The Rio Grande Valley’s fight against cancer entered a new era Wednesday with the opening of the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center, a facility designed to eliminate long-standing barriers to specialized care in South Texas.

UT Health RGV and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley leaders joined physicians, patients, and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new facility, located at 1400 N. Commerce Center Street.

The facility brings advanced cancer treatment, outpatient surgery, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, and research under one roof.

“For too long, Valley families had to make difficult choices — traveling more than 130 miles for treatment or delaying care altogether,” said Dr. Everardo Cobos, interim dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and a hematologist-oncologist at UT Health RGV. “This is about giving our community access to the very best care, close to home. We’re assembling a first-class team that is committed to transforming care in the Valley.”