Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center: Innovation and Research

Oncology Innovation & Technology Fund
Initiative Goal: $2,000,000
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of cancer care by investing in the most advanced technology and developing innovative approaches to cancer care. This initiative allows us to harness cutting-edge advancements in health tech, artificial intelligence, and medical innovations to revolutionize the way we diagnose, treat, and support cancer patients.

Philanthropic investment empowers us to deploy capital as needed to respond to constant advances in health innovations, AI, and technology. This enables strategic investments in life-saving equipment, advancements in radiation and surgical oncology, and investments in physician-led research. These investments directly impact patient care by ensuring the latest technology is available to diagnose and treat cancer effectively, while also attracting and retaining top cancer physicians who seek to utilize the most advanced equipment and conduct groundbreaking research.

Center for Clinical Trials and Research
Initiative Goal: $2,000,000
Clinical trials are the cornerstone of progress in cancer care. They provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies that may not be available through standard care, offering hope and potentially life-saving options for cancer patients. At Banner MD Anderson, about 5% of our patients are enrolled in one of our 200 clinical trials across a wide range of cancers including breast, hematology, lung, and head and neck. We aspire to see 10-15% of our patients enrolled in a trial. Low enrollment not only leads to delays in the advancement of cancer research but also deprives existing cancer patients access to potentially life-saving—and life-enhancing—care.

Dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes, the Center for Clinical Trials and Research marks a significant step forward in our mission. By broadening the scope of available trials and enhancing our trial administration capabilities across all eight of our sites in Arizona and Colorado, we aim to revolutionize regional clinical trial access. Drawing upon our success with CAR-T cell therapies, we envision expanding access to clinical trials and novel cellular therapies—making Banner MD Anderson a destination cancer center and, more importantly, a beacon of hope for patients across our region.

Banner MD Anderson Greatest Needs
Unrestricted gifts of every size are vital in supporting a range of needs across Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, both today and in the future. New developments in oncology are happening quickly, and these flexible funds allow us to respond in real time to make a difference in lives. These funds allow Banner to respond to critical needs in the community, develop innovative solutions, and leverage additional philanthropic investment from individual and institutional funders to advance patient care and programs. Your gift to this unrestricted fund will help advance world-class oncology care throughout Arizona and the southwest well into the future, leaving an enduring legacy of caring for our communities.