UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center 50th Anniversary

50 Years of NCI Designation

In 2024, The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is celebrating 50 years as a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

A Legacy in Cancer Discovery

For more than 50 years, the University of Chicago has been a leader in cancer research. Our scientists and clinicians have consistently expanded the boundaries of knowledge and transformed cancer care and prevention. Seminal discoveries made at UChicago have stimulated the development and introduction of many cancer treatments used today.

Historical Timeline

Why is NCI Designation Important?

Having NCI’s top designation puts us among the upper echelon of cancer centers that are leading the nation’s fight against cancer. We are one of only two NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the state and one of 56 in the United States.

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NCI renews Cancer Center's premier 'Comprehensive' designation

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has renewed the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center’s designation and continued grant support as one of the nation’s top research and treatment facilities for another five years. This renewal of its status as a “Comprehensive Cancer Center” comes five decades after its original NCI designation.

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Alumni Stars Lecture Series

Over the course of the year, the UCCCC will host a monthly series of seminars/lectures and invite “star” UCCCC alumni (faculty, students, trainees) back to UChicago to present their research.

List of Guest Speakers

Special Fireside Chat with Directors

In this special episode, Camilla Frost-Brewer held a fireside conversation with two former directors and one current director to learn what it is like to lead a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and how they approached the opportunities and challenges of the role. Together, they reflected on what is unique about the intellectual environment at the University of Chicago and predicted where cancer research is going next.

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$75 million donation from AbbVie Foundation to support UChicago Medicine's new cancer pavilion

The AbbVie Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing health inequities, has made a $75 million donation to the University of Chicago to support the construction of UChicago Medicine’s new cancer pavilion, the first freestanding facility in Illinois dedicated to reshaping cancer care.

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How the environment is silently shaping your risk for cancer

by jkollmer | November 8, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Cancer occurs when genetic changes disrupt cells’ normal functions. These genetic mutations can be inherited, happen spontaneously when cells make copies of...

Expanding access to faster, cheaper radiation treatment for U.S. breast cancer patients

by jkollmer | November 8, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (HF-WBI) is a method of delivering radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery. The treatment is highly...

Clinical research roles open doors to healthcare opportunities

by jkollmer | October 9, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

If your cancer care or career has included a clinical trial, you are likely familiar with clinical research coordinators (CRCs): staff whose work takes them around hospitals and clinics to talk to patients about clinical trials, explain specific protocols and ensure...

Creating a pipeline of clinical research professionals to improve cancer care

by jkollmer | October 9, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Clinical research is critical for getting promising new drugs and devices to patients, but its success depends on a workforce of dedicated professionals. Unfortunately, the field is severely understaffed. A 2023 analysis showed that for every experienced clinical...

Ten years of inspiring future cancer physicians and researchers

by jkollmer | October 9, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

The UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center held a research symposium on Friday, August 2, 2024, to showcase the projects by participants of its research training programs for high school and undergraduate students interested in careers in cancer research. Two special guests—National Cancer Institute (NCI) director W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC, and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL)— met with leadership, faculty, and students to mark both the 10th anniversary of the educational programs and the 50th anniversary of the Comprehensive Cancer Center’s NCI designation.

Scientists just wanna have fun-ding: demystifying how cancer research is funded

by jkollmer | May 16, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Cancer research is very expensive. In 2024, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was allocated $7.22 billion, which was a decrease of $96 million dollars from the previous year. Most of these funds are disbursed as research grants to external organizations, such as the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC).

Higher rates of cancer in minoritized communities across Chicago and U.S. driven by disparities

by jkollmer | May 15, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

A new report from the American Association for Cancer Research explains the major drivers of cancer disparities and which groups are affected most. UChicago Medicine is prioritizing research initiatives that promote cancer equity.

New symposium at UChicago unites pancreatic cancer researchers across the Midwest

by jkollmer | May 15, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Pancreatic cancer researchers from the Midwest enthusiastically convened at the University of Chicago for the first-ever PancMidwest Pancreatic Cancer Research Symposium on Friday, May 10, 2024.

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50 Years, 50 Milestones: Read the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Report

The University of Chicago’s contributions to cancer research can be traced to the 1920s; however, its existence as a formal center of excellence in cancer research was established in 1973, when it became a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

More than five decades later, the University of Chicago continues to be a national leader in research to develop new ways to treat, prevent and diagnose cancer. In honor of the 50-year milestone of the UCCCC’s NCI designation, this commemorative report features 50 exciting developments that occurred over this time period. Looking back at the progress we’ve made on many fronts in cancer research invites the opportunity to imagine how the advances of today will bring endless possibilities for the future.

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