In 1978, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) awarded the Cancer Center of Metropolitan Detroit with comprehensive status.

Known today as the Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI), it was formed in 1995 through a strategic partnership of the Meyer L. Prentis Comprehensive Cancer Center of Metropolitan Detroit, the Wayne State University Cancer Institute, the Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF), and the clinical cancer programs of the Detroit Medical Center.

KCI was named after Barbara Ann Karmanos, the late wife of Peter Karmanos, Jr., a local philanthropist.