National Comprehensive Cancer Network names t

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA and CHICAGO, IL (April 4, 2023) — The Comprehensive National Cancer Control Network^® (NCCN^®) today announced the addition of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center as a new member institution to join the nonprofit alliance of leading cancer centers. There are now 33 academic centers across the United States that provide multidisciplinary subject matter experts to 61 different groups that determine the latest evidence-based expert consensus recommendations for risk assessment, prevention, assessment and treatment, monitoring, supportive care and survivorship across the continuum of cancer care. .

“UChicago is a recognized leader in cancer care who will bring many strengths to our network,” said Robert W. Carlson, MD, President and CEO, NCCN. “We have been particularly impressed with their substantive work to improve outcomes for underserved populations and their long-standing commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. They serve an ethnically and economically diverse population and have a history of higher than average rates of black patients entering clinical trials. Their work also emphasizes cancer prevention through tobacco and HPV programs. We look forward to working with them as we continue to focus on our mission to help all people with cancer live better lives.

The UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center utilizes a wide range of unique and innovative educational, training, clinical and research programs, all characterized by a particular focus on increasing the presence of underrepresented populations in oncology and better understanding and serving the population of their catchment area. These include training and mentoring programs for students at all levels starting in high school, as well as partnerships with many community programs in their area.

Additionally, the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center was designated as a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center in 1974 and achieved Comprehensive Cancer Center designation in 2008. It has been recognized for the genetic classification of hematological malignancies and for pioneering risk-adapted therapies. The UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center also has a long history of major contributions to drug development and early phase clinical trials.

“We are excited to join NCCN, which means our renowned faculty will contribute to evidence-based guidelines, research and education that will impact patient care in the country and around the world” , said Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, director of the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center; the Dean of Oncology in the Biological Sciences Division; and The AbbVie Foundation Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago. “We need to improve cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for our communities, especially those that are underserved and face some of the worst cancer disparities.

NCCN member institutions work together in a variety of ways to define and advance high-quality, high-value, patient-centered cancer care globally. One of the main areas of activity is the maintenance of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines^®), which are updated at least once a year to reflect the latest data and best practices. They are available for free at NCCN.org or through the NCCN Guidelines Virtual Library^® Application. Clinical guidelines serve as the basis for NCCN Guidelines for Patients^®—free resources to help people with cancer and their caregivers participate in informed decision-making about their care.

NCCN member institutions also work together to identify and address pressing issues related to the delivery of cancer care as they arise, including public health and safety, policy, and other issues.

The NCCN was founded in 1995 with 13 member institutions. The alliance now includes 33 different centers that provide high-level care across the United States. Learn more about NCCN.org/member-institutions.

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About the Comprehensive National Cancer Network

The Comprehensive National Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®) is a nonprofit alliance of leading cancer centers dedicated to patient care, research and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so that all patients can live a better life. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines^®) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and support services; they are the recognized standard for clinical guidance and policy in cancer management and the most comprehensive and frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in all fields of medicine. NCCN guidelines for patients^® provide expert information on cancer treatment to inform and empower patients and caregivers, with support from the NCCN Foundation^®. The NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, research collaboration, and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information.