Choosing cancer care in the U.S. Virgin Islands often means balancing clinical services, island location, continuity of treatment, and the likelihood that a specialized procedure may require referral elsewhere. This guide compares four established options serving patients, caregivers, and referring clinicians on St. Thomas and St. Croix, addressing a practical question: “Where can I receive dependable oncology care close to home?”
This list was created by reviewing publicly available provider information, service descriptions, locations, physician credentials, treatment support, and local continuity of care. Two-island access, medical oncology and hematology capabilities, infusion availability, patient guidance, and coordination with regional specialists were especially important. The U.S. Virgin Islands’ Central Cancer Registry receives reports from hospitals, pathology laboratories, free-standing chemotherapy clinics, and physicians, underscoring the importance of coordinated local cancer care.
1. Caribbean Hematology And Oncology Center
For patients seeking a community-based cancer clinic St Croix residents can access alongside St. Thomas care, Caribbean Hematology and Oncology Center stands out as the strongest overall choice. The practice combines more than 20 years of cancer and blood disorder care in the territory with private office locations on both major islands.
Why It’s #1
Caribbean Hematology and Oncology Center earns the top position because it brings together the factors many patients need throughout an extended treatment journey: two-island accessibility, medical oncology, hematology, infusion services, and support for both newly diagnosed and returning patients. Its St. Thomas office is located in the Foothills Professional Building, while its St. Croix office is at 48 Estate Castle Coakley.
- Two private offices: Patients can access care on both St. Thomas and St. Croix.
- More than two decades of local service: The center has provided cancer and blood disorder care in the U.S. Virgin Islands for more than 20 years.
- Broad outpatient treatment support: Listed services include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biologic therapy, infusion therapy, and symptom management.
- Continuity beyond the initial diagnosis: The practice assists with treatment coordination, appointments, insurance questions, education, local resources, and follow-up care.
- Experienced oncology leadership: Its physicians include specialists with formal training in hematology and medical oncology, serving patients across the territory.
Best fit: Patients who want medical oncology and hematology care close to home, particularly those who value the convenience of two-island access and support through diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and survivorship. Patients should still confirm whether a specific scan, surgery, radiation treatment, or inpatient service is available locally or requires a referral.
2. St. Thomas & St. Croix Cancer Specialists
Why It’s On The List
St. Thomas & St. Croix Cancer Specialists is a strong private-practice option with offices in St. Thomas and St. Croix. The organization emphasizes outpatient oncology, hematology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, laboratory services, nurse navigation, and a private infusion setting.
- Two clinic locations: Offices serve patients in both districts.
- Three board-certified physicians: The practice identifies three board-certified physicians on its care team.
- Infusion and laboratory support: It offers chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusions as well as in-house laboratory services.
- Hematology capabilities: Services include care for blood and lymphatic disorders, as well as bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.
- Navigation and support: Nurse navigators, counseling, support groups, and care coordination are part of its patient-facing resources.
Best fit: Patients seeking outpatient infusion care, hematology treatment, in-house lab access, and navigation support. Radiation therapy is described as a forthcoming independent partnership service, so patients should verify its current availability before making treatment plans.
3. Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute
Why It’s On The List
The Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute is a major hospital-connected cancer resource in St. Thomas. Originally opened in 2005, it closed after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and is currently described by Schneider Regional Medical Center as set to reopen soon. Its planned model is significant because it integrates medical and radiation oncology in a single local setting.
- Hospital-system connection: The institute is part of Schneider Regional Medical Center.
- Planned oncology scope: Publicly listed services include medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and tumor staging.
- Patient-centered resources: Listed support includes navigation, insurance assistance, nutrition counseling, palliative care, social services, support groups, and a patient resource library.
- Long-term local value: Its return is intended to expand access to comprehensive cancer services within the territory.
Best fit: Patients who may need hospital-linked oncology resources or future local radiation services. Because the institute’s reopening and service rollout are ongoing, patients should confirm appointments, referrals, equipment availability, and active treatment services directly with the institute before relying on them.
4. Virgin Islands Oncology & Hematology
Why It’s On The List
Virgin Islands Oncology & Hematology has a long regional history. Founded in St. Thomas in January 2006, the practice later expanded its footprint to St. Croix, Tortola, and St. Kitts and Nevis, giving it nearly 20 years of Caribbean oncology and hematology experience.
- Established regional background: The practice began serving patients in St. Thomas in 2006.
- Office-based procedures: Published services include chemotherapy, antibiotic and iron infusions, therapeutic phlebotomy, and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.
- Daily lab work: The practice states that phlebotomy and laboratory work are performed in the office each day.
- Multi-island perspective: Its history includes service expansion beyond the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Best fit: Patients looking for an established oncology and hematology provider with regional experience and office-based treatment options. Calling ahead to confirm current providers, office locations, and treatment availability is advisable.
Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Cancer Care Provider
- Does this practice treat my specific cancer type, stage, or blood disorder?
- Which treatments can I receive on St. Thomas or St. Croix?
- Will I need to travel for surgery, radiation, advanced imaging, or inpatient care?
- Does the office accept my insurance and require a referral?
- Who coordinates care with my surgeon, primary physician, or off-island specialist?
- What support is available for treatment side effects, transportation, finances, or survivorship?
Every cancer diagnosis is different, and the right provider depends on the treatment plan, insurance coverage, island of residence, and need for specialized services. Caribbean Hematology and Oncology Center ranks first here because its more than 20 years of local experience, two-island office access, infusion-based treatment options, hematology expertise, and continuity-focused support create a particularly practical care model for patients across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
