The Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah has announced the creation of a second headquarters campus in the Utah County community of Vineyard, located in the middle of Utah’s technology hub. At a ceremony announcing the plans, Mary Beckerle, Huntsman Cancer Institute CEO, said the institute hopes the new center will open new possibilities for cancer research, prevention and treatments.
Beckerle said distance is a major healthcare disparity for cancer patients in Utah and surrounding states. A study by Huntsman organization researchers, published in Cancer Medicine, found that the five-year cancer survival rate for rural Utah residents was 5.2 percent lower than metropolitan residents, she said
“Huntsman Cancer Institute’s vision is to deliver a cancer-free frontier, and we believe that frontier begins right here in Utah,” Beckerle said. “This expansion of Huntsman Cancer Institute will address the monumental population growth in Utah and reduce the travel burden many patients face every day. Located in one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, it will provide easier access to comprehensive cancer care, accelerate cancer research and train the next generation of cancer providers and scientists.”
Beckerle told the assembled a group of medical professionals, elected officials and community members that the project includes a matching gift from the Huntsman Foundation of $75 million. The project has an expected price tag over $300 million.
The seed money for the new campus is the largest single gift by the Jon M. and Karen Huntsman family to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Along with the donation came a request for the community to join the Huntsman Cancer Foundation and raise the matching funds needed to make the project a reality.
“This is a bold step forward, mirroring a similar step Jon and Karen Huntsman took establishing Huntsman Cancer Institute 25 years ago. This new campus is a game-changer, bringing research and specialty cancer care closer to the people of Utah County and surrounding rural areas,” said Peter Huntsman, chairman and CEO of Huntsman Cancer Foundation. “But one family cannot do it alone. Similar to our previous expansions, this state-owned project will only be completed with the matching funds from state and local leaders, institutions and our generous individual contributors.”
Located near several higher education and technical training institutions, the second institute campus will support workforce development, training opportunities and hands-on learning for the next generation of scientists and healthcare providers, Peter Huntsman said.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our students and community to contribute in profound ways to delivering care and ending cancer,” said Astrid Tuminez, president of Utah Valley University. “To believe in what’s possible, no matter the hurdles, is the culture of UVU, which makes training at Huntsman Cancer Institute’s world-class research and care facilities an extraordinary opportunity for our students.”
The cancer hospital at Huntsman Cancer Institute is ranked in the top 50 nationally out of more than 4,500 programs. It is also part of University of Utah Health, which has ranked in the top 10 nationally for care quality the past 13 years.
“Huntsman Cancer Institute is the only place in the region devoted to discovering new cancer treatments,” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah. “Research is at the heart of what we do at the University of Utah, and it turns the dream of curing cancer into a reality. Research will be a major focus of the new campus, and it will advance our commitment to eradicate cancer, including through design of better ways to provide comprehensive cancer care to more patients across Utah and in particular residents of rural communities.”
“Having this medical life science giant in the heart of our growing technology and innovation center will lead to breakthroughs in science and medicine, paving paths for cutting-edge approaches to cancer research and treatment,” said Julie Fullmer, mayor of Vineyard. “The possibilities are endless. We are so thrilled and share in the excitement of local leaders and patients, that the second Huntsman Cancer Institute headquarters is coming to our city and to Utah County’s largest regional development. The work performed here will save countless lives, connect services to communities, and provide greater access and healing.”
“We’re grateful to the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Huntsman family for expanding access to cancer patients in Utah County and throughout our state,” said Gov. Spencer Cox at the announcement ceremony. “This state-of-the-art facility will help thousands of cancer patients and their loved ones as they seek high-quality treatment and support. We are proud to stand in support of this new phase, and side-by-side with each cancer patient in Utah as we work to bring hope and healing even closer to more communities.”
Huntsman officials said further details on the project will be outlined in months to come. Construction of the campus is pending further progress in the fundraising effort and other review processes, including a review before the Utah Legislature.