The Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine has received a renewed comprehensive designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), along with $18 million in grant funding. This renewal extends the center’s status for another five years.
The NCI’s comprehensive designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate strong clinical and basic science research, conduct clinical trials, and serve diverse patient populations. The Duncan Cancer Center is one of three such centers in Texas. It first received NCI designation in 2007 and was recognized as a comprehensive center in 2014. Since then, the center has expanded to 278 faculty members and secured more than $148 million in research funding, including over $43 million from the NCI.
Over the past five years, clinicians and researchers at the center have introduced lung cancer screenings aimed at early detection, launched the nation’s first cell therapy unit within a safety net hospital, and developed new diagnostic tools for use 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, leaders at the center plan to speed up translation of research into personalized care options for patients, broaden access to cancer care across their service area, and continue training future leaders in cancer research and treatment.
“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.
Physicians from the Duncan Cancer Center provide care at several Baylor-affiliated hospitals within Texas Medical Center: Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Ben Taub Hospital, and Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center. The center serves Harris County as well as eight neighboring counties—an area with nearly 8 million residents—and remains focused on offering services and education throughout its catchment area with special attention to underserved communities.
