NORMAN, OK (OBV) — Cancer patients in south-central Oklahoma now have expanded access to cutting-edge care with the opening of the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at Norman Regional, a new 50,000-square-foot facility located on the Norman Regional Hospital campus.
The center, which began seeing patients June 16, 2025, brings medical and radiation oncology services under one roof, significantly improving access to advanced, research-driven care for the region. It doubles infusion capacity, introduces state-of-the-art imaging and radiation technologies, and integrates clinical trial access with comprehensive support services.
The need is urgent. The American Cancer Society projects that nearly 24,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Oklahoma this year, with Cleveland County and south-central Oklahoma accounting for more than 2,000 diagnoses annually. While the state’s cancer incidence mirrors national averages, mortality rates remain high, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Norman Regional Health System President and CEO Dr. Aaron L. Boyd said the facility reflects a shared mission of patient-centered care.
“We are thrilled to partner with OU Health to bring these advanced services to Norman,” Boyd said. “This isn’t just about treatment — it’s about ensuring patients can receive world-class care close to home, surrounded by their families and communities.”
The expansion extends the reach of OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, known for its innovative clinical trials and research-driven care. Patients will now have access to the state’s only Phase I Clinical Trials Program in Oklahoma City and, in the future, select Phase II and III trials in Norman.
University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. called the development a “proud milestone” for the state.
“As part of Oklahoma’s flagship academic health system, Stephenson Cancer Center is bringing advanced treatments and life-saving clinical trials closer to home,” Harroz said. “This expansion supports our goal to reduce cancer mortality in Oklahoma by 10% over the next five years.”
The facility is part of a larger statewide growth strategy. Stephenson Cancer Center has already announced partnerships beyond Oklahoma City, including a collaboration with Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa. These expansions aim to help the center achieve Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the NCI by 2028 — the highest federal recognition for cancer centers.
OU Health President and CEO Dr. Richard Lofgren said the new Norman center represents more than convenience.
“No Oklahoman should ever have to leave the state to receive world-class cancer care,” Lofgren said. “With this facility, residents of Norman and south-central Oklahoma have access to the most advanced treatments and clinical trials right in their own community.”
Alongside advanced therapies, the center provides holistic care with nutrition counseling, social work, genetic counseling, and support staff dedicated to helping patients navigate treatment and research opportunities.
Stephenson Cancer Center Director Dr. Robert Mannel said the expansion reflects the center’s mission to serve all Oklahomans.
“The opening of our new facility at Norman Regional is a crucial step in eliminating barriers to accessing top-tier cancer care,” Mannel said. “It ensures that more patients can benefit from the most innovative treatments without having to travel far from home.”
With its opening, the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at Norman Regional marks a significant investment in the future of cancer care in Oklahoma — one that leaders hope will improve survival rates and bring life-saving innovation to more communities across the state.
