There is more to do

“Comprehensive Cancer Center status is not just about achieving a higher level of designation — it is about expanding research and prevention activities and improving the health of the people in our communities,” said Roy Jensen, M.D., KU Cancer Center director. “It is about stopping cancer before it starts.”

KU Cancer Center recently launched “Within Reach: The Quest to Conquer All Cancers,” a campaign to rally support for the effort. Private partnerships and philanthropy are needed to help them do more. With more research, education and prevention, clinical trials and treatments, lives will be saved.

“Cancer is profoundly personal, and each member of our Within Reach team is committed to bringing the next level of research and cancer care to our area,” Jensen said.

Research is key

Nearly all new cancer treatments developed since 1971 originated from research conducted at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers. Research will ultimately defeat this disease — physicians and scientists with strong clinical expertise and a passion for discovery are essential for meaningful advances. KU Cancer Center aims to add more experts to the team, with a particular focus on physician-scientists who treat patients and conduct academic research.

“My studies stem from my experience treating patients,” said Anwaar Saeed, M.D., a KU Cancer Center physician-scientist and associate professor. “I witness their struggles, and it motivates me to do more.”

Clinical trials are another important part of the discovery process. Most cancer treatments used today were studied and made available to patients through clinical research and trials. In the last six years, KU Cancer Center researchers have advanced seven new cancer drugs into clinical trials. Being able to offer the latest clinical trials available gives patients more options for innovative therapy and more hope for survival.

“Translating lab discoveries to the clinic requires a significant amount of research dollars,” Saeed said. “As an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, achieving comprehensive status supports more research investment and higher chances of bench-to-bedside discoveries. We look forward to the day when the majority of cancer patients are treated based on their tumor molecular signature.”

Education and outreach

According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, nearly 50% of all cancers are preventable. KU Cancer Center is a leader in educating the public and promoting cancer prevention strategies, including early screening. They have plans to strengthen these programs and also are expanding access through the Masonic Cancer Alliance network of hospitals and health care organizations across Kansas and western Missouri. KU Cancer Center experts share knowledge and resources with these partners to ensure geography isn’t a barrier to receiving the latest information and cancer treatments.

A home for science

Plans are underway for a new cancer research facility that will bring scientists together in one location. Currently, labs and researchers are scattered across the Kansas City metro area. This was noted by the NCI as an area KU Cancer Center needs to address to strengthen their application for comprehensive designation. The future building will be dedicated to cancer research and care, with space allocated for growth. It will unite researchers across scientific disciplines and encourage collaboration.

“We need a space that supports our vision to conquer all cancers,” Jensen said. “The new facility will support true team science, allowing us to pool the expertise and resources of many. Research becomes transformative when we break down the silos and come together.”

A core team of KU Cancer Center supporters and community members are mapping out a strategy to raise funds for the facility. Once funded, construction will take about three years.