Harris Health is planning a $150 million comprehensive cancer center in Northeast Houston, bringing advanced treatments, specialized physicians and patient support services together to make cancer care more accessible for Harris County residents.

The four-story, 125,000-square-foot facility will be built on the new John M. O'Quinn Hospital campus along the North Loop at Lockwood. Scheduled to open in 2029, the center aims to reduce the transportation, financial and logistical challenges patients often face during cancer treatment.

Why is a new cancer center needed?

Demand for cancer care is growing across Harris County. Harris Health has experienced a 10.6% increase in cancer cases over the past four years, while outpatient oncology services are projected to grow approximately 20% over the next decade.

For many patients, however, accessing treatment can be just as challenging as the diagnosis itself.

Cancer treatment often requires weekly appointments with multiple specialists at different locations. Patients may also face financial difficulties, job loss or unreliable transportation.

“If you have cancer, you are at your clinic or hospital at least once a week, and it becomes your medical home,” said Umber Dickerson, vice president, Oncology Service Line, Harris Health. “For patients already dealing with the challenges of treatment, traveling across Houston for frequent appointments can add financial and physical strain. Bringing these services together in Northeast Houston helps keep care closer to home.”

Locating the facility in Northeast Houston aims to address gaps in access to care for historically underserved communities, including Fifth Ward, Settegast and Kashmere Gardens.

"Every patient deserves access to advanced cancer care close to home," said Esmaeil Porsa, MD, president and CEO, Harris Health. "This center will expand access to specialized treatment, advanced technology, patient navigation and supportive services while creating a more seamless experience for patients and families."

What services will the center offer?

The new facility will expand Harris Health's oncology capabilities with advanced diagnostic equipment, additional treatment capacity and dedicated outpatient clinics.

Planned features include:

  • Two new linear accelerators and an expanded third radiation treatment vault

  • A brachytherapy suite and CT simulator

  • An infusion center with up to 50 treatment stations

  • A nuclear medicine suite with PET/CT imaging

  • Two floors of outpatient clinics, physician offices and patient support spaces

  • Adjacent patient parking with a covered entrance

Existing oncology services will be enhanced and continue at Harris Health Smith Clinic, Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital and Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital, while the new center will expand treatment options in Northeast Houston.

“Cancer treatment often involves multiple specialists, appointments and services,” said Amineh Kostov, senior vice president, System Service Lines, Harris Health. “By bringing those services together in one location, we can reduce barriers to care, improve coordination among care teams and help patients focus on what matters most: their treatment and recovery.”

How will patients benefit?

Beyond expanding treatment capacity, the center is designed to make cancer care more manageable through coordinated appointments and patient support.

Key benefits include:

  • Coordinated appointments: Patients could receive treatments, blood work and consultations with multiple specialists during a single visit.

  • Patient support: Social workers, dietitians and physical therapists will help patients manage their needs throughout treatment.

  • Community education: Outreach efforts will focus on cancer prevention, early detection and awareness of available resources.

Harris Health also intends to help patients whose financial circumstances or insurance coverage changes during treatment by navigating them to available resources.

“This is a center being built for everybody in Harris County, offering the highest quality of care regardless of life circumstances,” Dickerson said.

What's next for the project?

The $150 million investment will cover construction, medical equipment, technology, furnishings and other project costs. As Harris Health prepares for the new facility, several milestones remain:

  • Philanthropic support: Following a successful $100 million campaign for Harris Health’s strategic facilities plan, the Harris Health Strategic Fund plans to seek $80 million to support the cancer center.

  • Campus development: The center will be built along the North Loop and Lockwood on the new John M. O'Quinn Hospital campus, currently under construction.

  • Opening timeline: The center is expected to welcome patients in 2029, following the hospital's opening.

To stay updated and learn more, visit Harris Health's website.

Frequently asked questions

Where will Harris Health's new cancer center be located?

The comprehensive cancer center will be located on the John M. O'Quinn Hospital campus along the North Loop at Lockwood in Northeast Houston. The facility will serve patients throughout Harris County, including residents of Fifth Ward, Settegast and Kashmere Gardens.

When will Harris Health's new cancer center open?

Harris Health expects the $150 million cancer center to open in 2029, following the opening of the new John M. O'Quinn Hospital.

What cancer treatments and services will the new center offer?

The center will provide radiation therapy, infusion treatments, advanced diagnostic imaging, outpatient oncology consultations and patient support services. Planned features include up to 50 infusion stations, PET/CT imaging and specialized radiation treatment equipment.

How will the new cancer center improve access to care in Northeast Houston?

By bringing cancer treatments, specialists and support services together in one location, the center aims to reduce travel burdens, improve care coordination and make frequent appointments more manageable for Harris County patients.

Will Harris Health's existing cancer treatment locations remain open?

Yes. Harris Health plans to continue providing oncology services at existing locations, including Smith Clinic, LBJ Hospital and Ben Taub Hospital, while expanding specialized cancer treatment options at the new Northeast Houston facility.