10 Best Cancer Hospitals in the World

Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to cure, but there are 10 best cancer hospitals in the world that can provide patients with the latest, cutting-edge treatments. Not only that, but they also give the most optimal patient care that greatly influence their patients’ recovery.

Always deemed incurable, doctors and scientists are discovering new ways to treat cancer. Immunotherapy is one of them. It is a way of supercharging the immune system, according to Dr. Lynn M. Schuchter, chief of hematology/oncology at the University of Pennsylvania.

The World Health Organization has identified cancer as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are around 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2012, and the new cases are expected to increase by approximately 70% over the next two decades.

Having said that, it is imperative that if you have a loved one with cancer, he or she should be treated in one of the best cancer hospitals we have collated here. A valuable reference that’s related to this list is the 11 Best Surgical Hospitals in the World. Since cancer and surgery often go hand in hand, it would be good to go through both lists.

We curated this list of best cancer hospitals in the world from many sources, including US NewsWorldReport,  Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration, and CancerWorld. Wherever you are around the world, there is a leading cancer hospital that can give you the best treatment! Let’s go through them one by one.

10. Peter Maccallum Health Centre, Australia

Situated in Victoria, Australia, the Peter Maccallum Health Centre is the first public hospital in Australia that is solely dedicated to cancer patients. With more than 2,500 healthcare staff including over 580 clinical and laboratory researchers, Peter Mac is focused on providing better care, better treatments, and potential cures for cancer. The institution moved to a brand new building last June 2016 with state-of-the-art facilities and an imposing 80,000 square feet of research space.

Peter Mac ranks 10th in our list of best cancer hospitals in the world, and it is known for providing 24-hour on-site pathology services, apheresis hematology treatments, genetic testing, digital mammography, and having a Breast Tomosynthesis Unit with biopsy capabilities. The hospital has five centers in Victoria namely in Melbourne, Box Hill, Bendigo, Moorabbin, and Sunshine.

9. Oslo Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Norway

At the heart of Oslo, Norway lies a high-tech cancer research facility that ranks 9th in our list of best cancer hospitals in the world. Located at the Oslo University Hospital, the Oslo Comprehensive Cancer Centre has more than 320 employees and seven research departments in its Institute for Cancer Research. Founded in 1954, the center boasts of its strong researches in the fields of biochemistry, cell and tumor biology, genetics, radiation biology, immunology, and cancer prevention. During the first half of 2016, six researchers from the Center were granted awards for their outstanding work and were given funding to continue their research.

Some of their cutting-edge cancer technology include flow cytometry and pre-clinical imaging, advanced imaging with confocal microscopy, superresolution capabilities, electron microscopy, stem-cell based tumor therapy, genomics sequencing facility, and bioinformatics research.

8. Institut Gustave Roussy, France

Located in Villejuif, France, the Institut Gustave Roussy is known as the premier European Cancer Centre. Innovation is at the core of this institution, leveraging scientific and technological advancements in the treatment of cancer. It was founded by Professor Gustave Roussy, the founding father of the cross-boundary working concepts and multidisciplinary patient management. The hospital’s approach to oncology is founded on Roussy’s values—innovation, dynamism, cooperation, and benevolence. It is also anchored on its three guiding principles namely patient care, research, and teaching.

The Institute ranks 8th in our list of best cancer hospitals in the world. It specializes in rare cancers and complex tumors. Some of their ground-breaking researches and treatments include DNA repair, surgical radiology, molecular medicine, and anti-tumor immunology. It is also the home of translational research which helps doctors draw on research when developing treatment protocols.

7. Netherlands Cancer Institute, The Netherlands

Established in 1913, the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) has been treating cancer patients for 103 years. With 650 scientists on board along with 185 specialists, this institute is no doubt one of the 10 best cancer hospitals in the world. It is the only hospital in the Netherlands solely dedicated for cancer.

Some of its leading technologies in cancer treatment include a carcinogen lab, biostatistics center, flow cytometry center, genomics core facility, and molecular pathology. Just this month, the Institute has discovered a new drug that is effective for ovarian cancer that doesn’t respond to chemotherapy! The AZD1775 was revealed by professor Dr. Jan Schellens of NKI, who conducted the clinical trials.

6. Spanish National Cancer Research Center, Spain

Located in Madrid, Spain, the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO) that ranks 6th in our list of best cancer hospitals in the world is known for applying technologically advanced treatments for cancer patients. The institute’s goal is “to foster translation of scientific breakthroughs into novel and more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.” The hospital is living up to its mission with its cutting-edge technology and clinical trials with programs specializing in molecular oncology, experimental therapeutics, and human cancer genetics.

