MERRIAM, Kan. – Residents living in the Kansas City region now have access to more advanced resources, technology and the latest cancer treatments as AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission has become the first national affiliate of the newly launched UChicago Medicine Cancer Network by University of Chicago Medicine.

This collaboration will provide AdventHealth Cancer Institute and its patients with expanded access to advanced cancer treatments, clinical trials and research from one of the nation’s top cancer programs. UChicago Medicine is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, ranked No. 12 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

“Affiliating with a leading health care provider like AdventHealth will allow us to bring our academic medicine capabilities and resources as an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center to patients in Kansas City and beyond,” said Thomas Jackiewicz, president of the University of Chicago Health System. “Our ultimate goal is to help more communities by saving more lives and improving health outcomes.”

After more than a decade of providing cancer care at the AdventHealth Cancer Center Shawnee Mission, the new AdventHealth Cancer Institute opened in May 2024 on the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission campus. The facility was designed with patients in mind and includes chemotherapy infusion centers, pharmacy, imaging, lab services and physical therapy all in one convenient location. It also features the region’s only MRI-guided radiation therapy, proven to shorten treatment times, improve outcomes and reduce toxicity.

Through this affiliation, AdventHealth Cancer Institute will maintain its independence, with AdventHealth Shawnee Mission oncology physicians and specialized clinical teams continuing to lead care. At the same time, the institute will align with UChicago Medicine’s clinical, research and education standards to build on the institute’s already outstanding care. Patients will gain access to sponsored clinical trials and select industry trials within UChicago Medicine Cancer Network, as well as virtual options to get a second opinion with a network of the nation’s top physicians and the latest treatments.

“This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver world-class, whole-person cancer care closer to home,” said Brenda Shoup, MD, gynecological oncologist and medical director of AdventHealth Cancer Institute. “By aligning with UChicago Medicine, we’re bringing nationally recognized expertise and innovation to our community—ensuring our patients have access to the latest treatments and research without having to travel far.”

This new chapter follows the conclusion of AdventHealth’s previous affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Network, which ended its nationwide Certified Member program in 2023. The six-year partnership affirmed AdventHealth’s dedication to clinical excellence and compassionate care. As cancer cases rise 2

in patients globally, the partnership with UChicago Medicine will enhance AdventHealth Cancer Institute’s leading expertise by equipping our oncology providers with world-class resources not otherwise available in the Kansas City region. This will result in patients receiving the best care possible without leaving the area.

“Our affiliation with UChicago Medicine Cancer Network in Kansas City is another way we are continuing to exemplify our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ,” said Sam Huenergardt, president and chief executive officer of AdventHealth Mid-America Region. “We are two organizations that share a unified commitment to quality, innovation, putting patients first and service to our communities.”

In 2023, AdventHealth and the University of Chicago Medicine also launched a joint venture called UChicago Medicine AdventHealth that includes four hospitals and a network of physician offices and outpatient locations in the western suburbs of Chicago.