Why Choose an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Care?

Rutgers Cancer Institute Director Dr. Steven Libutti speaks at Cancer Institute's redesignation event.

The NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation reaffirms the value Rutgers Cancer Institute provides to New Jersey through research, treatment, prevention and education. Together with RWJBarnabas Health, there is a commitment to providing integrated, cutting-edge cancer care to those in New Jersey and the region.

In addition to accessing novel treatments on-site at Rutgers Cancer Institute, patients undergoing cancer care at one of the 12 RWJBarnabas Health acute care hospitals across the state also have access to oncology specialists, cutting-edge therapies and clinical trials at Rutgers Cancer Institute while maintaining an important connection to the healthcare facility at which they entered.

In many cases, there are innovative treatments that are only available through NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and their affiliates. On-site research conducted in Rutgers Cancer Institute laboratories in collaboration with research consortium partners, results in the development of cutting-edge clinical trials. Comprehensive Cancer Centers have the ability to translate scientific discovery from the laboratory bench to patient bedside and back again to optimize development of new therapies.

How do NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers serve their communities?

Mark Manigan at podium while crowd listens to speech

Along with advancing research and treatment, NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers also are responsible for putting forth programs emphasizing cancer education, prevention and outreach that serve their states and catchment areas. The entire state of New Jersey is Rutgers Cancer Institute’s catchment area, as designated by the NCI. 

The NCI recognizes Rutgers Cancer Institute’s important work in cancer control – from prevention to survivorship – and transforming research data in these areas into interventions that not only serve the people of New Jersey but beyond.

Highlighted in its most recent NCI site visit were efforts by Rutgers Cancer Institute research members in examining tobacco regulation and the impact on tobacco control policies. Also cited was the Institute’s support of public health initiatives – including the recently developed ScreenNJ initiative with the New Jersey Department of Health to enhance cancer screening, prevention and education activity.

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