NCI-designated Cancer Center

These facilities must demonstrate expertise in each of three areas: laboratory, clinical, and behavioral and population-based research.

Comprehensive cancer centers may apply for up to $1.5 million per year from the Department of Health and Human Services.

[2] Independent or freestanding cancer centers are entities unto themselves and are not considered to be part of a larger institution or university.

[3] The NCI also supports Consortium Centers, wherein scientists and clinicians from multiple institutions enter into formal agreements to expand cancer research programs.

Some of these include the administration of cancer research programs, training activities, core facilities with technology shared by investigators, and clinical trial management services.

[5] The NCI considers the certain characteristics essential to a cancer center, and requires that applications address the institutions' resources in the areas of: Physical Space, Organizational Capabilities, Transdisciplinary Collaboration and Coordination, Cancer Focus, Institutional Commitment, Center Director.