The cancer care landscape in Austin is set for a seismic shift with the expansion of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the construction of a new UT Austin hospital, as announced by the University of Texas System Board of Regents. This ambitious initiative aims to ring in a new era of healthcare through these cornerstone developments in the UT Austin medical district, with groundbreaking anticipated for 2026.

With a total estimated investment that's still under discussion projected at about $2.5 billion, the medical center will rise from the current site of UT Austin's Erwin Center which is slated for demolition by fall 2024, Chris McKee, the Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at MD Anderson, expressed unbridled enthusiasm during an interview with FOX26 Houston,"It is one of the most exciting things that has happened in the 85+ year history of MD Anderson! We could not be more excited to have the opportunity to take what we know is the best quality cancer care in the United States to the capital of our state in Austin. So many Austin patients are already coming to Houston for care for us to be able to get closer to them, to provide a better patient experience so they can get top quality care close to home, one of the most exciting things we'll ever get to do,"

The forthcoming facilities include two new hospital towers – one for MD Anderson, which plans on providing a comprehensive cancer center as part of its extension beyond Houston, and another for UT Austin itself, which will house a specialty hospital. According to a statement by the University of Texas System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin P. Eltife, obtained by MD Anderson, “The establishment of the University of Texas at Austin Medical Center, with UT MD Anderson Cancer Center adjacent to a new University hospital and access to all of UT Austin’s education and research assets, will undoubtedly result in transformative cancer care, provide students at the flagship campus with unmatched experiences, and benefit patients throughout the state and nation for all time,”

Gov. Greg Abbott also threw his support behind this development; emphasizing the potential benefits for Central Texas families that will now have access to premier cancer treatment without the need to travel far, “The key to building sustainable communities is a healthcare infrastructure that can meet the needs of a booming population UT Austin and MD Anderson will help us meet those needs. The Texas of tomorrow will be shaped by what UT Austin and MD Anderson are building here today," he told the crowd during the announcement, showcasing the state's continued mission to harness higher education for expanding healthcare access.

As the state envisions the future of healthcare, particularly for cancer treatment, these projects spell a significant boost not only to patient care but also to research and education collaborations. Current MD Anderson facilities serve as a testament to its excellence in cancer care, with the Austin expansion only expected to further solidify this reputation, while UT Austin remains a hub for cutting-edge medical research and education, with both institutions reporting a whopping $1.8 billion in research last year.