Wilmot Cancer Institute’s new NCI status marks a pivotal moment in cancer research and patient care, promising to bring groundbreaking advances and better outcomes to a region battling high cancer rates

Rochester, New York – The University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute has achieved a significant milestone by earning the prestigious National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, placing it among the elite top 4 percent of cancer centers nationwide. This landmark recognition marks Wilmot as the 73rd NCI-designated center in the United States and positions it as the largest cancer center outside of New York City within New York state. Annually, Wilmot sees around 7,000 new cancer cases, reflecting its substantial impact on the community.

The NCI designation is not only a mark of prestige but also a testament to Wilmot’s high standards in cancer research, patient care, and community service. The designation follows a rigorous evaluation by NCI experts, highlighting Wilmot’s excellence in all facets of cancer care and its commitment to leading-edge clinical trials and cancer research.

Dr. Jonathan Friedberg, the director of Wilmot Cancer Institute, expressed immense pride in this achievement, emphasizing that the designation represents years of dedication by the team at Wilmot.

“But this is not a finish line—it’s a new beginning,” Friedberg stated, outlining the institute’s future plans to leverage this opportunity to further enhance clinical trials and reduce the suffering from cancer across the region.

The NCI’s recognition comes with substantial support, including $10 million in funding over the next five years. This funding will enhance patient access to new and innovative clinical trials and support Wilmot’s research initiatives aimed at tackling the unique challenges of the region it serves. Covering 27 counties and catering to over three million people, Wilmot is tasked with addressing high cancer rates and health care access issues in both rural and impoverished areas.

During a press conference, University of Rochester President Sarah Mangelsdorf and University of Rochester Medical Center CEO David Linehan, alongside Congressman Joseph Morelle, praised the bipartisan support that has been crucial in securing the designation. They acknowledged the leadership and support from Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and other members of the state’s congressional delegation.

The NCI designation empowers Wilmot to expand its research capabilities significantly. Wilmot’s research agenda is robust, encompassing cancer prevention and control, the cancer microenvironment, and cancer genetics, epigenetics, and metabolism. This research will directly translate into advanced patient care and new treatment options available only at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.

Moreover, the designation supports Wilmot’s mission of community engagement. It will bolster efforts to improve cancer prevention, raise awareness, and enhance access to cancer services across upstate New York, focusing particularly on underserved areas.

Looking ahead, Wilmot plans to use this new status to attract more top-tier researchers and clinicians, further develop its clinical trials infrastructure, and continue its tradition of excellence in cancer care and research. The goal is to make significant advances in understanding and treating cancer, thus reducing its burden on the community Wilmot serves. With this new chapter, Wilmot Cancer Institute is set to redefine cancer care and research, promising better outcomes for patients and contributing to global efforts in fighting cancer.