University of Arizona Cancer Center - Cancer Center Support Grant

University Of Arizona, Tucson AZ

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

OVERALL: ABSTRACT The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center headquartered in the state of Arizona. UACC was established over 45 years ago and has served as the driver of cancer research at the University of Arizona, within the Catchment Area, and in the state of Arizona. UACC’s vision is to be a national leader for overcoming cancer risks, improving treatments, training talented scientists and providers, and engaging communities though a shared determination to discover, innovate, and remove social inequities. This vision is realized through UACC’s mission, which is to alleviate the burden of cancer on patients and families within a five-county Catchment Area and beyond through: (1) a quest for scientific discovery through interdisciplinary collaboration and team science; (2) increasing access to the latest approaches throughout a patient’s cancer journey; (3) preparing generations of researchers and health professionals to fight each day against cancer and the inequities affecting vulnerable populations; and (4) providing national leadership in engaging populations with respect, consistency, and shared conviction. Joann Sweasy, PhD, was appointed UACC Director in 2020 and has promoted engagement of cancer center leaders and members around this mission and vision. Sweasy initiated a robust strategic planning process that led to development of the 2020–2025 Strategic Plan, “Bear Down on Cancer”, emphasizing transdisciplinary collaboration around three Center-wide scientific themes that are highly relevant to UACC’s Catchment Area: Cancer and the Environment; Cancer Imaging and Bioengineering; and Novel Therapeutics and Preventive Interventions. UACC draws its 151 members from 11 colleges and 36 departments. Total funding is $33.8M (DC), which includes $26.1M in peer-reviewed funding of which $11.6M (44%) is from NCI and $13M (50%) from other National Institutes of Health agencies. This represents a nearly 20% increase in peer-reviewed funding compared to the prior project period. Of note, UACC has received $2.7M in NCI supplements during this period. In 2020, 2,835 patients were accrued to interventional trials, a more than 300% or 3-fold increase in accruals compared to 2016. During the project period, the Office of Community Outreach & Engagement was launched, and a population health assessment was initiated to profile the Catchment Area more deeply; an Office of Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination was also established to integrate and expand cancer pipeline programs and junior investigator mentorship. Under Sweasy’s direction, Research Programs and Shared Resources were also reviewed and reorganized for greater impact; internal funding opportunities and Innovative Working Groups were expanded to promote transdisciplinary collaboration and coordination; a multi-year recruitment effort was initiated based on the new Strategic Plan; rigorous methods were implemented to ensure cancer relevance of metrics; and an unprecedented collaboration was formed with Banner Health – Tucson to foster clinical research and care.