Mission Cancer + Blood opens new cancer care clinic in Waukee

New facility joins 20+ existing Iowa locations committed to world-class cancer care

(DES MOINES, Iowa — March 6, 2025) Mission Cancer + Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care, now offers cancer services in a state-of-the-art, 21,000-square-foot clinic on the far west side of the Des Moines Metro. The Waukee clinic at 2565 SE Encompass Dr. opened this week, helping more patients get the care and expertise they need closer to home.

“Iowa has one of the fastest growing cancer rates in the country. We want to transform cancer care in Iowa with greater access to personalized treatment plans for patients,” says Steven Heddinger, MD, a Mission oncologist.  “Working collaboratively with other health systems and communities, Mission clinics like the one in Waukee allow patients to quickly receive essential cancer care nearer to home.”

Services and programs at the Waukee location include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, on-site labs for timely results and access to new cancer treatments through clinical trials. Genetic counseling and supportive care are also available. While this facility is a new option for patients, Mission remains committed to more than 20 other community locations across Iowa, including space within UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center and MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center.

“For many patients, the stress of traveling for treatment can be overwhelming,” says Brian Freeman, MD, a Mission oncologist. “This location was thoughtfully designed with a model for care that puts our patients at the center. We know how important it is to lessen the burden of care throughout their cancer journey.”

Earlier this year, Mission officially became part of University of Iowa Health Care, paving the way for a statewide comprehensive cancer care network aimed at keeping high-quality cancer care local for Iowans. This provides patients enhanced resources from UI Health Care and its National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, including access to a wider portfolio of clinical trials and rare cancer expertise.