Stanford Medicine and Sutter Health Open 167,000-SF Cancer Center in Oakland
Stanford Medicine and Sutter Health on Nov. 9 celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Stanford Medicine Sutter Health Cancer Center, a five-story, 167,000-square-foot outpatient facility at 3023 Summit St. in Oakland, Calif. The center sits on Sutter's Alta Bates Summit Medical Center campus and was developed through a collaboration between the two health systems.
The center is expected to begin seeing patients Dec. 1, with services expanding as it moves toward full operations in February 2027, the organizations announced.
Stanford Medicine Sutter Health Joint Venture Delivers East Bay Facility
Stanford Medicine and Sutter Health first announced their joint venture in February 2021 with a stated goal of expanding access to coordinated cancer care in the East Bay. The new center is the physical result of that venture. The partners said Stanford Medicine contributes expertise in specialized cancer care, innovation and clinical research, while Sutter Health brings an integrated regional network and established ties to East Bay communities.
The center is the result of years of planning among clinical, operational and technology teams from both organizations, according to the announcement.
Services and Staffing at the Oakland Cancer Center
The facility will offer outpatient cancer clinics, infusion, imaging, radiation oncology, ambulatory surgery, breast health and pharmacy services. Patients will also have access to clinical research, nurse navigation, genetic counseling, nutrition counseling, survivorship programs and complementary therapies such as acupuncture and massage therapy.
At launch, the center is expected to include more than 70 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 300 team members. Physicians from both systems will work in disease-based clinical teams.
The partners said the building's design, furnishings and artwork were selected to create a healing environment, and that artwork by local artists is displayed throughout the center.
Clinical Trials Planned On-Site
Clinical research opportunities from both Stanford Medicine and Sutter Health are planned to be available on-site, allowing eligible East Bay patients to explore trials and new treatment approaches with their care teams.
"Bringing our clinical trials infrastructure into the East Bay means patients don't have to choose between staying close to home and accessing the most advanced treatment options available," said Maria Gonzalez, vice president of Stanford Medicine oncology, clinical research and healthcare administration.
Executives Cite Access and Coordination
"We are proud to partner with Sutter Health to advance detection, prevention, treatment and cure for patients and families in the East Bay," said David Entwistle, president and CEO of Stanford Health Care. "This Cancer Center unites our teams around a shared goal: expanding access to exceptional cancer care, comprehensive support and greater hope for better outcomes, close to home."
Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health, said, "Cancer care is becoming more advanced and personalized, and patients should not have to leave their community to benefit from that progress."
Rob Nordgren, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer for Sutter's Greater San Francisco and East Bay Division, said the center connects "specialized expertise, clinical research and comprehensive services in one location." Kavitha Ramchandran, M.D., is medical director of the center, and Laura Crocitto, M.D., is executive medical director of oncology services at Sutter Health.
Regional Cancer Burden and Healthcare Real Estate Context
The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment for Alameda and Contra Costa counties found that cancer was the No. 1 cause of death in both counties in 2023. The assessment also identified substantial disparities in cancer mortality by race and ethnicity, with Black residents experiencing significantly higher mortality rates than other groups.
The project reflects a broader shift in healthcare delivery toward outpatient and ambulatory settings. Cancer treatment increasingly relies on infusion, imaging, radiation, ambulatory surgery and specialty consultations that can be delivered outside an inpatient hospital setting. Building on the Alta Bates Summit campus connects the new facility to existing hospital, physician and diagnostic resources.
The partners described the center as a regional hub for comprehensive outpatient cancer services and a platform for future expansion of cancer services, clinical research and innovation.
Sutter Health Operating Context
Sutter Health reported total revenue of $19.820 billion in 2025, up from $18.207 billion in 2024, with operating income of $509 million compared with $142 million the prior year, and a 2.6% operating margin. The system served 3.6 million patients in 2025, about 112,000 more than in 2024. Fitch affirmed Sutter's AA- issuer rating and F1+ short-term rating with a stable outlook. Sutter also reported 31 sites opening or expanding and 15 groundbreakings in 2025, placing the Oakland center within a broader capacity-expansion program.
Outlook
The facility opens to patients in stages beginning Dec. 1, with full operations planned for February 2027. Performance of the center is likely to be measured through patient volumes, service-line growth, clinical-trial activity and care integration rather than conventional leasing metrics.