“Best Hospitals” cancer-care score: 45.5/100
Founded: 1945
Beds: 1,062
Clinicians/researchers: 330
Doctors
Research focus:
Gene therapy, immunotherapy, and drug discovery and development.
Clinic at-a-glance:
The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is a regional cancer referral center and a cutting-edge research entity with an international reputation for leading-edge discoveries, expert treatment and compassionate care. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Deep South (Ala., Miss., La., Ark., S. C. and Ga.). The center is a recognized leader of immunotherapy development. It uses genetically engineered monoclonal antibodies alone or armed with a payload of immunotoxins, chemotherapy drugs, or radioactive isotopes to target cancers — such as those affecting the lung and gastrointestinal regions. This institution is well regarded for moving research findings from the laboratory bench to the patient bedside. The center offers patients access to more than 100 clinical trials, many of which feature drugs and therapies discovered at UAB and available no place else.