Stony Brook Cancer Center in the MART

Stony Brook Cancer Center researchers and clinicians work together in the MART (Medical and Research Translation) to build the most comprehensive, integrated and unified team with the overall purpose to investigate, discover and drive innovations in cancer treatment.

The Cancer Center offers advanced treatment and prevention programs with innovative therapies and leading-edge clinical trials for adults and children. The Outpatient Cancer Center encompasses two levels of the modern facility, where cancer experts work together in 13 multidisciplinary, disease-oriented teams to tailor a customized treatment plan for each patient. All precautions are in place to provide the safest conditions for both staff and patients at Stony Brook Cancer Center.

• With our state-of-the-art space for patients and their families, the MART offers access to Stony Brook’s cancer experts in one convenient location, with space that respects the special needs of patients with cancer and their families.
   
• Leading-edge technology offers revolutionary ways to observe, diagnose and improve cancer treatments.
   
• Stony Brook cancer specialists work together in care teams dedicated to specific types of cancer to identify and tailor customized, targeted treatments for each patient’s unique cancer to achieve the best possible outcomes.
   
• Oncology nurse navigators and specialized teams create personalized care plans with compassion and respect for each patient’s individual needs.
   
• Patient-centered amenities address the personal needs of patients and their families, including private treatment spaces, comfortable seating areas, a fireplace and a wellness space.

The MART: FAQs

What sets this facility apart from others on Long Island?

The eight-story, 240,000-square-foot MART will be the only facility of its kind on Long Island, with four floors dedicated solely to research. The outpatient cancer treatment area for adults and children will occupy two floors. The MART is adjacent to Stony Brook University Hospital, including the new 10-story Hospital Pavilion and the new Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, offering exceptional opportunities to bring researchers and clinicians together in a synergistic, collaborative environment to develop breakthrough medicines, treatments and cures.

Stony Brook Cancer Center is Suffolk County’s cancer care leader and a leader in education and research. There are more than 70,000 outpatient visits annually. Patients can make appointments for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.

How do patients benefit from clinical trials in the MART?

Clinical trials are designed to provide information on how to better prevent, diagnose, treat and cure cancer. Each of our Disease Management Teams is empowered to initiate clinical trials, which helps patients now and leads to new therapies for patients in the future.

As physician-scientists, Stony Brook doctors are currently leading clinical studies for every major cancer site. As new trials are developed, doctors determine who might benefit from a particular trial and whether a patient fits the trial’s criteria. The doctor explains what the trial is investigating and how the trial will be structured, so the patient can make a well-informed decision.

To participate, patients are referred to the professional staff in the Clinical Trials Office, which is located in the Administration Suite in the MART. The staff provides details and answers questions about more than 70 cancer clinical trials underway. The close proximity to the healthcare professionals on the Disease Management Teams will help to streamline the process of patient enrollment and coordination of appointments.

What enhancements to patient support services are provided?

The MART offers access to Stony Brook’s cancer experts in one convenient location, with space that respects the special needs of cancer patients and their families. Clinical services feature programs that address the comfort and emotional journeys for patients and their caregivers, such as psychological care, pain management, cancer survivorship and palliative care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients not only receive comprehensive care for their disease, but also addresses their psychosocial needs through extensive support services.

Patient-centered amenities address the personal needs of patients and their families, with private treatment spaces and comfortable seating areas. Other amenities include:

• Resource Center: Contains books, computers and comfortable couches.
• Large Wellness Room: Includes a mobile ballet barre and space for yoga classes, support groups and other group activities.
• Cancer Boutique: Includes a beauty room where patients can be pampered and a retail section with prostheses, wigs and mastectomy apparel.

How does the MART support the educational mission of Stony Brook University School of Medicine?

Education will be conducted in the beautiful 305-seat auditorium located on Level 5. Healthcare professionals and biomedical investigators of the future attend classes, lectures, grand rounds and guest presentations in the 10 classrooms that can accommodate more than 300 students on Level 4. Our new classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology to record educational activities for later viewing, with flexible seating that’s easily configured for small-group learning activities.