Kansas City, Kan. –  The University of Kansas Cancer Center marked a construction milestone for its new cancer building with a topping out ceremony, highlighting the conclusion of structural construction as one of the final beams is placed at the highest point of the building. The building will bring researchers and patient care teams together for the first time, supporting cellular therapy innovation and housing a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory to expedite CAR T manufacturing and treatment. Cell therapy is a leading-edge cancer treatment that uses the body’s own cells to more directly treat each person’s specific cancer. The signed beam will be installed in the collaboration space where researchers and clinicians will work side by side to advance discovery and improve patient outcomes. The new cancer building is on schedule to open in late 2027, with patient care beginning in early 2028.

Speakers included U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, Roy Jensen, MD, Vice Chancellor and Director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center and Jack Beal, SVP of Cancer Services, The University of Kansas Health System.