Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is Iowa's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The honor places Holden in the top tier of cancer centers across the nation.

The NCI officially notified the leadership of Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center that its P30 Cancer Center Support Grant will be renewed for a five-year period. The NCI also increased its financial support to Holden by 50 percent to more than $2.2 million per year, or a total of $11.6 million.

"The increase in funding over our current grant is significant, but it is equally as important that our center was viewed as being 'excellent' by cancer researchers from cancer centers across the country who reviewed our activities. This review included evaluation of cancer research related to cancer prevention, early detection and treatment taking place in research laboratories across the University, clinical research within UI Hospitals and Clinics and various communities across the state by our members," said George Weiner, M.D., director of Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and C.E. Block Professor of Cancer Research. "We are delighted that the NCI agreed that our center has earned its continued membership in this group of elite cancer centers."

The funding will help support core functions related to research and care provided by experts with the Roland and Ruby Holden Cancer Research Laboratories, other UI cancer labs and the John and Mary Pappajohn Clinical Cancer Center. Weiner also noted that Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center recently opened one of the world's most advanced radiation treatment facilities, the Center of Excellence in Image-Guided Radiation Therapy.

Approximately 175 cancer researchers and clinicians in 36 departments and six colleges at the University of Iowa devote their efforts and work together to fight cancer.

NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers are recognized as the leaders in developing new approaches to cancer prevention and cancer care, conducting leading edge research and educating the public about cancer.

For more information:

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

George Weiner, M.D.

Cancer Center Members