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Hollings Cancer Center Lands Its Highest Score, Receives NCI-Designation Renewal

two hollings researchers discuss findings in the lab

As if there weren’t enough reasons to ride, here’s another.

Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) got its highest score ever in its recent renewal of its designation as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center.

The only NCI-Designated Cancer Center in South Carolina, Hollings is at the forefront of cancer research and understands that research is a key element to providing cancer patients with better treatment options.

MUSC President David J. Cole, M.D., hailed the renewal as affirmation of the strength of the work being done at Hollings. “MUSC is proud to have the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Carolina. This renewal validates the significant, ongoing and dedicated effort by Hollings Cancer Center scientists toward advances in cancer prevention, diagnoses and treatment, with the ultimate goal of finding cancer cures.”

NCI-Designated Cancer Centers represent the top 4% of cancer centers in the United States. With this five-year renewal, Hollings is one of only 70 cancer centers in the U.S. with this prestigious status and the only such institution in South Carolina.

Gov. Henry McMaster underscored the importance for the state. “This is just one more example of the excellence that South Carolina produces. Congratulations are in order for MUSC and the Hollings Cancer Center for this impressive designation and for the important work that we know its scientists, doctors and researchers will continue to do there.”

The renewal is accompanied by $10,781,505 in funding to sustain and grow research efforts at Hollings Cancer Center. NCI designation is awarded for a five-year period, after which centers undergo an extensive renewal application submission and examination. Hollings has held this designation since 2009.

Hollings Cancer Center Director Gustavo Leone, Ph.D., said he’s grateful for the teamwork it took to land the highest score the center has ever received in a rigorous, competitive process.

The goal is to reduce the burden of cancer in the state. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that 29,830 South Carolina residents will be diagnosed with cancer and 10,720 will die from their disease.

Leone said it’s been exciting to see the overall progress of the center over the past five years and the exponential growth in its scientific discoveries. Of note, as well, is that Hollings Cancer Center celebrated being named among the nation’s top cancer centers for its clinical care last year, with U.S. News & World Report ranking MUSC Health 24th for cancer care.

“For all these reasons, I am proud to lead Hollings Cancer Center and plan to sustain our positive trajectory,” he said. “Work at Hollings will lead to important advances in cancer research and clinical care. This designation will accelerate the speed by which we bring scientific and clinical discoveries to prevent and eradicate cancer in the state.”

Read more: https://web.musc.edu/about/news-center/2019/05/09/hollings-cancer-center-receives-national-cancer-institute-designation-renewal

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