Wednesday, February 5, 2025
2/5/2025
The University of Kansas Cancer Center received Comprehensive Cancer Center designation by the National Cancer Institute in 2022. This is the highest level of recognition awarded by the NCI. Comprehensive designation affirms that our program demonstrates an exceptional depth and breadth of research, significant transdisciplinary research that bridges scientific areas, and an effective community outreach program. We are the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in the region, and 1 of only 53 in the nation, to receive this elite distinction. With 350 cancer researchers and clinicians, and 150-plus disease-specific oncologists, we are elevating the standards in cancer care. At the recommendation of our External Advisory Board, and to move forward with our stated vision of unifying the physical spaces of our cancer center under one roof, we are embarking upon the construction of The University of Kansas Cancer Center building, with construction slated to begin in September 2024. This 205,000 square foot building collectively bring together and support the work of our cancer center scientists, clinicians and researchers in a centralized building. This new home will allow for the expansion of our research teams in basic science, clinical, and population health, and will encourage increased interactions and collaborations. For the people in our region, this means greater access to leading-edge treatments, including clinical trials, as well as the best and brightest minds in cancer. A facility containing basic, translational and population science faculty adjacent to our newly constructed oncology in-patient tower will be a significant catalyst for further growth and strengthening of our center. This will be particularly important for our diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts as many of our population health researchers focus their work on underserved and marginalized population groups within our c atchment area. Completion of this premier NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center building will position the University of Kansas Cancer Center to lead the region in new cancer therapeutics, immunotherapy, and cutting edge technology to give our cancer center community the care that it deserves. Over $105 million has already been secured for the construction of this building, and an additional $100 million is forthcoming upon the approval of a $75 million State of Kansas budget line item this summer and matching private philanthropic gifts. These HRSA funds will supplement the construction of this facility for the Breast Cancer Research group.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).