Stanford Cancer Institute redesignated comprehensive cancer center

The Stanford Cancer Institute has been redesignated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.

The designation recognizes cancer centers around the country that meet rigorous standards for transdisciplinary, state-of-the-art research focused on developing new and better approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. 

“This is the first renewal of the Stanford Cancer Institute as an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center,” said institute director Steven Artandi, MD, PhD. “It reflects our outstanding cancer science research, translation, clinical research and clinical care. It’s a shared accomplishment and represents a team effort by our superb faculty, trainees, nurses and staff.”  

The Stanford Cancer Institute first received the designation in 2016 and is one of only 51 such centers nationally. As part of the renewal process, the institute was awarded a five-year, estimated $21 million grant from the NCI. 

“Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer research and care has thrived at Stanford Medicine,” said Lloyd Minor, MD, dean of the Stanford University School of Medicine. “The Stanford Cancer Institute has never been stronger or better positioned to impact the field of cancer than it is today. This funding will build upon our existing institutional commitment and augment the SCI’s ability to execute its cancer strategic plan.”

The grant will support efforts at the institute to translate breakthroughs in cancer research into clinical care; increase access to cancer care and clinical trials for underserved groups in the Bay Area; and ensure that cancer research benefits all segments of the population, including minorities, women, children and older adults through the efforts of the institute’s new Office of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement.

It will also support team science through strategic faculty recruitments and pilot projects that foster collaborations among disciplines, as well as strengthen and enhance the development of shared resources for the benefit of the entire Stanford research community.

“The Stanford Cancer Institute serves a critical role in our vision for expanding patient access to personalized, cutting-edge cancer care, informed by the latest biomedical research,” said David Entwistle, president and CEO of Stanford Health Care. “Redesignation as a comprehensive cancer center by the NCI affirms the institute’s steadfast commitment to the highest levels of research and clinical care in service of our patients and our community.”

Paul King, president and CEO of Stanford Children’s Health, said, “Through state-of-the-art treatments and exceptional patient care, the Stanford Cancer Institute is instrumental for advancing the health and healing of children in our community and beyond. With this renewal of its comprehensive cancer center designation, the institute will continue to advance our clinical and research missions.”

Since 2015, the Stanford Cancer Institute has recruited key faculty members who are national leaders in cancer-drug discovery, population science, cancer health equity and pediatric oncology; made significant investments in genomics and precision oncology, immuno-oncology, cancer cell therapy, drug discovery and cancer therapeutics; and seen a marked increase in patient participation in clinical trials, in NCI funding and in high-impact publications co-authored by its researchers.