Becker’s Hospital Review recognized the UAB O’Neal Cancer Center on its 2026 list of “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs.” This annual list honors national leaders in cancer prevention, treatment, research, and innovation.

In its report, Becker’s noted the O’Neal Cancer Center’s significant regional and national impact as Alabama’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center and the only one in a four-state region. The center brings together over 500 physicians, scientists, and staff to provide care for some 20,000 patients annually across every major cancer specialty.

Becker’s highlighted several program strengths, including:

• Expanded access to care – Unique patient volume grew from 9,000 in fiscal year 2018 to more than 11,579 in fiscal year 2025. Infusion services at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital increased 53% over five years, with expanded weekend hours and Sunday infusion service that began in fiscal year 2026.
• Major growth in clinical research – The center enrolled 523 patients in clinical trials during calendar year 2025. Since 2020, it has nearly doubled its clinical trials faculty and increased enrollment by 50%. The center has more than 200 active oncology studies, supported by $60.1 million in research funding.
• Research translated into new treatments – The center contributed to advances in treating leptomeningeal metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer and played a leading role in the MajesTEC-3 trial, which led to FDA approval of a new therapy for multiple myeloma.
• Advanced treatment options – As a designated Center of Excellence for cellular therapy, UAB has performed more than 500 CAR T-cell treatments. Also, the center expanded access to various treatment options, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy and percutaneous hepatic perfusion.
• Nationally recognized quality – The center was the first program in Alabama to earn designations from both the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer.

This recognition from Becker’s places the O’Neal Cancer Center among a select group of institutions that are transforming the future of cancer care. It also reflects UAB Medicine’s commitment to ensuring that patients across Alabama and the region have access to leading-edge treatment options.