UT Health RGV will build a new cancer and surgery center in McAllen, the university announced Thursday. 

Construction on the 100,000 sq. ft. center will begin in Spring 2022 with completion expected in Spring 2024. 

The center will provide clinical services and research in medical, radiation and surgical oncology, as well as outpatient surgery and imaging spaces. 

“Unfortunately, most everyone has had a family member or friend who has been affected by cancer,” said Dr. Michael Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine. “Soon, we’ll have a center in our backyard that will provide first-rate cancer care from diagnosis through treatment. The complex also will provide more opportunities to expand the important cancer research already being conducted by our School of Medicine.”

The center is part of phase one development for UTRGV's McAllen Academic Medical Campus on newly acquired acres located on the south side of Pecan Boulevard between Jackson and McColl roads. 

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will provide oncology advisory services in the following areas:

• Cancer program clinical operations.
• Recruitment of key physicians and staff in the areas of medical, radiation and surgical oncology.
• Virtual care services including disease site consultations, tumor boards, second opinion and virtual support.
• Multidisciplinary clinical planning.
• Space, facilities and equipment programming and design.
• Education for patients and staff.