News Release - July 2000
National Cancer Institute bestows special status on UI Cancer Center

The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa has been recognized as a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center, a mark of distinction given to a select group of cancer centers nationwide.

George Weiner, MD, director of the UI Cancer Center, said NCI designation will allow the UI Cancer Center to contribute even more through excellence in cancer patient care, research and education.

"This is a very exciting recognition that opens a lot of new doors for us and for our patients," he said. "NCI-designated cancer centers work together doing state of the art cancer research and move this research from the laboratory into clinical trials and into clinical practice. We are excited about being recognized as one of this elite group of Cancer Centers."

As an NCI-designated cancer center, the UI Cancer Center's team of specialists will share findings and breakthroughs in the treatment and understanding of cancer with researchers and specialists from other NCI institutions.

Advanced technologies, novel therapies, and new techniques will be supported through additional funding that the NCI provides to its designated cancer centers.

Combined with private donations and other grants, this funding will enhance the UI Cancer Center's commitment to recruit the most prestigious physicians, medical professionals and scientists in the field, Weiner said.

Similarly, NCI designation will benefit the next generation of doctors and cancer specialists. As an NCI-designated Cancer Center, the UI Cancer Center will provide students with richer training experiences and opportunities to better prepare them for their careers.

Established in 1980, the UI Cancer Center is the only Center with NCI designation in Iowa, and one of only 60 nationwide.

The UI Cancer Center includes 100 clinical faculty and 140 researchers from 25 departments and six colleges within UI, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Iowa City.

NCI designation follows an exhaustive NCI review conducted over a year and a half, including on-site visits by scientists and staff from other NCI-designated cancer programs.