Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center: 15 years of care, discovery and community

9/1/2026

September 2026 marks a defining moment for cancer care across the Southwest — the 15th anniversary of the opening of Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, the first partner to join MD Anderson Cancer Center's national network of hospitals and health systems dedicated to advancing MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer. What began in September 2011 as a pioneering partnership between Banner Health and MD Anderson has grown into one of the region's most powerful forces in cancer care, research, education, and prevention — fundamentally changing what is possible for patients across Arizona and Northern Colorado.

A partnership that changed everything

When Banner MD Anderson first opened its doors on the Banner Gateway Medical Center campus in Gilbert, Arizona, it marked a historic moment — not just for Banner Health, but for the entire region. The collaboration unites Banner Health's expansive, nonprofit health care system with MD Anderson's world-renowned expertise, ensuring that patients in Arizona and across the Southwest can access the very best in cancer care.

From the very beginning, the community rallied around this vision. The Banner Health Foundation played a crucial role in raising charitable funds for the facility's opening, and in the 15 years since, nearly 9,000 generous donors have given a collective $63 million. Those gifts have made a profound and tangible difference — supporting patient care programs, financial and housing assistance, integrative oncology programs, supportive services, research initiatives, and the establishment of the T.W. Lewis Melanoma Center of Excellence and the Carol Fitzgerald Breast Health Center, among many others. In turn, Banner MD Anderson has remained deeply committed to meeting community members where they are, ensuring that life-saving cancer screenings and treatments are accessible to all who need them.

Innovations that are rewriting the future of cancer care

The past year alone has brought a remarkable wave of breakthroughs at Banner MD Anderson — advances that are not only improving outcomes today but setting a new standard for cancer care tomorrow.

A first for Arizona in prostate cancer treatment

Banner MD Anderson recently became the first hospital system in Arizona to introduce the Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation (TULSA) procedure — a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment that uses high temperatures to precisely destroy prostate cancer cells. Performed in a single session under general anesthesia, with no radiation and no hospital stay required, TULSA offers select non-metastatic prostate cancer patients a compelling new option. The procedure can also be used to treat benign prostate enlargement, broadening its impact even further.

Revolutionizing breast surgery

Banner MD Anderson is also at the forefront of a transformative advancement in breast cancer surgery. The advanced single-port robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy — now being performed at Banner MD Anderson — offers patients more discreet incisions and superior cosmetic preservation compared to traditional mastectomy. With precisely placed, minimal incisions often hidden within the axillary fold, patients experience reduced scarring, faster healing, and greater confidence in life after cancer.

This remarkable procedure is performed by Brittany Murphy, MD, a surgical oncologist at Banner MD Anderson and one of only 13 breast oncologists trained nationally to perform this advanced technique. “That Banner MD Anderson patients have access to her expertise is a testament to the caliber of care this institution delivers every single day,” says Matthew Callister, MD, Senior Physician Executive for Banner MD Anderson.

Groundbreaking research making national headlines

Banner Health's $80.5 million research enterprise continues to position Arizona as a national hub for medical innovation. Operating 1,300 clinical and translational studies across oncology, neuroscience, cardiology, and orthopedics, Banner is delivering breakthrough treatments to local patients — often years before they reach the broader market.

Among the most exciting oncology milestones:

• Targeting Solid Tumors — Banner MD Anderson clinicians have developed new methods to reach solid tumors and deliver targeted therapies, making cancers more responsive to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy — opening new doors for patients with previously limited options.

• A Global Trial Making History — Banner MD Anderson is leading Arizona's participation in a global clinical trial testing targeted therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer — a trial so significant it was named by Nature Medicine as one of "11 Clinical Trials that Will Shape Medicine in 2026."

The Banner Ball 2026: An evening that advances the mission

On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Banner Health Foundation's signature annual fundraising gala — The Banner Ball — will bring together our community's most dedicated supporters for an evening of elegance, inspiration, and connection at the iconic Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.

This black-tie affair is co-chaired by Betsy Roudi and Jo Van Denburgh, who are leading an all-star Host Committee in planning a beautiful and meaningful evening — with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center locations in Arizona as the direct beneficiary.

Funds raised at The Banner Ball 2026 will directly advance:

• Diagnostic imaging and cutting-edge technology that enables earlier, more accurate detection
• Clinical trials bringing promising new treatments to Arizona patients ahead of the broader market
• Community outreach and education programs that ensure all community members have access to cancer screening and prevention resources
• Supportive programming for patients, caregivers, and survivors — because healing extends far beyond the treatment room

As we celebrate 15 years of partnership, progress and possibility, The Banner Ball is your opportunity to be part of the next chapter — to invest in the research, technology and compassionate care that will define the next 15 years at Banner MD Anderson.

Join us — Reserve your place at the table

We warmly invite you to celebrate this milestone anniversary and support the life-changing work of Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Purchase tickets, tables and sponsorships

Learn more about Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center

Learn more about Banner Research and the 2025 Milestones in Research report