May 01, 2026
By: Brad Haws, MBA and Phil Stover, JD, MBA
Mission Cancer + Blood: From the Heart of Des Moines to a Statewide Cancer Care Network
Greater Des Moines (DSM) is known for many things — insurance, economic development, being a top 10 U.S. city for Gen Z workers and more recently, as a hub for cancer care and expertise. For nearly 45 years, patients and families across Des Moines and Central Iowa have trusted Mission Cancer + Blood for their cancer care, and more than 300 oncologists, advanced practice providers (APPs), nurses, care teams and administrative professionals have chosen to practice in the communities they call home.
For the most sophisticated oncology practice in Central Iowa, now part of University of Iowa Health Care, the legacy continues to grow. In early April, Mission celebrated the grand opening of its relocated clinic and new outpatient pharmacy at 110 E. Court Ave. in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), building on decades of leadership in cancer care in Iowa. Offering world-class cancer care in a renovated, state-of-the-art facility, the clinic features all new equipment, technology and furnishings in a fresh setting from a downtown location.
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Now in Downtown: Mission Cancer + Blood East Court Clinic
As Iowa navigates high rates of cancer, it’s more important than ever to provide access to advanced treatments, clinical expertise and personalized, whole-patient support, which are key to bringing tomorrow’s care to patients across the state in both rural and urban regions.
Expanded Expertise, Applied Locally
As part of UI Health Care, Mission is expanding patient access to academic expertise, research and clinical innovation, supported by Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center. Mission patients continue to receive care close to home from the same trusted local teams, with strong connections to UI Health Care specialists, more clinical trial opportunities, multidisciplinary tumor boards and advanced expertise when needed.
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Infusion Suite
Mission is also known for its rural outreach locations. Operating nearly 20 clinics across the state, Mission employs a unique, community-based model that integrates its cancer clinics into local hospitals, so rural patients don’t have to drive hours to receive care.
Combining Mission’s community-based model with the strength of UI Health Care’s academic medical system is a formula for building a more coordinated, collaborative approach for Iowans. This impact reaches beyond the region, benefiting families across Iowa.
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Exam Room
Choice and Confidence in Care
Mission Cancer + Blood and UI Health Care stand with Iowans in a long-term commitment to improve health and access to care. Patients and families must have options when making decisions about cancer care, including where they receive treatment.
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Waiting Room
At Mission, patients, along with their care teams, can explore care options that best meet their needs. From Iowa’s most robust clinical trials program, expanded through UI Health Care, through advanced therapies like theranostics, patients are active participants in their treatment decisions. Patients can expect to see physicians soon after their referral to the clinic, with Mission’s dedicated care teams quickly developing a personalized plan that is unique to each patient and diagnosis.
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Phlebotomy Chairs
From the very first visit through ongoing treatment and long-term management, care is coordinated across providers, with scheduling, follow-ups and logistics managed to create a seamless and efficient experience so patients and families can focus on what matters most.
Future Focused
The East Court clinic represents just one component of the future of cancer care. Mission Cancer + Blood and UI Health Care are long-term partners in Iowa’s health and economic stability, helping improve cancer outcomes and ensuring the region is equipped to meet patient needs for years to come.
Learn more at uihc.org/mission.
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Brad Haws, MBA and Phil Stover, JD, MBA
Brad Haws, MBA, is Chief Executive Officer of the Clinical Enterprise and Associate Vice President of UI Health Care, the state’s only comprehensive academic health system. Phil Stover, JD, MBA, is Chief Executive Officer of Mission Cancer + Blood, which became part of UI Health Care in December 2024.