Both MD Anderson Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic are leading cancer treatment centers with strengths in different areas. MD Anderson excels in rare cancers, clinical trial volume, and demonstrated survival rates. Cleveland Clinic distinguishes itself with rapid appointment scheduling, extensive patient support services, and a high satisfaction rating for its concierge program. The best choice depends on individual patient needs and preferences.
| Attribute | MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, Texas) | Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, Ohio) |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization in specific cancer types | Experts in all types of cancer, both common and rare, with known expertise in breast cancer and rare cancers like neuroendocrine tumors. | Treats most forms of solid tumor and blood cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, GI, gynecologic, head and neck, leukemia, and lymphoma. Offers second opinions on rare cancers like pancreatic or brain cancer. Specialized programs for breast health, prostate, bladder, blood disorders, soft tissue, eye, and endocrine cancers. |
| Availability of cutting-edge treatment technologies | Offers advanced cancer care technologies, including the first medical cyclotron and operating room with a linear accelerator; developed IMRT. | At the forefront of cutting-edge medicine and research. Combines innovative treatment and diagnostic technologies with a holistic approach. Offers Varian Edge Radiosurgery Suite, robotic surgical technologies, advanced radiation therapies, and sophisticated treatment and reconstruction techniques. M42 is set to build a heavy ion therapy facility at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. |
| Success rates for various cancer treatments | Consistently achieves high survival rates across various cancer types. | Information on specific success rates for each cancer type was not found in the provided context. |
| Patient survival rates compared to national averages | Five-year survival rates are on par with or exceed national averages. | Data on specific patient survival rates compared to national averages was not found in the provided context. |
| Access to clinical trials and research programs | Conducts hundreds of clinical trials, with the highest number of cancer clinical trials in the world. | Internationally recognized research institute providing complete cancer care and advanced techniques. Offers access to a wide range of clinical trials testing new treatments, surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and new methods. Searchable clinical trials available on the Cleveland Clinic website. |
| Availability of multidisciplinary care teams | Multidisciplinary care teams collaborate on patient care plans from diagnosis through treatment. | Multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists address malignancies in virtually every part of the body. Includes medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, surgery, experienced technicians, registered oncology nurses, social workers, patient navigators, and support staff. Teams conduct weekly cancer conferences to develop personalized treatment plans. |
| Patient support services (e.g., counseling, nutrition) | Offers support groups, clinical nutrition guidance, online resources, patient advocacy, social work, and spiritual support. | Offers education and support programs for patients and their families at no charge. Includes 4th Angel Mentoring Program, art therapy, journaling, mindfulness meditation, music therapy, Reflections Wellness Program, Reiki, wig boutique, yoga, Patient Resource Center, Cancer Answer Line, patient navigation, psychotherapy, oncology nutrition, support groups, Cancer Genetics Evaluations, Cancer Mental Health Services, Care for the Care Partner Services, Financial Services, Social Work, Spiritual Care, Tobacco Cessation, Wellness and Prevention. |
| Location and accessibility for patients and families | Located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, accessible by car, public transportation, taxi, or ride-sharing services; shuttle services available. | Main campus near downtown Cleveland with 1300 staffed beds, 9 community hospitals with an additional 3300 beds, and 15 Family Health Centers in Northeast Ohio. Five-hospital regional health system spanning southeast Florida. Accessible parking, shuttle service, valet parking, and wheelchair-friendly facilities. Multiple locations including London and Abu Dhabi with varying parking and transportation options. |
| Insurance coverage and financial assistance options | Financial specialists help patients understand insurance and billing; financial assistance program available for eligible patients. | Provides Emergency Care and Medically Necessary Care on a non-profit basis. Offers financial assistance to patients who do not have the means to pay. Must be a self-pay legal resident of Ohio and income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Income Poverty Guideline. Commercially insured patients can set up payment plans. Provided $261.3 million in financial assistance to more than 100,000 patients in 2023. |
| Waiting times for appointments and treatments | Using digital tools and optimization technology to reduce wait times; Acute Cancer Care Center open 24/7 for urgent care needs. | Target is to schedule new patients within 7 days. Average time to see a patient with a new diagnosis of cancer is less than 7 days. Aims to begin treatment quickly. Time between diagnosis and treatment initiation has been reduced by 33% since launching targeted programs. |
| Physician expertise and experience | Faculty and staff include experts in all types of cancer. | Unites clinicians and researchers based in Taussig Cancer Institute and in Cleveland Clinic's 25 other clinical and special expertise institutes. More than 700 physicians, researchers, nurses and technicians care for thousands of patients each year. Recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. |
| Overall patient satisfaction ratings | Measures patient experience and uses feedback to improve care; consistently ranked among the top hospitals for cancer care. | One health plan noted a 94% member satisfaction rating with the Cancer Concierge program. High standards for care and specialty programs. Sees the design of its spaces as a key component in healing. |