Simmons Cancer Institute

History of Simmons Cancer Institute

The Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) opened in 2001 as part of Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois. Its mission is to expand access to personalized cancer care, infusion services and diagnostic testing for patients across central and southern Illinois.

Since moving into its dedicated facility in 2010, SCI has provided comprehensive hematology and oncology services, including mesothelioma care. Consolidating its programs into a single facility improved patient access to advanced diagnostic tools and integrated treatment options. Today, SCI’s team of about 55 providers treats approximately 1,750 patients each month.

SCI has also built a robust research program, with investigators securing more than $14 million in external grant funding. This research spans multiple areas, including molecular oncology, immunotherapy, cancer biology and health disparities. Many physician faculty members also lead clinical trials, offering patients access to new therapies as they become available.

SCI continues to study how cancer cells grow and spread at the cellular and molecular level. Its researchers hope to find new biomarkers that help detect cancer earlier, create more effective treatments and improve cancer prevention. SCI also partners with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and community research groups to advance cancer care.

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Mesothelioma Care at Simmons Cancer Institute

Simmons Cancer Institute offers multimodal mesothelioma care. A collaborative team of specialists in surgery, oncology, radiology, genetics, therapy and nursing guides each patient’s treatment plan.

SCI’s surgeons are experienced in advanced thoracic procedures for pleural mesothelioma. These options are part of a broader individualized treatment strategy that may also include chemotherapy, radiation and supportive care.

Simmons Cancer Institute Specializations

• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Esophageal cancer
• Infusion services
• Lung cancer
• Lung volume reduction surgeries
• Radiation therapy
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy
• Surgical oncology
• Thoracic surgery
• Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Simmons Cancer Institute Accreditations

• National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers by the American College of Surgeons

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Patient and Family Services at Simmons Cancer Institute

Simmons Cancer Institute provides various support resources for patients and their families. For example, its Side-by-side Wellness Program offers yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, qigong and exercise classes tailored to cancer patients. Other services available at SCI include dietary and nutrition counseling, support groups and a wig salon.

Patient and Family Services in the Springfield Area

SCI is located in Springfield, Illinois, the state’s seventh-largest city. Patients and their families in the area for mesothelioma treatment have access to several offsite services, including cancer support groups, hospice care, non-emergency transportation, oxygen supplies and pain clinics.