Announcing a Transformative Investment in Cancer Research and Care

Joint venture elevates the combined strengths of a nationally recognized cancer center and the state’s largest academic health system 

RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey are announcing a transformative investment that will help conquer cancer through groundbreaking research and personalized, compassionate, patient care.

The state’s largest academic health system and New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center are launching this joint venture to provide state-of-the-art facilities, translational research, sophisticated technologies and nationally recognized faculty, physicians and staff that will reimagine cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

“Through our partnership, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute are translating groundbreaking research into exceptional cancer care for communities across New Jersey,” said Mark E. Manigan, president and chief executive officer for RWJBarnabas Health. “Together, we’re providing patients with access to a world-class network of physicians, clinical trials and ancillary services that are transforming the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in New Jersey and beyond.”

These multi-million-dollar investments will offer a network of comprehensive cancer care across the region. Projects underway include:

• New Jersey’s first free-standing cancer hospital: The Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in New Brunswick – a $750 million investment where patients will have access to advanced clinical research, cancer treatments and oncology support services. 
• The Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston – a $225 million outpatient center that will be a regional hub for integrated cancer services. 
• The Vogel Medical Campus at Tinton Falls – a $200 million outpatient center in Monmouth County that will include comprehensive cancer services, same-day surgery, on-site specialty services and advanced diagnostic imaging. 
• Expanded clinical research programs through the Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence at Rutgers Cancer Institute, which will lead the development of new therapies for patients and allow researchers to test new interventions, and the Ludwig Princeton Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at Princeton University, which is dedicated to the study of cancer metabolism and the translation of discoveries into clinical trials and novel therapies for patients. 

In addition to investments made by both organizations, these efforts are powered by the generosity of families, foundations and community partners, whose contributions will make a transformational difference in cancer research and care for generations to come.

The two health care providers will also work to recruit and retain world-class clinical and academic leaders to expand their research portfolio and train the next generation of clinicians.   They will work to expand clinical research programs, which will allow enhanced access to clinical trials and novel therapies for patients.

The joint venture will allow for increased access to care and advanced treatment options, like precision medicine, immunotherapy, CAR T-Cell therapy, bone and marrow transplantation, complex surgical procedures and sophisticated radiation therapy techniques, many not widely available elsewhere.

It will enhance patient and family experiences, powered by an oncology nurse navigation program and holistic wellness resources.

“We are at an inflection point in cancer. Our joint investment of resources, expertise and compassion means we’ll continue to provide our patients and their families with the care and support they won’t find anywhere else,” said Steven K. Libutti, director of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and senior vice president of oncology services, RWJBarnabas Health. “Through the research and clinical power of the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, including our NCI Consortium Cancer Center partner, Princeton University, and the health care delivery power of the state’s largest academic health system, we will reimagine what a cancer diagnosis means and chart a new path for patients on their journeys to survivorship.”

The partnership is translating groundbreaking research into exceptional cancer care for communities across the state, providing patients access to a world-class network of physicians, clinical trials and ancillary services.

RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute will continue to invest in a patient-centered approach that sets the standard for what care, service and compassion should be. More information, including the latest news about the organizations’ progress in research and care, as well as ways to get involved and provide support, can be found at TranformingCancerTogether.org.