Cancer Center granted $14.6 million

The National Cancer Institute has granted the University Cancer Center $14.6 million to be spent over a period of five years. The Center, one of only 26 in the country, has been approved as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the NCI for more than 20 years. Cancer Center Director John Glick said in a statement that he is pleased at NCI's decision to acknowledge the Center. "I am delighted that the National Cancer Institute has reaffirmed its confidence in the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center," he stated. He added that he views the grant as an award for the continuing strength and development of new research. "We are one of the nation's leading Comprehensive Cancer Centers, and this award recognizes and confirms our excellence in innovative cancer research," he explained. The grant will be divided among 12 of the Center's research programs -- including those focusing on fundamental, clinical, cancer control and developing research. More specifically, it will provide for such areas as DNA sequencing, tumor cell biology, pediatric oncology and gene therapy. In addition, Glick said the grant provides for state-of-the-art technology needed for cancer research. Harriet Goodstein, director of finance and personnel, said the grant enables the Center to incorporate research with patient care. "It is a very important grant to support translational research which will take research from the laboratory to patient care," she said. Goodstein added that the grant is necessary for the continuation of cancer research. "It's the integral part of the Cancer Center's funding budget," she said. "It would be very difficult to do the type of research that is being done without this cancer research support grant." Not only does the grant give credit to the Center's research, it will also encourage more research, Glick said last night. "First, it is a critically important grant that provides a mark of distinction for our research accomplishments," he added. "Secondly, this grant really provides the glue that holds the Center together. We use these funds to provide research infrastructure and to facilitate cancer research throughout the campus." With the aid of an additional four-year planning grant, the development of a Breast Cancer Research Program -- emphasizing the genetic aspects of breast cancer research -- will be possible.

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