Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute has been renamed Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute. The renaming is in response to a generous gift from local businessman Joe Topper and his wife, Maureen, who are passionate about providing the people of our community access to world-class cancer care close to home.

The name change was announced Friday during a ceremony at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)-Cedar Crest attended by the donors.

Brian A. Nester, DO, MBA, Lehigh Valley Health Network’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said the Toppers’ gift will be used to bring the most innovative and lifesaving clinical trials to this region.

“The field of oncology is rapidly evolving, and the clinicians in our cancer program are dedicated to providing our patients the highest-level care within our community.

Since 2016, we have been a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, which has enhanced our ability to provide state-of-the-art cancer treatments.”

Nester said the gift will also complement network investments in advanced cancer treatments and technologies, including stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies.

“With the support of generous individuals like Joe and Maureen Topper, we are excited to offer even more treatment advancements to our patients and bring the next level of cancer care to the Lehigh Valley.”

Nester said in addition, the gift will serve as a permanent source of funding for Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute to attract, recruit and retain the best and brightest physicians, nurses and staff.

Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute will continue as one of only three cancer centers in the country participating in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, which provides patients with additional lifesaving care options in their communities.

“At Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, we aren’t just treating cancer - we are caring for people,” said Suresh Nair, MD, physician in chief of Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute. “Our focus is on the individual, not only their disease.

“We strive to offer our patients the best treatment options for their specific diagnoses so they can continue their lives and reach milestones they didn’t think were possible.”