The University of Kansas Health System, the University of Kansas Medical Center, Children’s Mercy, and BAMF Health have announced plans to create a fully integrated theranostics research and treatment center in Kansas City. The initiative aims to combine advanced research, diagnostics, and targeted treatments for both adult and pediatric patients within a single facility.
Theranostics is a precision medicine technique that uses radiopharmaceuticals to locate and treat diseases by delivering radiation directly to affected cells. This approach can minimize harm to healthy tissue and reduce side effects compared to traditional methods.
The collaboration between these public and private organizations will allow them to offer theranostics research and therapies for adults and children in the region. Bob Page, president and CEO of The University of Kansas Health System, stated: “Theranostics is the next forefront of precision medical care and research. This collaboration will advance both discovery and treatment, while driving investment in the Kansas City region as a destination for healthcare and research.”
Children’s Mercy is one of the first pediatric health systems investing early in this field. Alejandro Quiroga, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Children’s Mercy said: “At Children’s Mercy, we believe the future of pediatric care is built through bold collaborations and a shared commitment to what’s possible. By joining forces with The University of Kansas Health System, the University of Kansas Medical Center, and BAMF Health, we are taking a decisive step toward redefining how children access the most advanced care. This collaboration reflects our responsibility to lead—to accelerate innovation, translate discovery into action, and ensure every child can benefit from breakthrough therapies the moment they are ready to change lives.”
BAMF Health Founder and CEO Anthony Chang added: “Theranostics is redefining what’s possible in the fight against devastating diseases. BAMF Health is leading the way in bringing this advanced technology to every single patient who needs it around the globe. This meaningful collaboration advances our mission to give patients more time, more hope, and more meaningful moments with their loved ones.”
The new center will integrate all aspects of theranostic care—radiopharmaceutical production, molecular imaging, therapy delivery, and clinical trials—at one location.
Tammy Peterman from The University of Kansas Health System commented: “Theranostics is the next generation of collaboration between The University of Kansas Health System, the University of Kansas Medical Center and Children’s Mercy. Working with BAMF Health, we will combine the expertise and vision of premier public and private institutions to become the leaders in one of the most promising new treatments in medicine. Most importantly, this collaboration will offer patients and their families leading edge diagnostic and treatment technology.”
Robert Steele from Children’s Mercy noted: “This is innovation with intention—the kind of bold collaborative work that moves health care forward. Few pediatric institutions are stepping in this early but that’s exactly why it matters. We’re not waiting for the future to arrive; we’re creating momentum now so kids can benefit the moment science allows.”
Steve Stites from KU Medical Center highlighted how public-private partnerships could accelerate clinical trials based on scientific developments happening at KU Medical Center: “Through collaboration with our public-and private partners we have opportunity quickly deliver unique radiopharmaceutical clinical trials study participants based on cutting-edge science drug development efforts taking place onsite at KU Medical Center…This type integrated advancement can make real difference how patients treated serves example how public-private collaborations work.”
Laurie Placinski from BAMF Health explained: “BAMF Health’s first-in-world platform fully integrates a commercial production radiopharmacy molecular imaging radioligand therapy clinical research into single facility…By deploying our proven platform alongside institutions like The University Of Kansas Health System The University Of Kansas Medical Center And Children’s Mercy across country we’re accelerating radiopharmaceutical research improving patient access enabling future medicine today.”
Currently The University Of Kansas Cancer Center provides theranostic treatments for certain metastatic prostate cancer neuroendocrine cancer cases.
The partnership aims to expand access for both adult pediatric patients by offering innovative clinical trials therapies diagnostics across multiple diseases; enhance collaborative research among entities; attract patients from beyond local area into region.
