RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute Unveil the Melchiorre Cancer Center, Expanding Access to World-Class Cancer Care in New Jersey

New state-of-the-art outpatient facility on the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Campus in Livingston advances $1.5 billion investment in cancer care

Celebrating the upcoming opening of the Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center are Alison Grann, MD, Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and Director of Network Integration and Quality, Radiation Oncology, Northern Region, RWJBarnabas Health, Congresswoman Analilia Mejia, U.S. House of Representatives, Glen Miller, Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer, John W. Doll, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, RWJBarnabas Health, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, New Jersey General Assembly, Andrew M. Evens, DO, MBA, MSc, Deputy Director for Clinical Services, Rutgers Cancer Institute, Bruce Schonbraun, Chair, Board of Trustees, Susan Solometo, MBA, Senior Vice President, Administration, Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health, Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, William N. Hait Director, Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior Vice President, Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health, Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health, Leon Cooperman, Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health, Richard Davis, President and CEO, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston Deputy Mayor Ketan K. Bhuptani, Jennifer A. O'Neill, DNP, APN, NEA-BC, Chief Operating Officer, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston Councilman Ed Meinhardt, Robert Weitzman, Vice President for Ambulatory Care, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Heather Greulich, grateful patient, George Raptis, MD, MBA, Director of Oncology Services, Northern Region, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute.

Livingston, N.J. (June 22, 2026) - Today, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, unveiled the Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. The opening 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, $225 million, state-of-the-art outpatient facility will serve as the northern destination for oncology services for the health system.

"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. "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."

The opening celebration comes just one day before the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center-the state's first and only freestanding cancer hospital and one of only 13 freestanding cancer hospitals in the nation. These facilities reflect RWJBarnabas Health's long-term vision to establish New Jersey as a destination for outstanding comprehensive cancer care.

Patients at the Melchiorre will have increased access to groundbreaking therapies, clinic trials, and the most advanced treatment options in connection with the Rutgers Cancer Institute.

"The Melchiorre Cancer Center will serve as a beacon of hope for countless patients 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."

Named in recognition of the Melchiorre family's commitment to advancing cancer care in New Jersey, the center stands as a testament to their generosity and wish to improve the lives of patients and families facing cancer.

"Healthcare is such an important part of people's lives, and we are incredibly proud to be part of a project that will make such a meaningful difference," said Andrea and Anthony Melchiorre. "This center will have a lasting impact on patients, families, and everyone whose life has been touched by cancer, providing hope, healing, and access to exceptional care when it matters most."

"Cancer affects individuals, families, and communities across New Jersey, and expanding access to comprehensive, high-quality care remains a central public health priority for our state," said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, New Jersey Health Commissioner. "Every addition to the state's cancer care capacity supports the broader work of reducing disparities, encouraging earlier detection and treatment, and helping more residents receive timely care throughout their cancer journey. The opening of the Melchiorre Cancer Center adds to the growing set of resources contributing to that effort."

The Melchiorre Cancer Center expands access to multidisciplinary cancer care by bringing together physician specialists, researchers, nurses, support teams, and cutting-edge technology under one roof.

We are "reimagining cancer care," with a critical focus on patient-centered care that supports patients, families, and caregivers through every step in their cancer journey, from screening and diagnosis, through treatment and survivorship, delivered equitably in a compassionate and individualized environment. The five-story building will encompass approximately 137,000 square feet and include the following components:

• 52 Exam Rooms
• 40 Private Infusion Rooms
• 7 Short Stay Treatment Spaces
• 6 Extended Stay Treatment Spaces
• Radiation Oncology Treatment and Specialty Machines
• Radiology Suite with PET CT, MRI, X-Ray, (2) Ultrasound and Fluoroscopy
• Lab and Pre-Surgical Testing
• Clinical Pharmacy and Retail Pharmacy
• Clinical Multidisciplinary Touchdown Spaces
• Dedicated Areas for Psychosocial Programs:
• Patient Wellness Center Featuring Exercise, Yoga, and Music Programs
• Teaching Kitchen Focused on Nutrition
• Wig and Prosthetic Fitting Studio
• Holistic Medicine, Including Art Therapy and Reiki
• Dedication Conference Space
• Beautiful, Calming Rooftop Terrace

"The Melchiorre Cancer Center represents a transformational investment in the health of our community," said Rick Davis, CEO of CBMC. "Patients and families dealing with cancer deserve access to comprehensive care in a setting designed specifically to support healing, comfort, and hope."

Click HERE to learn more about the Melchiorre Cancer Center.

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 https://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.

Media Contact:Carrie [email protected]