Becker’s Hospital Review recognized the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center on its 2025 list of “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs.” This annual list honors national leaders in cancer prevention, treatment, research, and innovation.
In its report, Becker’s noted the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center’s significant regional and national impact as the only NCI-designated cancer center in a four-state region. The center brings together over 400 physicians and researchers, and it cares for more than 10,000 new patients each year.
Becker’s also highlighted several program strengths, including:
- Major growth in clinical research – From 2020 to 2024, the center nearly doubled its clinical trials faculty and invested $1.5 million in infrastructure. This contributed to a 50% increase in patient enrollment and more than 200 active oncology trials.
- Operational innovation – This includes the 2025 launch of the Academic Research Organization for Clinical Trials, which streamlined study operations across UAB’s academic and clinical enterprise.
- National leadership in policy and research advocacy – UAB helps shape federal cancer policy and champions investments that expand research and discovery.
- Improved access and health equity initiatives – These efforts are supported by new offerings such as a Saturday infusion clinic, an online second opinion platform, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy for melanoma.
- Robust research funding – Thanks in part to $71.1 million in awards for cancer research and training, the center is driving key breakthroughs in cancer care and expanding access to advanced therapies.
This recognition from Becker’s places the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center among a select group of institutions that are transforming the future of cancer care. It also reflects UAB’s commitment to ensuring that patients across Alabama and the region have access to leading-edge treatment options.