RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute Welcome First Patients at Melchiorre Cancer Center

LIVINGSTON, N.J. (July 13, 2026) — RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, officially welcomed its first patients today at the Melchiorre Cancer Center. The facility represents the latest milestone in RWJBarnabas Health’s $1.5 billion investment to transform and expand oncology care across New Jersey, bringing advanced treatments, leading specialists, innovative clinical trials, and comprehensive support services together so patients don’t have to cross state lines for world-class care.

Located on the campus of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC) in Livingston, the five-story, 137,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art outpatient facility will serve as the northern hub for oncology services for the health system. Patients now have increased access to groundbreaking therapies, clinic trials, and the most advanced treatment options in connection with the Rutgers Cancer Institute.

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“The Melchiorre Cancer Center is the latest manifestation of where we will help realize RWJBarnabas Health’s promise as New Jersey’s largest academic health system," said Mark E. Manigan, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health at the center's opening celebration on June 22. "One of the most important things that we, as a health system, can do is to meet our patients where they are at the time they need us most. For those across North Jersey who are taking on one of the toughest fights of their life – the fight against cancer – the trip for the best available, National Cancer Institute-designated care no longer requires a drive across a bridge, or through a tunnel. It will be right here, around the corner.”

“We are excited to welcome our first patients to the Melchiorre Cancer Center. This center serves as a beacon of hope for countless patients and their families that will walk through its doors” said Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior Vice President of Oncology Services for RWJBarnabas Health. “As the northern destination for our integrated oncology network, providing NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Care, the Melchiorre Cancer Center is an integral part of our multidisciplinary care paradigm.”

"The opening of the Melchiorre Cancer Center to patients marks an important milestone in our commitment to expanding access to world-class cancer care in northern New Jersey," said Rick Davis, CEO of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. "Beginning today, patients and families will receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer care in a state-of-the-art facility thoughtfully designed to support healing, innovation, and hope—all closer to home."

Click HERE to learn more about the Melchiorre Cancer Center.

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About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians providing care at more than 700 patient care locations.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.

RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org

About Rutgers Cancer Institute

As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, provides patients access to the most advanced cancer treatment options including clinical trials close to home at our facilities throughout the state. Our groundbreaking cancer research is the engine that drives access to the most advanced cancer treatments, where our discoveries become your care.