Comprehensive Status Given To Duncan Cancer Center By The US National Cancer Institute

Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine has been designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. This comprehensive status moves the Duncan Cancer Center into class of top 45 centers from around the country whose programs demonstrate significant depth and breadth in basic, clinical and translational research, research into cancers most affecting their communities, clinical care, outreach and education activities, as well as cancer epidemiology and prevention programs.

This status helps Baylor expand its opportunities for access to state-of-the-art clinical care and research. "The addition of a new Comprehensive Cancer Center in Houston strengthens the city's resources for fighting the disease."

"Texas is the second largest state in the U.S. yet we have very few NCI designated cancer centers compared to other states," said Dr. Kent Osborne, director of the Duncan Cancer Center. "California has 10, seven of which are comprehensive, and four of those in the Los Angeles area. Philadelphia, Chicago and San Diego have several as well. There is room for one more Comprehensive Cancer Center in the fourth largest city in the country and it facilitates collaborations."

A five-year grant of $14.5 million is included in the Comprehensive Cancer Center designation.

"The National Cancer Institute designation is an important recognition of the quality of the programs that make up the Duncan Cancer Center, and of the work done by its physicians, scientists and staff," said Dr. Paul E. Klotman, Baylor president, CEO and executive dean. "The strength of Baylor's cancer program always has been in the highest caliber research and the most compassionate patient care. This designation underscores that work."

University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, were the two additional cancer centers in state  awarded comprehensive status this month.

To enable use of each other's shared resources which avoids duplication and reduces expenses Baylor said they have an agreement with MD Anderson.

"Since the cancer center's inception in 2006, we have always been focused on achieving comprehensive status," said Osborne. "This means you meet the highest standards set forth by the National Cancer Institute. Each cancer center undergoes a rigorous review process to achieve the highly-coveted comprehensive designation."

The Center showed growth in key areas that distinguishes NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers from others: a high level of research funding, strong basic, translational and clinical research, outstanding cancer epidemiology and prevention research, service to the community, clinical trials participation including underserved patients, new clinical programs and faculty recruitment, and leadership in cancer education. Also comprehensive centers must show their contributions in helping people fight cancer in the communities they serve.

Source-Medindia