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New Comprehensive Cancer Hospital

Advanced cancer care for South Carolina

Computer rendering of new comprehensive cancer hospital also showing the surrounding buildings and intersection; Draft for conceptual use only, images may change
The new cancer hospital will be in downtown Charleston on the corner of Ashley Avenue and Calhoun Street, adjacent to Rutledge Tower.

In April 2025, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Board of Trustees approved a resolution to begin planning a new, state-of-the-art cancer hospital on campus. This facility will provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient cancer care, along with essential support services.

As part of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in South Carolina, it will consolidate inpatient and outpatient cancer services currently located across the MUSC campus. This centralized approach will make care more accessible, improve the overall patient experience, and create a more comfortable environment focused on healing.

The hospital will also expand MUSC’s capacity to treat more patients, help recruit leading clinicians and researchers, and accelerate the development of innovative cancer treatments and cures.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2030, with detailed building plans anticipated later in 2026.

Cancer services in one location

The new MUSC cancer hospital will bring inpatient and outpatient cancer services together under one roof, including:

  • 100 inpatient rooms.
  • 113 exam rooms.
  • 14 operating rooms.
  • 24/7 urgent care dedicated to cancer patients.
  • Chemotherapy infusion and immunotherapy.
  • Stem cell transplants and cellular therapies (including CAR‑T).
  • Radiation oncology.
  • Proton therapy (the only center in South Carolina).
  • Intraoperative MRI.
  • Phase I clinical trial unit.
  • Precision medicine programs.
  • Survivorship and supportive care services.
  • Physical therapy and ancillary support services.
  • On-site pharmacy.

Support our growth

To learn more about how you can help change what’s possible, please contact our Development team.

Debbie L. Bordeau
Senior Director of Development
bordeau@musc.edu

Support the New Hospital

Why MUSC is building a new cancer hospital

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in South Carolina, accounting for approximately 11,000 deaths and 35,000 new cases each year. The state is projected to see a dramatic rise in cancer incidence, with new cases expected to increase by nearly 40% between 2023 and 2033. South Carolina also experiences higher-than-average rates of several cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cancers of the breast, cervix, kidney, lung, mouth, throat, and pancreas.

As the population grows and ages, the demand for cancer prevention, treatment, and research continues to increase. The new hospital will allow MUSC to:

  • Expand access to high‑quality cancer care.
  • Recruit and retain top oncology clinicians and researchers.
  • Increase capacity for advanced treatments and clinical trials.
  • Provide a seamless, patient-centered “one-stop shop” experience.
  • Strengthen statewide cancer care through the Hollings Cancer Network and other partnerships.

Statewide Impact

Patients and their families will be able to access leading-edge cancer care close to home, eliminating the need for out-of-state travel for advanced treatment. The new hospital will also bring significant benefits to South Carolina by helping MUSC recruit top physicians and scientists, supporting the growth of high-value jobs in the life sciences sector, and strengthening care for rural and underserved communities. In addition, it will advance Hollings' progress toward achieving National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center designation.

From a public health standpoint, the hospital will expand access to cancer screenings, prevention programs, and clinical trials, helping improve outcomes for communities across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

The hospital will be in downtown Charleston on the corner of Ashley Avenue and Calhoun Street, adjacent to Rutledge Tower. It will be close to Hollings Cancer Center on Jonathan Lucas Street to facilitate continued collaboration between researchers, clinicians and staff.

Clinical services, radiation oncology, and the pharmacy will move to the new hospital, freeing up space for expanded cancer research laboratories in the current building.

Services currently in Rutledge Tower will transition to other locations, including a new building to be built at 334 Calhoun Street, Citadel Mall in West Ashley, Summey Medical Pavilion in North Charleston or facilities in the Summerville/Nexton area. The existing Rutledge Tower will be redeveloped into a mixed-use building.

Construction will be funded through a combination of government grants, institutional funds and private donations.

As an academic medical center, MUSC relies on close collaboration among specialists to advance research, education, and patient care. Building the new comprehensive cancer hospital on the Charleston peninsula keeps it near MUSC’s research laboratories, clinical trial teams, and expert physicians. This proximity ensures that scientific discoveries can be quickly and seamlessly translated into patient treatment.

MUSC Health and the Hollings Cancer Network continue to expand statewide to ensure that all South Carolinians have access to leading cancer research and care. The new hospital will strengthen and support these efforts.

Construction of the new comprehensive cancer hospital will temporarily affect traffic flow and parking availability on campus. MUSC is committed to minimizing disruptions by providing alternative parking options and clear signage to help guide patients and visitors during the construction period.

Given the challenges of parking and flooding in downtown Charleston, these concerns will be thoroughly evaluated and incorporated into the planning and design of the new facility, in collaboration with the City of Charleston and other key stakeholders.

As plans progress, new information will be posted on this web page and on our social media channels.