OU Cancer Institute nears opening

Susan Simpson

Nov. 4, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- University of Oklahoma officials on Tuesday celebrated the construction mid-point on the $120 million OU Cancer Institute.

The structure is set to open next November on the OU Health Sciences Center campus, offering research, education, treatment and prevention.

Officials are seeking designation as a National Cancer Institute, the gold standard for cancer research and care in the United States, OU officials said. The new seven-story building will also include the state's only center for conducting Phase 1 clinical trials for cancer treatment. OU President David Boren said the institute will be a place of healing.

"It's inspiring," he said. "This is an institute that will change the lives of people."

Funding includes donations and grants, state appropriations and revenue from the state tobacco tax. One in two men and one in three women are expected to get cancer at some time, statistics show.

"It's our public enemy No. 1," said Dr. Robert Mannel, director of the OU Cancer Institute. He said research will move from "bench to bedside" to benefit patients.

Students will also benefit by working alongside scientists and medical professionals dedicated to bringing quality care to patients, said Dewayne Andrews, executive dean of the OU College of Medicine.

Christy Everest, chairman and chief executive officer of The Oklahoma Publishing Co., co-chairs the OU Cancer Institute private fundraising campaign with her husband, Jim Everest.

She said the institute will bring top scientists and doctors to Oklahoma. Christy Everest said several of her family members were treated for cancer at OU, including her husband and her son, Jimmy, who died in 1992.

"I know my family is not unique," she said. "More than one-third of citizens will hear the words 'You have cancer.'"

Jim Edwards, a five-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, said OU doctors have given him excellent care.

"We were treated with care, dignity and respect," he said. "With this new facility, we expect that will continue even more so."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0148-39418709