The Spanish National Cancer Research Center is known for its advanced technologies including structural biology and biocomputing, cytogenetics, DNA sequencing, advanced histopathology processing, pediatric tumor treatment, and human cancer genetics.

5. Roswell Park Cancer Institute, The US

The Roswell Park Cancer Institute ranks 5th in our list of best cancer hospitals in the world. It is the country’s first cancer center. Founded in 1898, the center takes pride in its multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer. The institute was built on the vision of eminent surgeon Dr. Roswell Park who rightfully predicted that cancer would become the leading cause of death in the U.S. and around the world. The center is known for its Quality Improvement Program that aims to provide “high-quality, cost-effective patient care, while preserving and enhancing the dignity, humanity, and knowledge of the patients served.”

The Institute is launching the first clinical trial in the U.S. for a lung cancer treatment called CIMAvax-EGF® vaccine. Some of its advanced cancer technologies include balloon kyphoplasty, electro nerve stimulation, interventional radiology, photodynamic therapy advanced endoscopy, interventional pulmonology, and nuclear medicine.

4. Abramson Cancer Center, The US

Located at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the Abramson Cancer Center ranks 4th in our list of best cancer hospitals in the world. It is known for its innovation, cutting-edge technology, and translational medicine. It has one of the biggest clinical trial programs in the U.S. The Center has been named as “Translational Centers of Excellence” for lung, breast, blood, and pancreatic cancers. Translational medicine is the process of translating research-based medical discoveries into a cure. It was named a Comprehensive Cancer Center in by the National Cancer Institute in 1973 and has maintained that premier status ever since.

The Abramson Cancer Center is home to over 400 basic, translational, and clinical scientists who work tirelessly to find out the pathogenesis of cancer. Some of its advanced technologies include HIV oncology program, bone marrow and stem cell transplant program, melanoma and pigmented lesion program, GI cancer program, cancer risk evaluation program, largest Proton Therapy Center, genitourinary cancer program, immunotherapy, and telegenic program.

3. Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The US

Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the Johns Hopkins Hospital Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the premier cancer facilities in the U.S. It can accommodate more than 980 patients and has more than 46,600 admissions yearly. Johns Hopkins is synonymous with excellent patient care and research, and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is a testament to that. Established in 1973, the center is a world leader in deciphering the mechanisms of cancer and discovering new ways to treat it. It was one of the first institutions to earn the status Comprehensive Cancer Center and recognized as a Center of Excellence.

The center has a wide spectrum of specialty programs for adults and children with cancer. It has a Cancer Counselling Center, palliative care programs, and a patient-family suite for those traveling from different states or countries. The center is also known for its Art of Healing program, merging technology to heal the body and a nurturing environment to heal the human spirit. Among the hospital’s advanced treatments are cell cycle regulation, robot-assisted cancer surgeries, DNA repair, signal transduction, plasmapheresis, immunology, stem cell transplants, and melanoma vaccine research. The facility is also known for being the leader in genetic cancer research. And now, let’s see the top two best cancer hospitals in the world.

2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The US

Located in New York City, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ranks secnd in our lst of best cancer hospitals in the world. It is one of the leading cancer hospitals in the country. It can accommodate more than 470 patients with over 24,000 admissions yearly. It was established in 1884 and was then known as New York Cancer Hospital. Memorial Sloan is known as the world’s oldest and largest private cancer center, treating patients for over 130 years.

The strength of this hospital is their exceptional patient care, innovative research, and outstanding educational programs. They provide genetic counseling and psychological support to their cancer patients. Some of their leading cancer treatments include robot-assisted surgery, minimal access surgery, intraoperative radiation therapy, artemis intraoperative imaging technology, and immune checkpoint blockade therapy.

1. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, The US

Recognized as the number one cancer hospital in the world, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has a laser-focused mission to eliminate cancer in Texas, the country, and the world. It was established in 1941 by Monroe Dunaway Anderson, a banker and cotton trader who left a substantial amount of money for healthcare. This was then awarded to the University of Texas to build a hospital for cancer research and treatment.

MD Anderson Cancer Center can accommodate more than 600 cancer patients with over 26,000 admissions yearly. Some of their ground-breaking cancer treatments include laser proton therapy, interstitial thermal therapy, stem cell transplant, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The hospital also has leading chemotherapy treatments such as angiogenesis inhibitors, gene therapy, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and immunotherapy.

These 10 best cancer hospitals in the world are committed to finding a cure for cancer while giving the best patient care. Their doctors and medical staff are devoting their lives to making sure that cancer will soon be a curable disease. With all the successful clinical trials and ever progressing medical technology, we are positive that we will get to a point when cancer will no longer be a threat to our lives.