The National Cancer Institute has renewed the “comprehensive” designation of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, recognizing its excellence in research, clinical care, prevention and education.
The renewal includes a nearly $18 million grant over five years. The funding will help advance groundbreaking research, expand access to clinical trials and strengthen programs that address the region’s cancer burden.
“Renewing our NCI comprehensive designation is a powerful validation of the extraordinary, innovative work happening here every day,” said Primo “Lucky” Lara Jr., director of the cancer center and principal investigator of the grant. “The recognition reflects the dedication of our physicians, researchers, staff and community partners to cancer care and prevention and to addressing cancer disparities in our region.”
The designation places the cancer center among an elite group of only 58 comprehensive cancer centers around the country.
The NCI review process is among the most rigorous in academic medicine. To earn comprehensive status, cancer centers must demonstrate exceptional strength and integration across laboratory, clinical and population-based research programs. They must also show evidence of leadership, community engagement and education efforts.
“UC Davis is driven to break barriers in cancer care through our leading-edge research, compassionate care and community engagement,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. “Our expertise improves lives and we are honored that the renewed NCI grant furthers the university’s mission as an engine of discovery in the fight against cancer.”
Evidence-based cancer treatment and prevention
Outside of San Francisco, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center from the Bay Area north to Portland and east to Salt Lake City. It is the only designated center in the Sacramento region.
The center cares for more than 100,000 patients each year and conducts more than 200 active clinical trials, including the region’s only phase 1 cancer clinical trials. The center also manufactures CAR-T cells on site, helping to bring leading-edge therapies closer to home.
The designation matters to patients. Research shows that treatment at NCI-designated cancer centers is associated with improved outcomes. One study found a 23% reduction in overall mortality among adults with solid tumors compared with treatment at non-designated centers.
“This is ultimately about the patients and communities we serve,” Lara said. “It ensures we can continue delivering world-class, research-driven care close to home, while accelerating the discoveries that will define the future of cancer treatment.”