Both MD Anderson Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic are leading institutions in cancer care, offering specialized treatments, advanced technologies, and comprehensive support services. MD Anderson stands out with its consistent #1 ranking and high volume of clinical trials, while Mayo Clinic excels in integrating data science and AI into its research and clinical practices. The choice between the two may depend on specific cancer types, treatment preferences, and individual needs.
| Attribute | MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) | Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization in specific cancer types | Specializes in all types of cancer, particularly complex and rare cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. Also focuses on breast, colorectal, skin, endocrine, thoracic, neurologic, genitourinary, and gynecologic cancers. | Expertise in treating virtually every cancer, including rare or complex cancers. Specializes in mesothelioma, lung cancer, breast cancer, gynecologic cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, endocrine cancers, melanoma, and cancers affecting adolescents and young adults. |
| Availability of clinical trials | Has the highest number of cancer clinical trials in the world. In 2023, contributed to the development of 25 of the 43 new cancer drugs approved by the FDA. | Offers hundreds of cancer clinical trials across all sites, from early phase I through phase III. Trials available for breast cancer, hematologic malignancies, and solid tumors. |
| Use of advanced treatment technologies (e.g., proton therapy, immunotherapy) | Offers cutting-edge technology for gene sequencing and advanced radiation options like proton therapy. Pioneered standardized radiation physics. | Utilizes the latest in mesothelioma treatments. Offers proton beam therapy (largest center in the U.S.), CAR-T Cell therapy, nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals, targeted oncology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, and various surgical techniques. |
| Patient survival rates for specific cancers | Demonstrated efficacy of lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy in breast cancer treatment. Reviews show increases in five and 10-year survival at every stage of breast cancer. | For cancer of unknown primary site (CUP): NEN (51 months), SCC (34 months), carcinomas NOS (18 months), adenocarcinomas (11 months). For advanced pancreatic cancer (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery): average survival time of 58.8 months. |
| Waiting times for appointments and treatments | Offers two ways to request your appointment either Online through the appointment request form or by Phone by askMDAnderson at 866-517-2731 option 2, and a health information specialist will begin the appointment process by phone. | Not available |
| Insurance coverage and financial assistance options | Financial specialists help patients understand insurance and billing. A financial assistance program provides coverage for cancer patients meeting residency and financial eligibility requirements. | Provides financial counseling, estimates of costs, and information on insurance coverage. Offers financial assistance based on household income and assets. Collaborates with Elevate Patient Financial Solutions for free financial advocacy. |
| Availability of second opinion services | Provides second opinion services on pathology samples. A written report of findings can be supplied 48 hours after receiving pathology samples. Second opinion appointments are treated like standard new patient appointments. | Second opinions available without a referral. 88% of patients receive a new or refined diagnosis. |
| Accessibility and location convenience | Located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston. Accessible via major highways, public transportation (METRO bus and METRORail), and airports (George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. P. Hobby Airport). | Accessible via major highways, with parking options. Free shuttle between downtown campus and Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus. Handicapped-accessible parking and restrooms available. Patient escorts provided. |
| Quality of patient support services (e.g., counseling, nutrition) | Offers counseling, nutritional guidance, social work, and spiritual care. Also offers resources like online support, patient advocacy, and patient education. | Offers services and resources for patients and caregivers, including emotional and social support, financial assistance for lodging, palliative care consultations, and patient and visitor support services. |
| Physician expertise and experience | Has over 400 faculty members. Offers a vast number of medical residency and fellowship programs across a comprehensive range of specialties in cancer treatment, diagnostics, and complex surgery. | Cancer specialists are among the most experienced in the world. Hematology and oncology staff includes over 100 members. |
| Integration of research and clinical care | Integrates basic, translational, and clinical researchers. Includes the Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy and the Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research. | Integrates data science, predictive modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI) into cancer care and research. Translates research findings into improved methods for cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. |
| Overall patient satisfaction ratings | Consistently ranked #1 among the best hospitals for cancer care and research in the U.S. and worldwide. | Ranked as a top hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, with cancer care ranked as the best in the state. |