The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is set to move forward with the planning and construction of a new comprehensive cancer hospital in downtown Charleston, marking a major advancement in cancer care access for the state. The initiative, recently approved by MUSC’s board of trustees, will create a modern facility dedicated to treating cancer patients and supporting groundbreaking research.

According to a university news release, the new hospital will be constructed in the area between Ashley Avenue and Sabin Street, occupying space currently home to the Rutledge Tower annex, energy plant, and ground-level parking. The footprint will stretch from Ashley Avenue to Rutledge Avenue, forming part of MUSC’s long-term strategic growth plan.

“This represents a transformative leap forward for patients across South Carolina who depend on world-class cancer care,” said Dr. Raymond N. DuBois, director of the Hollings Cancer Center. “Our new facility will significantly expand access to advanced cancer services, enhance our capacity to recruit and retain top-tier clinicians, ensure lab research translates more rapidly into meaningful impact and propel us toward achieving National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center designation, the highest level of excellence in cancer research. I am profoundly grateful to MUSC leadership and our board of trustees for their bold vision and unwavering dedication.”

South Carolina lawmakers are backing the project with strong financial support. Legislators recently allocated an additional $5 million in state funding, bringing the total state contribution to $15 million. This funding commitment underscores the urgency and importance of advancing cancer care infrastructure across the state.

Alongside the cancer hospital, MUSC trustees also approved plans for a new medical office building at 334 Calhoun Street. This facility will offer outpatient surgery and clinic services and is slated to replace the current functions housed in the 12-story Rutledge Tower. These include primary care, specialty outpatient clinics, operating rooms, ancillary services, and faculty offices.

The new medical office building on Calhoun Street is scheduled for completion by 2028, with the cancer hospital expected to open its doors in 2030. The dual-project approach will allow MUSC to optimize its resources, enhance patient access, and continue its pursuit of becoming a leading institution for cancer research and treatment in the Southeast.

The new cancer hospital will also play a crucial role in MUSC’s efforts to achieve National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center status—an elite designation granted to institutions demonstrating excellence in cancer research, treatment, and outreach. Currently, South Carolina lacks a facility with this designation, making this development especially significant.

As Charleston continues to grow as a regional medical hub, the new hospital is expected to draw patients from across the state and neighboring regions, offering top-tier care and access to clinical trials and innovative therapies. MUSC's expansion is not just a leap for the university, but a critical investment in the health outcomes of South Carolinians for generations to come.

Originally reported by Hollie Moore in Charleston Business Journal.