The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) announced that the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) has been named its newest member institution. With the addition, there are now 33 academic centers across the United States that have multidisciplinary subject matter experts participating in 61 different panels to determine the latest evidence-based consensus recommendations for risk assessment, prevention, evaluation, treatment, surveillance, supportive care, and survivorship throughout the cancer care continuum.
More About the Cancer Center
The UCCCC—designated as a National Cancer Institute cancer center in 1974—earned its comprehensive cancer center designation in 2008 in recognition of its genetic classification of hematologic malignancies and for pioneering risk-adapted therapies. The facility also has a long history of major contributions to drug development and early-phase clinical trials.
The UCCCC is known for utilizing a broad array of innovative educational, clinical, research, and training programs aimed at increasing the presence of underrepresented populations in oncology and better understanding and serving their catchment area population. These include training and mentorship programs for students at all levels, starting in high school, as well as partnerships with numerous community programs throughout their areas.
“We are thrilled to join NCCN, which means our renowned faculty will contribute to evidence-based cancer treatment guidelines, research, and education that will have an impact on patient care in the country and across the world,” emphasized Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, the AbbVie Foundation Distinguished Service Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Professor of Medicine, Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, and Dean of Oncology in the Biological Sciences Division at UChicago Medicine. “We need to have better cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment for our communities—especially those that are underserved and face some of the worst cancer disparities,” he added.
“UChicago [Medicine] is a recognized leader in cancer care that will bring numerous strengths to our network,” explained Robert W. Carlson, MD, Chief Executive Officer of the NCCN. “We were particularly impressed with their substantial work improving outcomes for underserved populations and longtime commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. They serve an ethnically and economically diverse population and have a history of higher-than-average rates of Black patients taking part in clinical trials. Their work also includes a focus on cancer prevention through tobacco control and [human papillomavirus] control programs. We look forward to working with them as we continue to focus on our mission of helping all [patients] with cancer live better lives.”
More About NCCN
NCCN was originally founded in 1995 with 13 member institutions. The alliance now includes 33 different centers that provide top-level cancer care across the United States.
NCCN’s member institutions work together in a variety of ways to define and advance high-quality, high-value, patient-centered cancer care globally. One key area of activity is maintaining the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, which are updated at least once a year to reflect the most updated research and best practices. The clinical guidelines serve as the basis for the NCCN Guidelines for Patients, a free resource to help patients with cancer and their caregivers participate in informed decision-making about their cancer care.
NCCN member institutions also work together to identify and address pressing concerns in cancer care delivery as they arise—including public health and safety, policy, and other issues.
