Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is a non-profit organization headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, dedicated to cancer research, patient care, and education. Its mission is to lead in transformative cancer care, research, and education through courage, commitment, and compassion, with a vision for a world free of cancer. The institute is affiliated with the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

As one of 57 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, Karmanos provides a wide array of services including comprehensive cancer treatment, extensive research programs, and educational initiatives. It operates one of the nation's largest clinical trials programs, offering patients access to over 250 treatments and conducting approximately 800 cancer-specific scientific investigations and clinical trials annually. The institute serves metropolitan Detroit and extends its reach across Michigan and northern Ohio through 18 treatment locations.

In recent leadership news, Boris C. Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, was appointed President and CEO in August 2023, also serving as chair of the Department of Oncology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Karmanos has recently expanded access to groundbreaking targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies and became the first independent cancer center to treat Hemophilia B with new gene therapy in April 2026. The institute has also been recognized with multiple Women's Choice Awards for cancer care and patient experience in 2024 and 2025, and continues to expand its network, opening its 17th clinic in Dearborn in January 2025. As part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos is positioned as the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan.

Latest updates

Karmanos Cancer Institute Leverages CrossFit for Survivor Fitness Program Funding

Event summary

  • Karmanos Cancer Institute is hosting 'Million Meter Row,' a rowing competition on May 9, 2026, to raise funds.
  • The event aims to have 80 teams collectively row 2 million meters, with each team contributing 25,000 meters.
  • Funds raised support the CAPABLE program, a 12-week CrossFit-based fitness program for cancer survivors.
  • Participation costs $50 per person, with fundraising encouraged to maximize donations.

The big picture

Karmanos’ integration of CrossFit into cancer survivor rehabilitation represents a growing trend of incorporating non-traditional therapies into patient care. This initiative highlights a shift towards holistic wellness programs within cancer treatment, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving patient quality of life. The event’s fundraising model also demonstrates a creative approach to securing program funding, leveraging community engagement and competitive events.

What we're watching

Program Scalability
The success of Million Meter Row will likely determine the extent to which Karmanos expands similar fundraising events and program offerings, potentially impacting its overall revenue generation.
Partnership Risk
Karmanos’ reliance on CrossFit gyms for program delivery introduces a partnership risk; changes in gym ownership or operational strategies could disrupt CAPABLE’s accessibility.
Survivor Adoption
The long-term effectiveness of CAPABLE hinges on sustained survivor participation and demonstrated health outcomes, which will influence its continued funding and expansion.

Karmanos Expands Radiopharmaceutical Therapies Across Michigan Network

Event summary

  • Karmanos Cancer Institute is expanding access to radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs) – Lutathera, Pluvicto, and Xofigo – to its network locations in Michigan.
  • Pluvicto and Xofigo are now available at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb, while Pluvicto is available at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing.
  • Karmanos has administered nearly 850 theranostic infusions to date and has invested in SPECT/CT imaging technology.
  • The Institute has been a pioneer in radiopharmaceuticals since 2017, participating in clinical trials including one that led to FDA approval of Pluvicto.

The big picture

Karmanos' expansion reflects the growing adoption of theranostics in oncology, a field promising more targeted and less toxic cancer treatments. The move to broaden access across its network suggests a strategic focus on expanding market reach and solidifying its position as a leader in this specialized area. This expansion also highlights the increasing importance of partnerships with regional healthcare providers like McLaren to deliver advanced cancer care.

What we're watching

Network Adoption
The speed of adoption of these therapies across the broader Karmanos network will indicate the logistical and training challenges involved in scaling specialized treatments.
Reimbursement
Continued access to these therapies will depend on favorable reimbursement rates from both public and private payers, which could be impacted by cost and demonstrated efficacy.
Competitive Landscape
The emergence of competing radiopharmaceutical therapies and institutions offering similar services will likely intensify, requiring Karmanos to maintain a technological and clinical edge.

Karmanos Leverages Celebrity Appeal to Fund Oncology Research Pipeline

Event summary

  • The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is hosting 'Karmanos Comedy Champions' on May 9, 2026, featuring comedian Michael Kosta.
  • Proceeds from the event will support the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) programs.
  • Tickets range from $250 (general admission) to $350 (Champion tickets, including a meet-and-greet with Kosta).
  • CRTEC programs focus on building a pipeline of future oncology researchers and clinicians, from high school students to postdoctoral researchers.

The big picture

Karmanos' reliance on celebrity-driven fundraising highlights the increasing pressure on non-profit research institutions to secure funding in a competitive landscape. The focus on building a robust research pipeline is crucial given the ongoing shortage of qualified oncology professionals and the need for innovation in cancer treatment. This event underscores the growing trend of institutions leveraging entertainment and personal connections to engage donors and support critical research initiatives.

