Henry Ford Opens Facility to Advance Cancer Precision Medicine

January 22, 2021 - The Henry Ford Cancer Institute at Henry Ford Health System has launched the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, a facility that will include specialty clinics for 14 different types of cancer, precision medicine treatments, clinical trials, and supportive services.

The new pavilion was made possible by a gift from Mort Harris, a Detroit philanthropist and businessman who donated $20 million to Henry Ford Health System in 2016 in honor of his late wife Brigitte. The $20 million gift was in addition to a separate $20 million gift from Harris to support Henry Ford’s precision medicine, brain cancer, and pancreatic cancer programs.

"The opening of the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion marks the beginning of a new era in cancer care," said Wright Lassiter, III, President and CEO of Henry Ford Health System.

"This investment is a testament to decades of cancer care innovation at Henry Ford Hospital, where we've developed and delivered first in the world care. The pavilion brings this innovation to new levels, serving as a global destination for cancer care, with our other System cancer sites working together to create one elite team for each patient." 

The pavilion will feature one integrated team to ensure patients have access to the latest advances in cancer treatments and research for a seamless care experience.

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"This new Henry Ford Cancer Institute location in Detroit provides the ideal environment for our clinicians and team members to deliver the best in patient-centered care in a warm and embracing setting," said Adnan Munkarah, MD, Chief Clinical Officer of Henry Ford Health System.

"Those who are battling cancer will have access to the most innovative therapies and clinical trials delivered by one of the best teams in the world – whether that level of care is being delivered at the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion or in partnership with one of our many other Henry Ford Cancer Institute locations."

Patients who receive care at the new pavilion will have access to precision medicine and customized treatments based on their unique genomic profiles and lifestyle factors.

"This is a transcendent moment in the fight against cancer," said Steven Kalkanis, MD, CEO of Henry Ford Medical Group and Chief Academic Officer of Henry Ford Health System.

"At a time when our society has endured extraordinary challenges, the opening of this new Henry Ford Cancer Institute location in Detroit is a beacon of hope in the lives of everyone affected by this disease. The pavilion provides the facilities and resources required for our dedicated researchers and clinicians to push the boundaries of modern medicine that will allow us to detect cancer earlier and treat it more effectively than ever before."

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Other key features of the cancer pavilion will include an infusion center, stem cell transplant and cellular therapy clinic, and a radiation oncology clinic and treatment center.

"Henry Ford Cancer Institute is the first and most comprehensive in Michigan to offer integrated genomic testing and treatment expertise to all cancer patients. Precision medicine is just one of the ways we ensure that care is tailored to each unique patient,” said David Kwon, MD, Physician in Charge at Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion. 

"The pavilion also offers 14 clinics where patients see the medical, radiation and surgical oncologists, along with other specialists who specialize in their specific type of cancer. It is the expertise of our collective team – paired with the most advanced treatment options and an innovative healing environment – that strengthens our patients on their journey and gives them hope."

The Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion was also designed with input from cancer patients, survivors, and their families, featuring several quiet meditation spaces for a comfortable and calming experience.

"Our new cancer pavilion is designed to deliver an exceptional care experience surrounded by compassion, comfort, innovation and hope," said Madelyn Van Tassel, Interim Vice President and Executive Director of Henry Ford Cancer Institute.

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"A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most difficult and frightening moments in a person's life. Our care teams are committed to guiding each patient through their unique journey and recognize that every interaction is an opportunity to support our patients' wellbeing."

The new cancer pavilion is central to the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, an organization that includes more than 1,450 cancer care experts at five hospitals, 11 outpatient facilities, and hundreds of aligned doctor’s offices throughout Southeast and Southcentral Michigan. The new facility will further advance Henry Ford Health System’s precision medicine treatment options.

"At the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, we are committed to providing care as one team, regardless of the site of care. This new pavilion serves as the anchor to our commitment," said Benjamin Movsas, MD, Interim Medical Director and Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Cancer Institute.

"Everything about the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, from the advanced treatment options offered to the sunrays shining through the building's windows, symbolizes hope for our cancer patients and their families in this supportive and compassionate environment of expert patient-centered care."