Current:Home > Contact-usNew home for University of Kentucky cancer center will help accelerate research, director says-InfoLens
New home for University of Kentucky cancer center will help accelerate research, director says
View Date:2024-12-23 10:52:23
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A new $781 million home for the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center will help researchers accelerate work aimed at “conquering cancer in the commonwealth,” its director said Thursday.
Construction is set to start on the project, meant to build on the Markey Center’s growing national recognition for research and patient care in a state plagued by some of the nation’s worst cancer rates. State and university officials gathered for an event to break ground on Thursday.
The project, scheduled for completion in 2027, will consolidate the Markey Center’s services in the new UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building. Markey’s outpatient services are currently spread across six locations on the UK Chandler Hospital campus. The project also includes an adjacent parking garage estimated to cost $104 million.
The consolidated structure will give patients more convenience, and clinicians and researchers more opportunities to collaborate, UK officials said Thursday.
“This facility will enable our talented clinicians and researchers to work together like never before, accelerating innovations that will directly translate into better outcomes for our patients,” said Dr. B. Mark Evers, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center.
Last year, the Markey Center achieved the highest level of recognition from the National Cancer Institute. It’s the only institution in the state with designation as a “comprehensive” cancer center and is among several dozen cancer centers nationally to attain the status. The designation will further bolster cancer research and patient care in the Bluegrass State, UK officials said.
Kentucky has led the nation in incidence rates for lung and bronchus and cervical cancers, while ranking near the top for colon and rectal cancers.
“In a state that still holds the highest cancer rates, this building represents our commitment to expanding care, growing our capacity and, ultimately, conquering cancer in the commonwealth,” Evers said.
In the past 10 years, Markey outpatient clinic visits have increased by 57%, UK said.
The new 550,000-square-foot building will feature a full spectrum of cancer care services — including imaging, labs, urgent care, pharmacy, palliative care and rehabilitation, UK said. It also will house Markey’s outpatient clinics, including chemotherapy infusion, radiation medicine, multidisciplinary oncology, gynecologic oncology, breast care center and hematology/bone marrow transplant. It also will be home to a Comprehensive Spine Center, ambulatory surgery space and other outpatient services.
“This building signifies our commitment to addressing the critical health needs of our state, providing advanced care across various disciplines and ensuring that Kentuckians have access to the most innovative treatments close to home,” said UK President Eli Capilouto.
Construction of the new building is funded by UK HealthCare. The 2,400-space parking structure will be funded separately as a public-private partnership, UK officials said.
State and private funds will be used to support Markey’s programs and services in the new facility. UK trustees approved initial planning and design in 2021.
veryGood! (9349)
Related
- Shawn Mendes quest for self-discovery is a quiet triumph: Best songs on 'Shawn' album
- Costco, Sam's Club replicas of $1,200 Anthropologie mirror go viral
- Oscar nomination for ’20 Days in Mariupol’ is a first for the 178-year-old Associated Press
- New York City looks to clear $2 billion in unpaid medical bills for 500,000
- Controversial comedian Shane Gillis announces his 'biggest tour yet'
- Norman Jewison, director and Academy Award lifetime achievement honoree, dead at 97
- Dakota Johnson clarifies '14 hours' of sleep comments during 'Tonight Show' appearance
- Pilot dies after small plane crashes at Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Louisiana mom arrested for making false kidnapping report after 'disagreement' with son
- Man ordered to stand trial in slaying of Detroit synagogue leader
Ranking
- Mississippi Valley State football player Ryan Quinney dies in car accident
- Racially diverse Puerto Rico debates bill that aims to ban hair discrimination
- Sharon Stone, artist
- Michigan player wins $4.37 million, becomes first Lotto 47 jackpot winner of 2024
- Don't Miss This Sweet Moment Between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Dads at the Kansas City Chiefs Game
- Defendant, 19, faces trial after waiving hearing in slaying of Temple University police officer
- Vermont governor proposes $8.6 billion budget and urges the Legislature not to raise taxes, fees
- San Diegans cry, hug, outside damaged homes after stunning flash floods in normally balmy city
Recommendation
-
Chet Holmgren injury update: Oklahoma City Thunder star suffers hip fracture
-
Oliver North says NRA reacted to misconduct allegations like a ‘circular firing squad’
-
Antisemitism on X: Elon Musk says he is 'Jewish by association' after Auschwitz visit
-
Teen who shot Indiana sheriff’s deputy during welfare check is later found dead, authorities say
-
What to know about Mississippi Valley State football player Ryan Quinney, who died Friday
-
Group sues Arkansas attorney general for not approving government records ballot measure
-
We break down the 2024 Oscar nominations
-
Chanel’s spring couture show is a button-inspired ballet on the Paris runway