KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A major milestone in cancer care and research was marked Friday, May 23, as construction officially began on a transformative new multi-million-dollar cancer center complex in Kansas City. The project, spearheaded by The University of Kansas Health System, aims to unify research and clinical care under one roof for the first time in the health system’s history.

Located in the heart of the Kansas City metro, the future KU Cancer Center building is expected to dramatically improve efficiency, lower patient costs, and accelerate access to innovative therapies. Leaders say it represents a long-envisioned goal of integrating all facets of cancer treatment—from physician-scientists and researchers to clinical staff—within a single, collaborative environment.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to address one of the greatest health challenges of our time: cancer,” said Roy Jensen, M.D., vice chancellor and director of the KU Cancer Center. “This new center will unite researchers, clinicians and patients side-by-side in one facility, supporting the real-time collaborations that are essential for groundbreaking discoveries. We intend to create a global destination for patient care and research.”

A Nationally Recognized Vision Becomes Reality

The event was attended by several prominent state and federal leaders, including U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, along with donors, faculty, and members of the KU medical community. The celebration comes nearly two years after the KU Cancer Center earned the prestigious Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI)—the highest honor conferred by the institute, and a title held by only a select group of cancer centers nationwide.

“We knew that (the comprehensive designation) wasn’t the culmination of our work,” said Douglas A. Girod, M.D., chancellor of the University of Kansas. “Rather, it was an important milestone along the way to our next goal – which was to develop the facilities necessary to bring clinical and research capabilities together in the same place to provide better patient care and facilitate the development of new treatments and cures.”

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment with Cell Therapy and Research

Once complete, the new center will support advanced treatment modalities such as cellular therapy, which harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer more precisely and with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. The building will also include a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory for the development of CAR T-cell therapy, which uses genetically engineered cells to target and destroy cancerous cells.

The KU Cancer Center remains the only facility in the region offering all seven FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapies, giving patients access to some of the most advanced treatment options available nationwide. Bringing both clinical and research components under one roof is expected to reduce patient travel time, lower healthcare costs, and speed up the delivery of cutting-edge therapies.

Backed by Public and Private Investment

The landmark project is made possible through a mix of philanthropic, federal, and state support. A record-setting $100 million lead gift from the Sunderland Foundation served as the cornerstone of the funding—marking the largest gift ever received by both the University of Kansas and The University of Kansas Health System.

Additionally, Sen. Moran secured critical federal appropriations, while Gov. Kelly advocated for state funding to ensure the facility’s completion.

“All recovery from this dreaded disease starts with the power of hope,” said Sen. Moran. “Today we celebrate hope.”

As construction progresses, the KU Cancer Center continues to be recognized as a national leader in innovative care, and its new complex is expected to serve as a hub for scientific breakthroughs, compassionate treatment, and global collaboration in the fight against cancer.

For more information about the KU Cancer Center and updates on the new facility, visit the official website.

Originally reported by Sarah Motter in KCTV 5.