The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is growing the Texas Medical Center through two new advanced cancer care facilities, which will contribute nearly 2 million square feet to its campus, according to a Nov. 5 news release.
Officials said in the announcement that the expansion will enable physicians and staff to care for about 250,000 patients annually.
The big picture
Both facilities, named Inspiration Tower and Prism, are key initiatives in UT MD Anderson’s $2.5 billion philanthropic campaign, “Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer.”
Together, they will address the heightened demand for cancer care across the state by providing spaces for patient care operations, as well as incorporating emerging technologies into its practices, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, per the release.
“Every patient we treat deserves an environment that reflects the excellence of the care they receive at UT MD Anderson,” Chris McKee, UT MD Anderson executive vice president and chief strategy officer, said. “Our new facilities will be innovative, agile, adaptable and beautiful, and they will allow us to care for more patients more effectively in an environment that enhances healing and well-being. We are building for our future and for every patient who will be counting on us.”
A closer look
With an anticipated opening date of 2032, Inspiration Tower is positioned to become the institution’s largest patient care facility, as well as the largest cancer-focused clinical facility in the nation. It alone will encompass 1.4 million square feet, according to the release.
Patients may visit the 25-floor tower to receive treatment from a range of disease-specific clinics, all of which will offer personalized care based on the individual’s needs, officials said. Patients will additionally have access to advanced diagnostic services and state-of-the-art surgical options.
Design plans for Inspiration Tower currently include 330 exam rooms, 184 short-stay beds, 162 ambulatory treatment stations, 56 imaging rooms, 24 operating rooms and 38 procedure rooms. These units will be paired with terraced indoor and outdoor spaces, contemporary art displays, on-site parking and skybridges at various locations to promote overall connectivity and hospitality at UT MD Anderson, per the release.
Also of note
As for the Prism building, officials seek to redefine the current experiences associated with radiation therapy as a part of cancer treatment by creating a more “welcoming” environment for patients, right next door to Inspiration Tower.
Connected via skybridge, Prism will serve as a 292,000-square-foot hub for radiation oncology and diagnostic imaging. Expected amenities include:
The planned facility will stand out from the tower through its inclusion of a glass façade, reflection garden and inspirational artwork, per the release.
From Prism, patients can enjoy a featured garden view and rooftop overlooks. It is slated to open in 2030.
Measuring the impact
Officials confirmed $3.4 billion in funding from UT MD Anderson and UT System, alongside philanthropic support, will go toward the expansion project over the next several years.
Upon completion, Inspiration Tower and Prism will be located at the corner of Fannin Street and Holcombe Boulevard.
“Every detail of these buildings, from the technology to the treatment rooms, was designed around our patients who will receive their care in them and our employees who will work in them," Dr. Jeffrey E. Lee, interim president of UT MD Anderson, said. "The facilities will serve as a physical representation of hope for the patients and their families who will walk through the doors.”
