On Sept. 23, 2007, the Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) was awarded “cancer center” designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) — a distinction that reflects both high-quality patient treatment and excellent basic and clinical research. This new status was shared with the Fremont-based Northern California Cancer Center, which worked with Stanford to achieve the designation.

The NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health and is the primary source of funding for cancer research in the United States. It supports 61 cancer centers characterized by scientific excellence and diverse approaches to cancer research. Becoming one of these centers will increase support for both Stanford patients and faculty.

The designation will likely provide $1 million per year for three years, although the exact details still need to be determined. These funds can be used for clinical and scientific research, and for the infrastructure of the cancer center, including administrative costs and core facilities. Stanford will also gain access to cancer education and prevention initiatives through the NCI. In addition, Stanford faculty will be able to apply for cooperative grants, which fund collaborations between researchers at NCI-designated schools.