Both MD Anderson Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic are excellent choices for cancer care, offering specialized expertise, advanced treatments, and patient support. MD Anderson stands out for its exclusive focus on cancer and high patient satisfaction ratings, while Mayo Clinic is recognized for its comprehensive approach and innovative research. The best choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the patient.
| Attribute | MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) | Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization in specific cancer types | Specializes exclusively in cancer and related disorders, treating both common and rare cancers. Experts in all types of cancer, including leukemia, lung cancer, lymphoma, bile duct cancer, bone cancer, brain tumors, breast cancer, laryngeal cancer, and liver cancer. | Diagnosis and treatment for common, rare, and complex cancers, including cancers of the blood, breast, colon, lung, and pancreas. |
| Availability of clinical trials | One of the world's largest clinical trials programs, covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Home to the highest number of cancer clinical trials in the world as of 2023. | Conducts hundreds of clinical trials in all phases of research. |
| Use of advanced treatment technologies (e.g., proton therapy, robotic surgery) | Offers advanced treatment technologies, including proton therapy at its Proton Therapy Center. Known for personalized cancer care, using tumor biopsies to identify abnormal genes and target them with specific treatments. | Proton beam therapy, CAR-T Cell Therapy Program with on-site biomanufacturing, advanced genetic testing, artificial intelligence (AI), radiotherapy, intra-operative radiotherapy, brachytherapy, 3D radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and carbon ion therapy (expected in 2028). |
| Patient support services (e.g., counseling, support groups) | Offers a range of support services, including social work, support groups, spiritual care, and patient advocacy. Provides resources for children and teens, as well as online resources and patient education materials. | Patient navigators, integrative oncology, social workers, travel support, cancer survivorship clinics, and Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program. |
| Accessibility for out-of-state/international patients | Attracts patients from Texas, the nation, and the world. The International Center assists international patients with travel arrangements, visas, and translation services. Patient Travel Services can help with travel and lodging reservations, offering discounts to patients and their companions. | Campuses in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota, travel support, patient visitor guides, international appointment offices, and language services. |
| Physician expertise and experience | Has more than 400 faculty members. Affiliated with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Baylor College of Medicine. | Large and experienced practice with experts in various cancer types and a collaborative model. |
| Success rates for specific cancer treatments | Known for research-driven patient care and offers effective approaches to cancer treatment and chemoprevention. | Aggressive treatment combining IMRT with chemotherapy has increased survival in patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer. A pre-surgery treatment plan may help extend life for advanced pancreatic cancer patients. |
| Insurance coverage and financial assistance options | Patient Business Services and Financial Clearance Center can help patients understand insurance and billing processes. Financial specialists are available to help patients navigate healthcare costs and explore payment plans or financial assistance programs. | Works with many insurance companies, offers charitable care and financial assistance policies, collaborates with Elevate Patient Financial Solutions. |
| Waiting times for appointments and treatments | The length of time before the first appointment varies depending on the diagnosis. On average, patients may wait 10 days to be seen by a doctor. | Depend on medical need and the practice area. Appointment coordinators work to schedule appointments as soon as possible. |
| Facility amenities and comfort | Offers a range of services and amenities to make patients' and loved ones' time more comfortable, including information centers, language assistance, laundry facilities, postal services, and security. Provides free wireless internet access, telephones, and television programming in patient rooms. | Hospitality houses that provide lodging. |
| Research and innovation contributions | One of the original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Act of 1971. Innovates cancer care through programs that integrate patient care, research, prevention, and education. | National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, innovative research, data science, predictive modeling, AI, multiple research programs and SPORE grants. |
| Overall patient satisfaction ratings | Survey results from June 2024 through May 2025 show that 90% of patients who responded rated MD Anderson as a 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale, and 92% would "definitely" recommend the hospital to family and friends. For outpatient clinics, 94% of patients who responded rated their provider as a 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale, and 96% would "definitely" recommend their provider's office to family and friends. | Recognized for high-quality patient care. |