Michigan Cancer Center Treats Record 15,754 Patients in 2025

When a cancer center grows this fast, it means thousands more families are getting the care they desperately need.

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit treated 15,754 new cancer cases in fiscal year 2025, the most in its 40-plus year history. Since 2020, the National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center has seen a 47% increase in patients seeking its specialized care.

The growth reflects smart investments in both facilities and innovation. Karmanos has expanded to 17 locations across Michigan, adding nearly 128,000 square feet of new clinical space in cities like Bay City, Flint, Lansing, and Petoskey. A $48 million expansion in Farmington Hills opened in 2022, followed by new outpatient centers in Dearborn and Roseville.

But it's not just about bigger buildings. Karmanos recruited 43 top scientists and clinicians since 2020, bringing world-class expertise closer to home. The Institute invests more than $60 million annually in cancer research and opened 609 clinical trials between 2020 and 2025, enrolling over 2,700 patients in cutting-edge treatment studies.

Some of these innovations are truly groundbreaking. Karmanos became the first cancer center in the world to offer the TheraBionic P-1 device, an FDA-approved treatment using radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to fight liver cancer. They also pioneered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy for melanoma patients in Michigan and were the first freestanding cancer center nationwide to provide gene therapy for hemophilia B, eliminating the need for lifelong weekly infusions.

The Ripple Effect spreads far beyond Michigan's borders. Patients from 39 states and multiple countries now seek treatment at Karmanos, drawn by its reputation for combining compassionate care with scientific innovation. Through its Community Outreach and Engagement program, the Institute brings cancer education, screening, and prevention directly into neighborhoods, empowering people to advocate for their own health.

"This phenomenal level of growth reflects the strength of our science, the compassion of our care and the growing recognition of Karmanos as a destination for comprehensive cancer treatment," said Dr. Boris Pasche, president and CEO.

The Second Opinion program helps patients understand their options at critical decision points, while annual Screening Saves Lives events address gaps in preventive care. By meeting people where they are, Karmanos catches cancer earlier when it's most treatable.

Nearly 16,000 families found hope in 2025, and the numbers keep growing.