In 1997, the Huntsman Cancer Institute received National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) designation. In 1995, the Center earned National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation as a Cancer Center, with an emphasis on genetics research as a way to understand, diagnose, and treat cancer.

The Institute serves Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming, providing care to the largest geographic region of any center. In 1998, the Jon M. Huntsman Research Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute was dedicated and patient clinics opened.