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Winship Cancer Institute joins elite status of NCI–designated comprehensive cancer centers
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Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University earned the newest comprehensive cancer center designation from the NCI, which places it in the top 1% of all cancer centers in the United States.
“The NCI comprehensive cancer center designation signifies [that] Winship’s outstanding research and education programs are changing the lives of the citizens of Georgia for the better,” Walter J. Curran, Jr., MD, executive director of Winship, said in a press release. “As the first and only NCI–designated comprehensive cancer center in the state, our clinicians and researchers work tirelessly to substantially lessen the burden of cancer on the lives of Georgia’s residents.”
The elite designation — effective immediately — is a result of Winship’s programs that have reduced the cancer burden in Georgia.
Winship’s contributions to cancer research in Georgia included $110 million in external peer-reviewed funding for 440 grants in support of innovative research, more than 250 clinical trials, and the institution’s population-based science.
“Winship’s achievement is the result of years of hard work and commitment by many people, both within the university and the greater Georgia community,” Claire E. Sterk, president of Emory University, said in the release. “The NCI comprehensive cancer center designation will help Emory expand its extraordinary faculty of scientists and innovative thinkers by attracting new and highly qualified investigators. We thank Governor Deal and the Georgia Congressional Delegation for their support of Emory’s mission to better serve Georgia’s citizens.”
An estimated 50,000 Georgia residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Approximately one-third of those patients will receive treatment at one of Winship’s clinical locations.
“Winship is the only institution of its kind in the state. It has become Georgia’s epicenter of cancer research, education and care,” Jonathan S. Lewin, MD, executive vice president for health affairs at Emory University, and president, CEO and chairman of the board of Emory Healthcare, said in the release. “Winship is a gateway to clinical trial enrollment for metro Atlanta and beyond, importantly including our historically underserved populations.”