What we're watching

Fundraising Sustainability
The success of this event will be a bellwether for Karmanos' ability to diversify fundraising beyond traditional philanthropy, relying on celebrity engagement to drive revenue.
Pipeline Effectiveness
The long-term impact of CRTEC's programs will depend on the retention rate of students and their subsequent contributions to Karmanos and the broader oncology field.
Competitive Landscape
Other cancer research institutions will likely observe Karmanos' model and may explore similar engagement strategies to attract talent and funding.

Karmanos Pioneers Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B, Expanding Market Access

Event summary

  • Karmanos Cancer Institute is the first independent cancer center in the U.S. to offer gene therapy (Hemegenix®) for Hemophilia B.
  • Steve W. became the first patient at Karmanos to receive the therapy on October 28, 2025, and the 52nd patient in the U.S. after clinical trials.
  • Clinical trial data indicates 94% of patients discontinued routine factor IX prophylaxis after treatment, with 94% maintaining mild to normal factor IX levels at the five-year mark.
  • The therapy involves infusing a gene coding for factor IX into the liver, allowing patients to produce the deficient protein.

The big picture

The approval and implementation of Hemegenix® represents a significant shift in Hemophilia B treatment, moving away from chronic prophylactic infusions towards a potentially curative, one-time therapy. This advancement underscores the growing importance of gene therapy in addressing rare genetic disorders and highlights Karmanos’s strategic positioning as an early adopter of cutting-edge medical technologies. The success of this therapy could pave the way for similar gene-based treatments for other bleeding disorders and rare diseases, creating a substantial market opportunity.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The speed of Hemogenix® adoption by other cancer centers will depend on reimbursement rates and the ability to meet stringent training requirements, potentially limiting Karmanos’s competitive advantage.
Long-Term Data
Continued monitoring of patients beyond the five-year mark is crucial to assess the durability of the gene therapy effect and identify any delayed adverse events, which could impact future approvals and market confidence.
Competitive Landscape
Other gene therapy developers are likely to enter the Hemophilia B market, intensifying competition and potentially driving down prices, which will impact Karmanos’s revenue stream and market share.

Karmanos Expands Community Outreach with Library Partnership, Signals Focus on Health Equity

Event summary

  • Karmanos Cancer Institute is partnering with the Detroit Public Library for a second year to host 'Community Conversations on Cancer' seminars.
  • The series, beginning March 18, 2026, will cover colorectal cancer, bias in healthcare, and multiple myeloma.
  • Sessions are held both in-person (Detroit Public Library Main Branch) and virtually via Zoom, attracting an average of 80 participants per session last year.
  • Presentations will feature Karmanos oncologists, researchers, and scientists, alongside community advocates and survivors.
  • The initiative aims to understand community knowledge of cancer prevention, clinical trials, and patient-physician communication.

The big picture

Karmanos’s focus on community engagement reflects a broader trend among healthcare providers to address health disparities and improve patient outcomes through targeted outreach programs. The partnership with the Detroit Public Library leverages a trusted community institution to reach underserved populations, potentially improving cancer screening rates and treatment adherence. This initiative also underscores the growing recognition of implicit bias as a critical factor in healthcare delivery, requiring proactive mitigation strategies.

What we're watching

Community Response
The continued growth in attendance and participant feedback will reveal the effectiveness of this outreach strategy and inform future topic selection.
Bias Mitigation
The impact of the bias in healthcare sessions on clinical communication and patient outcomes will be a key indicator of Karmanos’ commitment to health equity.
Partnership Scale
Whether Karmanos expands this model to other Michigan libraries or community organizations will signal the broader strategic importance of this initiative.

Karmanos Cancer Institute Expands CrossFit Program for Survivors, Bolstering Post-Treatment Care

Event summary

  • Karmanos Cancer Institute is expanding its CAPABLE program, offering 12-week CrossFit exercise sessions to cancer survivors in Farmington Hills, Grand Blanc, and Detroit, starting March 2nd, 16th, and 27th respectively.
  • The program, launched in 2019, has already engaged over 320 cancer survivors across seven Michigan locations.
  • CAPABLE aims to help survivors meet American Cancer Society exercise recommendations (150-300 minutes weekly, including strength training).
  • Recent research published in *Cancer Medicine* demonstrates a correlation between CAPABLE participation and improved sleep quality in cancer survivors.

The big picture

Karmanos's expansion of the CAPABLE program reflects a growing recognition of the importance of holistic cancer care, extending beyond treatment to encompass physical and mental well-being. This initiative aligns with a broader trend in healthcare towards preventative and supportive therapies, and demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of life for cancer survivors, a population increasingly demanding comprehensive post-treatment support.

What we're watching

Program Scalability
The success of CAPABLE in Michigan suggests potential for expansion to other regions and cancer centers, but logistical challenges related to gym partnerships and staffing will need to be addressed.
Research Validation
Further studies are needed to definitively establish a causal link between CrossFit training and improved outcomes like sleep quality and cognitive function in cancer survivors, strengthening the program's evidence base.
Funding Sustainability
As a free program, CAPABLE's long-term viability hinges on continued grant funding and philanthropic support, and the institute will need to demonstrate impact to secure future resources.
CID: 3639