OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center Expands to Tulsa with New Facility
New Oklahoma Cancer Center Aims to Tackle State’s High Mortality Rate, Expand Access to Trials
TULSA, Okla. – A new, state-of-the-art cancer center is rising in Tulsa, Oklahoma, promising to dramatically improve access to advanced cancer care and clinical trials for a region grappling with one of the nation’s highest cancer mortality rates. The 176,000-square-foot OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Tulsa, slated to open in 2028, represents a significant investment in the health of northeast Oklahoma and a commitment to bridging a critical gap in specialized oncology services.
Addressing a Critical Need in the Sooner State
Oklahoma currently ranks fourth in the United States for cancer deaths, a sobering statistic that underscores the urgency of improved prevention, early detection, and treatment options. According to projections from OU Health, approximately 24,000 new cancer diagnoses are expected in the state by 2025, with roughly 8,300 of those cases occurring in northeast Oklahoma. This demand is further fueled by a projected 14.2% increase in outpatient cancer care needs through 2034, particularly for complex cancers like pancreatic and hepatobiliary malignancies, which often prove resistant to conventional therapies.
“The need is undeniable,” explains Dr. Robert Mannel, director of OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. “Our vision is to eliminate cancer in Oklahoma and beyond. This expansion isn’t just about building a facility; it’s about providing patient-centered, research-driven, multidisciplinary care to everyone who needs it.” The center’s focus on early-phase clinical trials is particularly crucial, offering hope to patients with cancers that have exhausted standard treatment avenues. Many of these trials are currently only accessible within Oklahoma through Stephenson Cancer Center and its statewide network.
A Comprehensive Facility Designed for the Future
The new facility, located on the University of Oklahoma’s Schusterman Center campus, will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and designed to accommodate future growth. It will house 70 exam rooms, 45 infusion spaces, and three linear accelerators for advanced radiation therapy. Comprehensive imaging capabilities, including MRI and PET-CT scanners, will enable precise diagnosis and treatment planning. Perhaps most importantly, dedicated clinical trial space will be a central feature, allowing for the seamless integration of research into patient care.
Historically, northeast Oklahoma has experienced lower participation rates in clinical trials at Stephenson Cancer Center. The new Tulsa location aims to reverse this trend by removing logistical barriers and increasing awareness of the benefits of participating in research. Clinical trials are essential for developing new and improved cancer treatments, and increased participation is vital for accelerating progress against the disease. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020.
Collaboration and Funding Fuel Expansion
The project is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships. Funding sources include appropriations from the Oklahoma Legislature through the American Rescue Plan Act and the state General Revenue Fund, as well as significant contributions from the Cherokee Nation and private donors, including the Norton, Trussell, and Croteau families. This collaborative approach highlights the widespread recognition of the need for enhanced cancer care in the region.
The expansion also strengthens the existing collaboration between OU Health and Hillcrest HealthCare System, initiated in 2024. This partnership aims to deliver advanced cancer therapies and clinical trials to residents of northeast Oklahoma, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to care. The new building will serve as a clinical home for both local medical oncologists and academic physician scientists, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and collaboration.
“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,” said OU Health President and CEO Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH. “This expansion reflects our commitment as the state’s flagship academic health system — providing access to destination programs, complex care, and research-driven therapies that lead to better outcomes.”
For patients in northeast Oklahoma, the new Stephenson Cancer Center represents more than just a building; it represents hope, access, and the opportunity to receive world-class cancer care without having to travel outside the state. Learn more about cancer prevention strategies on worldys.news.
The project team includes Miles Architecture, CannonDesign, Olsson, Wallace Design Collective, IMEG, Manhattan Construction, Braden Shielding Systems and Rippe Associates.