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The Wilmot Cancer Institute’s has received a new classification from the National Cancer Institute that places it among the top 4 percent of cancer centers nationwide. The institute is the 73rd designated center in the nation.
The designation comes with $10 million in funding over five years, which the University of Rochester facility will use to expand patient access to clinical trials and develop new research initiatives. The funds will also go toward cancer prevention community outreach and improving access to care, especially in underserved areas in Upstate New York.
“This designation is the result of years of dedication by our team at Wilmot, with invaluable support from the University, medical center, and our community,” says Jonathan Friedberg M.D., director of Wilmot. “It marks an extraordinary milestone in the history of the cancer center at the University of Rochester, and we take great pride in what it means for our patients. But this is not a finish line—it’s a new beginning. “
“We are committed to leverage this designation toward continued growth, increasing clinical trial availability for our patients, and ultimately decrease suffering from cancer throughout our region,” he adds.
UR and Wilmot began its effort to gain the NCI designation after Friedberg assumed leadership in 2013. The institute expanded its reach to 13 care locations, including its main campus, and enhanced its clinical research infrastructure. Wilmot also added cancer researchers and clinicians to its team. NCI experts conducted a rigorous, in-depth review of the institute’s efforts in patient care, cancer research and community outreach.
“Investing in Wilmot has been a University priority for more than a decade, because we know how much cancer impacts the people in our region,” notes UR President Sarah Mangelsdorf, who credited lawmakers for their support in achieving the designation.
State and federal elected officials wrote letters of support for Wilmot, emphasizing its regional economic impact. Wilmot treats more than 45,000 patients a year, making it one of the largest and busiest cancer centers outside New York City.
Wilmot’s future plans include new facilities, a drug-development program and an expansion of its network in the 27-county region, officials say. As an NCI-designated site, patients will have access to the latest technology and clinical trials that are only available at such locations.
“We couldn’t be prouder that Wilmot has been recognized as one of the top cancer centers in the nation and having the bipartisan support of our state and federal delegation was crucial in solidifying this designation,” says David Linehan M.D., CEO of UR Medical Center. “Team science is a hallmark of Wilmot Cancer Institute and the University of Rochester Medical Center, bringing together doctors and scientists to answer the unmet needs of our patients by improving patient care with research.”
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.
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