HOUSTON (October 14, 2026)
— Harris Health is expanding access to advanced cancer care with a new freestanding comprehensive cancer center planned for the John M. O'Quinn Hospital campus that is under construction in Northeast Houston. The Harris Health Board of Trustees approved moving forward with the design and construction of a four-story, 125,000-square-foot facility on the campus.
Cancer care demand continues to grow across Harris County. Harris Health's cancer case volume has increased 10.6% over the past four years, while outpatient oncology services are projected to grow approximately 20% during the next decade. Harris Health serves a diverse patient population that is younger than the national average and predominantly from racial and ethnic minority communities, many of whom face transportation, financial and other barriers that can make treatment more difficult. The new center is designed to meet growing demand while improving access to advanced cancer care by creating a dedicated destination where patients can receive specialized treatment, advanced diagnostics, supportive services and care from multidisciplinary teams in a single location.
The center is planned to open in 2029, following the opening of the new O'Quinn Hospital along the North Loop at Lockwood. The center will serve patients across Harris County, including residents of Northeast Houston communities such as Fifth Ward, Settegast and Kashmere Gardens, where many patients face significant health, transportation and economic barriers during cancer treatment.
“Every patient deserves access to advanced cancer care close to home," said Esmaeil Porsa, MD, president and chief executive officer, Harris Health. "This center will expand access to specialized treatment, advanced technology, patient navigation and supportive services while creating a more seamless experience for patients and families. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that residents across Harris County have access to high-quality care close to home."
The center is designed to make cancer care more convenient and accessible for patients and families by housing a broad range of treatment, diagnostic and support services under one roof. The planned center will include two new linear accelerators and expansion of a third vault; a brachytherapy suite and CT simulator; an infusion center with up to 50 stations; a nuclear medicine suite with PET/CT; two floors of outpatient clinics; physician offices and patient support spaces; and adjacent patient parking with a covered entrance.
The new building is projected to cost $150 million, including construction, major medical equipment, information technology, furnishings, professional services and contingency. Following a successful $100 million campaign in support of Harris Health's strategic facilities plan, the Harris Health Strategic Fund plans to seek $80 million in philanthropic support for the new cancer center.
“Cancer treatment often involves multiple specialists, appointments and services," said Amineh Kostov, senior vice president of system service lines, Harris Health. “By bringing those services together in one location, we can reduce barriers to care, improve coordination among care teams and help patients focus on what matters most: their treatment and recovery."