Dr. Weiner on the Criteria Required to Become an NCI-Designated Cancer Center

Louis M. Weiner, MD, director of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the criteria required to become an NCI-designated cancer center.

In order to achieve NCI designation, a cancer center has to be innovative and demonstrate a capacity to conduct clinical meaningful and high-quality translational research. Translational research is a critical component of NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, says Weiner. Moreover, these institutions have to have strong programs in place with regard to screening and treatment. They also have to be willing to take center stage, promote awareness, and assure that patients are receiving appropriate therapy, he adds. Community outreach and engagement is an integral piece of this.

Cancer career research enhancement and educational activities are another integral layer of such a designation, explains Weiner. This ensures that the next generation of providers and researchers are equipped with the proper tools to further cancer discovery. It is an arduous, but rewarding process, Weiner concludes.