New Jersey’s First Freestanding Cancer Hospital Opens in New Brunswick

In a historic milestone for cancer care in New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute have opened the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center—the state’s first and only freestanding, comprehensive cancer hospital. Located in New Brunswick, the 12-story facility integrates cutting-edge cancer research, advanced treatment, and coordinated patient-centered care under one roof.1

Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center | Image credit: RWJBarnabas Health

“While New Jersey has long been a nationwide leader in the delivery of outstanding, world-class cancer care, patients in the region have previously needed to visit nearby New York or Philadelphia to access comprehensive inpatient cancer treatment,” said Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, William N. Hait director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and senior vice president of oncology services, RWJBarnabas Health, in a statement. “With the opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute will offer expanded specialized services including the latest technology, innovative clinical trials, cellular therapies, and sophisticated radiation therapy techniques close to home.”

For decades, New Jersey residents diagnosed with cancer faced the burden of traveling out of state—either to New York City or Philadelphia—for specialized care.2 But that is changing. With one of the highest cancer incidence rates in the nation, New Jersey has made significant investments to bring high-quality cancer care closer to home. Designed with direct input from clinicians, patients, and caregivers, the center reflects a shift in how cancer care is delivered, placing convenience, collaboration, and compassion at the forefront. Rutgers Cancer Institute is the state’s only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center | Image credit: RWJBarnabas Health

“The opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center marks another significant advancement in our ability to deliver world-class cancer care,” Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.1 “As the first and only freestanding cancer hospital in New Jersey, this center represents a powerful investment in the health and well-being of our neighbors who are battling cancer. It also underscores our state’s commitment to leading in innovation and discovery within the health care field. This partnership between RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute will support patients, accelerate breakthroughs, and save lives across the Garden State, making a true difference in our collective fight against cancer.”

The Morris Cancer Center features 96 inpatient beds, a dedicated floor of surgical and procedure rooms, 88 infusion bays and 80 exam rooms for adult and pediatric outpatient care, a “Jersey Shore” themed clinic space for pediatric patients, advanced radiation oncology and diagnostics, an onsite pharmacy, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities that support an additional 10 research teams, infrastructure dedicated to the latest innovative clinical trials, and patient amenities to promote whole-body healing.

Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center | Image credit: RWJBarnabas Health

“Cancer is a journey no one should face alone—or far from home,” Jack Morris, chairman of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Board of Directors, said in a statement. “It is an honor to be part of a center that is truly transforming lives.”

Inpatient care at the center will begin late in the summer of 2025. Additionally, the Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston is expected to open in the fall, as well as the Specialty and Cancer Care Center at the Vogel Medical Campus in Tinton Falls, scheduled to open next year.

References

1. RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers Cancer Institute celebrate opening of New Jersey’s first and only freestanding cancer hospital. News release. Rutgers. May 13, 2025. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rwjbarnabas-health-rutgers-cancer-institute-celebrate-opening-new-jerseys-first-and-only

2. Caffrey M. Building a patient-centered cancer center from the ground up. AJMC®. October 13, 2021. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/building-a-patient-centered-cancer-center-from-the-ground-up