MD Anderson Cancer Center
A university hospital in Houston, consistently ranked among the world's leading cancer centers. It receives thousands of international patients each year and has a dedicated International Center coordinating visits, translations and logistics.
First contact
International Center — online form or helpline +1-713-792-2121. Prepare up-to-date medical records in English; the center will assess whether it can accept the patient and what treatment options are available.
Center websiteAbout the center
MD Anderson Cancer Center is a university hospital affiliated with the University of Texas, operating since 1941. It treats more than 150,000 patients each year — including thousands from abroad. The center combines clinical care with one of the world's largest cancer research programs. Its mission is to eliminate cancer — which translates into early access to new therapies and research protocols.
Location
Houston, Texas
IAH airport (George Bush) — about 30 minutes by car from campus. Houston is the fourth-largest city in the USA; the MD Anderson campus sits in the Texas Medical Center — the world's largest medical complex. Direct flights from Europe via Frankfurt, Amsterdam or London.
Why patients choose this center
- ✓Consistently ranked among the world's top cancer centers (U.S. News & World Report).
- ✓Dedicated International Center with a coordinator assigned to each international patient.
- ✓One of the largest clinical trial programs — over 1,000 active protocols.
- ✓Strong position in triple-negative breast cancer and gynecologic cancers.
- ✓Texas Medical Center campus — full diagnostic and treatment infrastructure in one place.
Specializations
Breast cancer (including triple-negative), gynecologic cancers, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, oncologic surgery, clinical trials.
- Chemotherapy and hormone therapy
- Immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1, CAR-T in selected indications)
- Targeted therapy (HER2, PARP, CDK4/6 and others)
- Stereotactic and proton radiotherapy (within partner network)
- Oncologic and reconstructive surgery
- Palliative care and psychological support
Clinical trials
MD Anderson runs one of the world's largest clinical trial programs. International patients may qualify for Phase I–III trials if they meet protocol criteria. Also check our clinical trials radar — many MD Anderson trials are listed there. Check the clinical trials radar →
International patient program
The International Center coordinates the entire process: initial record review, cost estimates, visits, translations and accommodation. After submitting records, typical response time is 5–10 business days. The center accepts private patients and selected international insurance plans.
Documents to prepare
- •Current treatment summary in English (oncologist's summary)
- •Pathology report with full receptor and biomarker profile
- •Imaging results (CT, PET-CT, MRI) with dates
- •List of prior therapies with dates and treatment response
- •Current blood test results
- •Passport copy (after initial acceptance)
Costs and insurance
Treatment in the USA is paid — cost depends on therapy type and length of stay. MD Anderson provides a cost estimate after initial case review. Some international insurance policies (e.g. certain expat plans) may cover treatment — verify before travel. Financial support: see our grants database. Grants database →
Typical timeline
Initial record review: 5–10 business days. First visit: usually 2–4 weeks after acceptance. Full treatment plan: often established within the first week of the stay.
Accommodation
The International Center helps book hotels and apartments near campus. Houston offers options from budget to serviced apartments for longer stays. Free accommodation programs (Hope Lodge) — see our accommodation in the USA section. Accommodation in the USA →
Languages
Practical tips
- 💡Start by sending a summary — you don't need to translate all records immediately.
- 💡Ask your Polish oncologist to write a summary in English — fastest and cheapest option.
- 💡Houston is hot and humid — plan light clothing and allow extra travel time (traffic).
- 💡Texas Medical Center is huge — take a campus map and arrive 30 minutes early for your first visit.
The data in the directory is informational and may change. Before making any decisions, always verify current information directly with the center. This is not medical advice.