MD Anderson is partnering with Banner Health to open a $90 million cancer center in Gilbert. MD Anderson is rated as the nation's top cancer hospital by U.S. News & World Report in the July 2008 issue, the fourth time in the past six years. The center is expected to open in late 2011 and will include all aspects of cancer care, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and clinical services. The facility will include a 120,000 square-foot outpatient center modeled after similar buildings at MD Anderson's main Houston campus and includes 76 beds on two floors inside the Banner Gateway Hospital.

MD Anderson will draw patients from Arizona and outside of the state. Phoenix has other cancer care providers such as Mayo Clinic Arizona, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Scottsdale Healthcare. This cluster of treatment options will increase medical tourism to Phoenix.

Dr. Jeffrey Trent, President of TGen told The Arizona Republic that MD Anderson's move to Phoenix helps improve the area's reputation for medical research. MD Anderson will also be conducting clinical trials. These clinical trials give patients access to cutting-edge drugs that haven't been approved for public use by the FDA.

MD Anderson coming to Phoenix is good for healthcare, the economy and the area's development as a biomedical center.

John Laub is the Chairman of the Phoenix CEO-CFO Group.

1. "Gilbert to Get Renowned Hospital for Cancer Care." Ken Alltucker. The Arizona Republic. May 6, 2009.

2. "M. D. Anderson Earns Top Ranking for Cancer Hospitals. In Annual U.S. News & World Report Survey." M. D. Anderson News Release. July 11, 2008.