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University of New Mexico Cancer Center

Contact Information

1201 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 272-4946

Affiliated Doctors

Dr. Claire F Verschraegen

The University of New Mexico Cancer Center is located in Albuquerque, and is part of the network of University of New Mexico Hospitals. It was opened in 1972 as part of a Research and Public Project for the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and has since been named one of the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Centers. Due to a large volume of patients needing treatment, plans for a 206,000 square foot addition began in 2003. Made possible through state tax funding and grants, the Treatment and Clinical Research Facility’s groundbreaking took place on May 15, 2007. The Cancer Center also has a 120,000 square foot wet laboratory, offering space for 120 scientists to conduct innovative cancer research.

Since its inception, the UNM Cancer Center has received a number of prestigious recognitions and awards. In 2003, it was given the honor of The Official Cancer Center of New Mexico by state legislature. The National Cancer Institute added the Cancer Center to its list of Cancer Centers in 2005, a title held only by 25 institutions nationally. In 2006, it was named one of America’s Best Cancer Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

Approximately 35 percent of patients at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center participate in the center’s clinical trials – a number that far exceeds the national average of 3%. Thanks to the 85 physicians specializing in various forms of oncology, there are about 300 clinical trials available for patient participation at any given time.

Trials are not the only research projects that occur at the Cancer Center. There are four designated areas of research at the facility: cancer population science, cancer biology and biotechnology, hematologic malignancies, and women’s cancers. Cancer population science researches social and environmental factors in cancer, such as asbestos exposure in patients with mesothelioma; cancer biology and biotechnology seeks to uncover specific genetic mechanisms of oncology; hematologic malignancies explores bone marrow and blood cancers, and the women’s cancer research department investigates contributing factors unique to women’s oncology.

Patient care and support is an integral part of the University of New Mexico Cancer Center’s mission. Forms of treatment vary with each patient’s type of cancer and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical intervention. Each patient has his or her own “team” of medical professionals dedicated to the care and treatment of the individual. In addition to various forms of treatment, those seeking care at the Cancer Center have access to genetic testing, diagnostic imaging, an in-house laboratory, and a pharmacy fully staffed with licensed pharmacists.

Support services help meet all the needs of patients and their families within the Cancer Center. A nutritionist specializing in oncology nutrition suggests to patients recipes, meal tips, advice on side effects that influence eating, and how to stay properly hydrated. Pastoral counseling with a chaplain is available for patients with spiritual needs. General counselors and social workers are also on hand for families and individuals in need of advice, assistance, or just general support.

Support programs such as art therapy, meditative groups, and cancer-specific support sessions are all offered through the center. In addition, the American Cancer Society has partnered with the University of New Mexico Cancer Center in the Look Good...Feel Better for Women program, as well as Patient Navigation. The women’s program provides head coverings, wigs, makeup kits, and general beauty advice. Patient Navigation is a support service for all affected persons and their families, offering resources in lodging, transportation, general cancer information, and aid in finding legal and financial help. The center also has data available on a number of outside support groups and services.