OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center

PROJECT PURPOSE

In 2001, the Oklahoma Legislature had the vision to address the cancer crisis in Oklahoma by establishing the goal of creating a top research and treatment cancer center at OU Health. With private fundraising and legislative investment, the vision was realized in the OKC metro with the creation of the Stephenson Cancer Center. Stephenson was able to obtain NCI-Designation in 2018, which is a national gold standard for clinical excellence granted to less than 2% of cancer programs in the US. NCI Centers have been shown to improve outcomes up to 25% in the first year of a diagnosis through research-driven, team-oriented, subspecialization in specific types of cancers. While 1 in 6 Oklahomans receive NCI-level care at Stephenson, 8,600 Oklahomans continue to die each year due to lack of access to the nation?s highest level of cancer care. Stephenson is seeking $100 million to establish an NCI-Designated Center in NE Oklahoma with a central facility in the Tulsa metro. This effort would provide needed capacity to meet increased demand and promote the expansion of Stephenson?s clinical trial program across the state. This investment will translate to better cancer care and improved outcomes for residents of NE Oklahoma stricken by cancer.

EVIDENCE

Among 5,000+ cancer facilities across the US, less than 2% are NCI-Designated. NCI-Designation is contingent upon providing access to best-in-class cancer care and the nation?s current 64 centers have been shown to improve patient outcomes. For example, a recent study performed by Duke University showed patients who receive care at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center have a 25% improvement in survival after one year. By establishing an NCI-Designated Cancer Center presence in the Tulsa metro, patients who live in NE Oklahoma will have access to an unmatched level of cancer care that has been shown to improve outcomes.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Analysis shows specific populations suffer disproportionately and experience higher cancer death rates in Oklahoma compared to national averages. Vulnerable populations with increased mortality rates include rural Oklahomans (15% increase), American Indians (51% increase), and African Americans (22% increase). Factors contributing to these disparities include social determinants of health (e.g., poverty, food insecurity, transportation), poor access to health care, high-risk behaviors (e.g., tobacco use, obesity, inactivity), and genetic risk factors. NCI Centers are uniquely positioned to address these disparities through community and patient education, research-driven cancer care, and the use of philanthropic funds. NCI Centers are responsible for developing robust multidisciplinary care teams that address local disparities (e.g., social workers, financial navigators, culturally-specific navigators). The COVID pandemic had an unprecedented impact on cancer care delivery. Screening rates declined by 18%, impacting the ability to diagnose early treatable disease and leading to more advanced disease. Cancer patients are immunocompromised and vulnerable to the life-threatening effects of this virus. To address these issues, the NCI opened a clinical trial to follow the long-term impact of COVID in cancer patients. Stephenson has enrolled the third most number of cancer patients on this national trial, underscoring the importance of this issue to Oklahoma.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

In order to maintain NCI-Designation, Centers must collect and report NCI-specific metrics. These metrics are nationally validated and are designed to assess the Center?s: (1) advancement of cutting-edge cancer care through patient participation in clinical trials, (2) community impact through outreach and engagement efforts, (3) growth in research funding that address state-specific cancer morbidity and mortality, and (4) focused efforts to address state-specific disparities in cancer care. These national project performance metrics create accountability for Stephenson Cancer Center to deliver on the state?s mission to offer world class cancer care for its citizens.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma