The Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine has received a renewal of its comprehensive designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for another five years, along with $18 million in grant funding.
This designation is given by the NCI to centers that demonstrate significant achievements in both clinical and basic science research, clinical research trials, and service to a diverse group of cancer patients. The Duncan Cancer Center is one of three NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in Texas. It first received the NCI designation in 2007 and achieved comprehensive status in 2014. Since then, the center has expanded to 278 faculty members and has accumulated over $148 million in research funding, with more than $43 million provided by the NCI.
In the past five years, the center has introduced several advancements, including early lung cancer screening programs, the establishment of the nation’s first cell therapy unit in a safety net hospital, and the use of new diagnostic tools for cancer detection during surgery.
“Our center is driven by the needs of our patients and community to pursue scientific breakthroughs that will reduce cancer burden for all,” said Dr. Pavan Reddy, director of the Duncan Cancer Center.
Looking ahead, the center aims to increase the speed at which research discoveries are translated into personalized patient care, improve access to cancer care across the community and state, and continue training future leaders in cancer research and clinical care.
“The faculty in the Duncan Cancer Center are leaders in their field. With this renewed funding, they will continue to make advancements in cancer research and care that benefit people in Houston and around the world,” said Dr. Paul Klotman, president, CEO and executive dean of Baylor College of Medicine.
Physicians from the Duncan Cancer Center provide care at several Baylor-affiliated hospitals within the Texas Medical Center, including Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Ben Taub Hospital, and the Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center. The center serves Harris County and eight neighboring counties, an area with nearly 8 million residents, with a focus on delivering cancer services and education, particularly to underserved populations.
