Saint Luke’s Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer has a singular goal: to improve the quality of life for individuals with advanced breast cancer. Our team is dedicated to caring for the whole person—not just the cancer.

Saint Luke's Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer, launched in October 2016, is recognized as the first center in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the comprehensive care of Stage 4 breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer.

Our singular purpose is to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer: live longer, while living better.

Schedule with Saint Luke’s Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer by calling 844-522-2201

Access to the latest clinical trials

Foundational to improving outcomes is a focus on clinical studies of new therapies for metastatic breast cancer. Since our inception, the Koontz Center has enrolled hundreds of patients in clinical trials, including pivotal studies that have led to FDA approval of five new drugs.

The Koontz Center also studies methods to maximize physical functioning, psychological health, and quality of life.

Precision genomics

You are unique. So is your cancer. We use precision oncology including genomic sequencing, liquid biopsies, and molecular monitoring to ensure patients get the right treatment, at the right time, based upon their individual cancer characteristics—which may change over time.

Comprehensive care

Through continued research, the survival rate for patients with metastatic breast cancer is improving. With that, we also focus on enabling patients to maximize quality of life through minimizing the impacts of cancer and its treatments. The Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer focuses on supporting patients and families through an integrative care model incorporating psychologists, nutritionists, physical therapists, and social workers—all available in the Center. We are also constantly assessing the needs of our patients and developing additional supportive programs.

Learn more about our integrative therapies and emotional support and support groups

What to expect

During the first consultation, patients meet with our team of metastatic breast cancer experts. At the end of the visit, patients receive a customized treatment plan that incorporates the recommendations of the entire care team. 

Learn what to expect at your consultation.

Second opinions

We offer virtual consultations and second opinions. Get a Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer expert opinion by calling 844-522-2201. We'll be in touch in 24 to 48 business hours.

Schedule a Consultation

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Providers

Kelly C Gast, MD

Oncology / Hematology

Whitney Lee Hensing, MD

Oncology / Hematology

Timothy J Pluard, MD

Oncology / Hematology

Locations

Saint Luke's Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer

1

Saint Luke's Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer

4401 Wornall Rd, Peet Center 3rd Floor, Entrance C
Kansas City, MO 64111 

Saint Luke's News

Oct. 21, 2024

Breast Cancer Survivor Hopes to Improve the Science That Saved Her Life

After discovering she had an uncommon somatic gene mutation, Laurie Hamilton became determined to help those after her by participating in clinical trials and investing in scientific research for advanced breast cancer.
Oct. 27, 2023

Health News You Can Use: Innovative Treatments & Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer

Dr. Tim Pluard, medical director of Saint Luke’s Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer and of Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute, talks about innovative treatment options for breast cancer and clinical trials offered at Saint Luke’s.
Oct. 13, 2023

Health News You Can Use: Metastatic Breast Cancer and Saint Luke's Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer

This week during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re talking about metastatic breast cancer and Saint Luke’s Koontz Center—the region’s only center dedicated and designed specifically for these patients.