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MUSC asks legislature for $350 million to build comprehensive cancer hospital in Charleston
Summary
The Medical University of South Carolina asked the legislative committee for $350 million in state capital funding to build a comprehensive cancer hospital in Charleston, paired with a $200 million philanthropic campaign, to support NCI designation and expand statewide clinical trials and care.
The Medical University of South Carolina told legislators it is seeking $350,000,000 in state capital funding to build a comprehensive cancer hospital in Charleston that would anchor a statewide cancer care ecosystem.
MUSC said the project is intended to help the Hollings Cancer Center secure a future National Cancer Institute comprehensive designation and to expand clinical trials and advanced therapies closer to patients’ homes. "We have 1 request this year $350,000,000 for a comprehensive cancer hospital," the MUSC presenter said during the committee meeting.
MUSC described the plan as a hub‑and‑spoke model with Charleston serving as the hub and community partners as spokes to deliver advanced care and local access to clinical trials. The university said it plans to pair the public ask with private fundraising: "we're also launching a $200,000,000 philanthropic campaign to match public dollars," the presenter said.
MUSC framed the funding request within the institution's broader mission: it described an $8.9 billion enterprise that trains more than 1,000 physicians in residency and serves patients across every county in South Carolina. The presenter noted that state appropriations currently account for a small share of MUSC's budget and said state investment would support MUSC’s goal to have an "outstanding comprehensive cancer center application with the National Cancer Institute" by 2028.
Lawmakers pressed MUSC on how expanded services would reach smaller communities. MUSC responded that hubs and spokes, telehealth and partnerships with local oncologists and community hospitals would be used to deliver care and clinical trials closer to patients. A representative cited Lancaster as an example where a newly hired oncologist is already serving a smaller community.
MUSC also emphasized prevention and population health work as part of the overall strategy; the presenter cited statewide screening clinics, smoking‑prevention efforts and efforts to manage cancer as a chronic illness where possible.
The committee did not take a vote on the capital request during this session. MUSC additionally listed related provisos under development, including rural dentist and rural behavioral health incentive programs, which it said are still being finalized.
The committee will consider MUSC’s capital request as part of the legislature’s broader budget and capital planning process.
