A new infusion center for patients undergoing chemotherapy for myeloma and related blood cancers was unveiled in late 2020 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
Located on the institute’s sixth floor, Infusion Center B replaces the former Infusion Center on the fourth floor and primarily serves patients with blood cancers, such as myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma, as well as those participating in clinical trials.
“This new state-of-the-art infusion center greatly expands our ability to provide essential cancer therapies for our patients, as well as provide them with the warm, comfortable environment they deserve,” said UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA.
The center can accommodate a total of 50 patients, with 20 in private rooms, 10 in infection control rooms and 20 in open pods. Patient areas enjoy access to natural light.
Arkansas’ recently launched first Phase 1 Cancer Clinical Trial Unit is embedded within the center, allowing patients access to new and innovative therapies unavailable elsewhere in the state.
“Phase 1 clinical trials involve new drugs that are being tested in a small number of patients to evaluate their safety, determine the correct dosage and identify side effects. Patients will come to the Cancer Institute from across the country to gain access to these therapies. This is the cutting edge, and it’s what our patients need,” said Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor and Cancer Institute director.
Two additional areas that opened at the Cancer Institute in 2021 included a new, greatly expanded Breast Center on the third floor and additional clinic space on the seventh floor.
“The sixth floor is one of three that were left unfinished after the Cancer Institute’s new tower opened in 2010. Now, we are proud to say that we now have the fully functional building promised to Arkansans,” Birrer said.