The Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Institute was jointly developed by CHRISTUS Health and Texas Oncology within the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances hospital campus in Tyler, Texas, US.
Texas Oncology is an independent oncology practice with a focus on community-based cancer care, while CHRISTUS Health is a not-for-profit healthcare service provider. The cancer centre houses outpatient cancer treatment services for both CHRISTUS Health and Texas Oncology. It strengthens Tyler’s position in the field of cancer research.
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Construction of the institute began in April 2021. The facility was topped out in March 2022 and opened in November 2022.
Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Institute details
The facility spans an area of 85,000ft² (7,896m²) and comprises 30,000ft² of clinic space offering medical, radiation and gynaecological oncology services, along with approximately 3,000ft² dedicated to cancer research.
The centre is equipped with three linear accelerators for radiation therapy, with additional amenities such as a retail pharmacy and laboratory testing services situated on the main level.
The facility houses 52 chemotherapy infusion stations on the west side of the building, each offering views of a tree-lined lawn through floor-to-ceiling windows. Among these, six stations are specifically allocated for research purposes. A designated research area supports clinical trials, while resource areas provide essential information on patient access to cancer care.
The institute also incorporates CHRISTUS Health’s advanced diagnostic imaging centre, covering 7,500ft² and equipped with 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), ultrasound, nuclear medicine and mammography capabilities.
A 10,000ft² CHRISTUS Trinity clinic has been established to bolster the surgical oncology programmes of the Louise Herrington Cancer Center, situated within the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital. The Louise Herrington Cancer Center is a premier in-patient facility offering advanced cancer care.
Texas Oncology utilises the cancer and research institute for specialised areas.
Amenities at the facility
Four private rooms and an exercise area were established for patients as part of the project. A spiritual area for prayer or meditation has also been included.
A six-storey parking garage with 620 spaces has been built within the project.
Sustainability features
The facility’s roof incorporates materials with a high solar reflectance index, while the building’s envelope and roof have high insulation value.
A glazing system with a low solar heat gain coefficient and a low shading coefficient was used to enhance the building’s thermal performance.
Contractors involved
McCarthy Building Companies, a construction company, was selected to build the Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Institute. Architecture and design firm Corgan led the master planning and design.
Cottonwood Healthcare Development was also involved in the project.
Marketing commentary on Texas Oncology and CHRISTUS Health
Founded in 1986, Texas Oncology has a network of more than 500 physicians and 210 locations across Texas and south-eastern Oklahoma, including 55 comprehensive cancer centres.
The Texas Oncology-Tyler Cancer Centre provides chemotherapy and infusion, radiation therapy, gynaecological oncology and medical oncology.
A robust clinical trials and research programme at Texas Oncology-Tyler led to the development of several major cancer breakthrough therapies and drugs. These include immunotherapy drugs such as Opdivo® (nivolumab) and Keytruda® (pembrolizumab), used in the treatment of different types of cancers.
CHRISTUS Health operates a network of more than 600 centres, including community hospitals, long-term care facilities, walk-in clinics and health ministries. The organisation is sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Houston and San Antonio, and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
