The University of Chicago Medicine announced on Apr. 15 that it is one year away from opening the AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion, a new freestanding facility on the South Side designed to advance cancer care and research. The pavilion is scheduled to open in April 2027 and will bring together physicians, scientists, care teams, and support staff under one roof.
This project aims to address health disparities by expanding access to advanced cancer care for local communities. The facility will offer outpatient clinics, clinical trials, imaging services, infusion treatments, and inpatient care in a single location. According to Mark Anderson, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at UChicago Medicine: “The AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion embodies our commitment to integrating cutting-edge science with compassionate patient care. By bringing clinicians and researchers together in one place, we can accelerate discoveries and translate them more quickly into personalized treatments. This is more than a new facility; it is a catalyst for advancing the science of cancer and improving outcomes for patients in Chicago, the region and beyond.”
Construction has entered its final phase with major milestones ahead including substantial completion this September when the building’s name will be placed on a monument. Operational planning continues alongside construction; about half of clinical workflows have been developed so far with staff training set to begin later this year.
Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, Director of the UChicago Comprehensive Cancer Center said: “This environment will enable our teams to expand clinical trials, deepen patient-centered care, and confront longstanding disparities affecting our South Side community and the city.” He added that expanded capacity would allow more patients access closer to home.
UChicago Medicine’s experience includes facilities such as UChicago Medicine at Ingalls – Tinley Park which features a 24-hour urgent aid center along with advanced imaging and infusion services according to the official website. The Richard K. Desser Comprehensive Breast Center at Ingalls – Tinley Park has earned recognition as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology according to the official website. Additionally,the outpatient facility delivers specialty and primary care across all age groups, while amenities such as warmed blankets and individual flat-screen TVs are provided for patient comfort during infusion treatments according to the official website.
Tom Jackiewicz Health System President said: “The Cancer Pavilion is a landmark investment in the future of cancer care and healthcare delivery… By expanding our reach through local and national partnerships we are bringing academic medicine benefits further afield.” As UChicago Medicine prepares for full-scale operations at its new pavilion next year—supported by an $815 million investment including $75 million from AbbVie Foundation—it continues efforts toward improved equity in healthcare access.
