneering research together to deliver personalized care in one therapeutic environment," said Dr. Byrd, who also serves as the Gordon and Helen Hughes Taylor Professor and Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the UC College of Medicine.
Additionally, the Center's design, inspired by Dr. Byrd's legacy of innovation, will foster enhanced collaboration between researchers and industry partners. With a dedicated laboratory space set to open in 2025, the Center will serve as a focused environment for high-impact discoveries and translational research in blood cancer treatment.
As a collaboration among the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, UC Health, and Cincinnati Children's, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center sets a higher standard for cancer care that has made Cincinnati the place for new research investments and the nation's top physician-scientists. Under the leadership of our exceptional faculty, the innovative Blood Cancer Healing Center will attract top researchers, improve patient care, and expand education and prevention programs that ultimately improve quality of life in Cincinnati and beyond."
Andrew Filak, MD, Christian R. Holmes Professor and Dean of the UC College of Medicine
The 212,000-square-foot facility marks a major milestone for the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, whose 256 clinicians and researchers aim to elevate cancer research and care standards regionally and nationally. When finished, the Blood Cancer Healing Center expects to employ over 200 full-time employees, including clinical and supportive staff.
Backed by a combined investment of $131 million from the University of Cincinnati and UC Health, other funding sources include operational dollars, financing, philanthropic and community support, including New Markets Tax Credits secured through Uptown Consortium.
The Blood Cancer Healing Center is a collective commitment to providing unparalleled support and hope for patients and families grappling with blood cancers.
To discover more, visit uchealth.com/cancer. For blood cancer patients looking to learn more, call 513-585-UCCC. For physicians and researchers seeking additional information, visit cancer.uc.edu.
Additional comments from leaders
"The center was designed with input from patients and their caregivers, with access to the newest therapies and supports in one physical space, making healing possible for the mind, body and spirit and advancing research for the next cure for this disease," said Cory Shaw, president & CEO of UC Health.
"The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's new Blood Cancer Healing Center will be a home for newfound innovation," said Neville G. Pinto, PhD, president of the University of Cincinnati. "This space connects all the integral partners that work together to lead high-impact discoveries in cancer research."
"The Blood Cancer Healing Center is an important part of the comprehensive care being amplified and coordinated within the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. Cincinnati Children's is proud to be a part of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center as we work together to care for and cure cancers affecting people of all ages, both here and around the world," said Steve Davis, MD, MMM, president & CEO of Cincinnati Children's.
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