KC Health Systems Partner to Develop New Disease Research, Treatment Center

Four health organizations announced they will be working together to establish a fully integrated theranostics platform for both adult and children. FILE PHOTO.

Posted February 18, 2026

A collaboration between The University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Kansas Health System, Children’s Mercy and Bold Advanced Medical Future Health, the organizations will develop a theranostic research and treatment center.

The development is planned to be one of the nation’s first fully integrated theranostics platforms for both adult and pediatric patients—bringing advanced research, diagnostics and targeted treatments together in one place.

The collaboration allows the four organizations to bring both theranostics research and treatments to adults and children in Kansas City and beyond, according to a Tuesday release.

A timeline for the project has not yet been confirmed.

Theranostics uses a targeting system to find disease in the body and treat it using radiopharmaceuticals. Through this process, radiation is delivered directly to diseased cells precisely, while also minimizing damage to healthy cells and lowering side effects.

“Theranostics is the next forefront of precision medical care and research,” president and CEO of The University of Kansas Health System, Bob Page, said in the release. “This collaboration will advance both discovery and treatment, while driving investment in the Kansas City region as a destination for healthcare and research.”

While theranostics is currently used almost exclusively in adults, the project is intended to bring the treatment to children.

“We believe the future of pediatric care is built through bold collaborations and a shared commitment to what’s possible,” CEO of Children’s Mercy, Alejandro Quiroga, said in the release. “By joining forces with The University of Kansas Health System, the University of Kansas Medical Center, and BAMF Health, we are taking a decisive step toward redefining how children access the most advanced care.”

The University of Kansas Cancer Center currently offers theranostic treatments for certain types of metastatic prostate cancer and neuroendocrine cancer.

As part of the collaboration effort, the new treatment center will be able to treat and diagnose patients across multiple diseases, enhance research between the four organizations and attract patients from across the Kansas City metro area and beyond.