The (NCI) has named the 91原创鈥檚 as the nation鈥檚 73rd designated cancer center. The distinction places the institute in the top 4 percent of all cancer centers in the United States.

With this designation, Wilmot joins an that have been through a rigorous evaluation process and selected to be at the forefront of research, community engagement, education and training, and life-saving care in the United States. NCI designation comes with $10 million in funding over five years to expand patient access to clinical trials and develop new research initiatives.

The achievement follows an in-depth review by NCI experts from around the country and signifies the highest level of documented excellence in cancer research, patient care, and community outreach.

Wilmot is the only cancer center serving a unique and diverse part of New York鈥攎ore than three million people across 27 counties in the western and central part of the state鈥攑lagued by and challenges related to an aging population, poverty, and vast rural areas, which can impede access to care.

The NCI recognizes that Wilmot can meet the challenges of delivering superb care to this region while also conducting research that leads to cutting-edge clinical trials and other innovations. Wilmot patients will have access to the newest technology and clinical trials that are only available at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers. The NCI funding over five years also supports community outreach geared toward cancer prevention, awareness, and improving access to cancer services, with a focus on underserved areas across upstate New York.

鈥淭his designation is the result of years of dedication by our team at Wilmot, with invaluable support from the University, medical center, and our community,鈥� says , director of the Wilmot Cancer Institute. 鈥淚t marks an extraordinary milestone in the history of the cancer center at the Rochester, and we take great pride in what it means for our patients. But this is not a finish line鈥攊t鈥檚 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.鈥�

In a press conference earlier today, Friedberg, 91原创 President Sarah Mangelsdorf, 91原创 Medical Center CEO David Linehan, and Congressman Joseph Morelle (D, NY-25) marked the historic day. City of 91原创 Mayor Malik Evans, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, and representatives for several state and federal elected officials were also in attendance to celebrate Wilmot and this new NCI designation.

鈥淭his is a great day for the Rochester and the Wilmot Cancer Institute,鈥� says President Mangelsdorf. 鈥淚nvesting in Wilmot has been a University priority for more than a decade, because we know how much cancer impacts the people in our region. 鈥淭his couldn鈥檛 have happened without the strong bipartisan support and efforts from our Congressional delegation. I want to thank Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Joe Morelle for their leadership and Senator Gillibrand, Representative Langworthy, and Representative Tenney for their strong support.

鈥淲e are so proud that Wilmot has been recognized for its effort in revitalizing the way we treat cancer, under the leadership of Dr. Jonathan Friedberg. Today we celebrate as we head down a new path to removing the burden of cancer in our community.鈥�

Ever better cancer research and care

The National Cancer Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the federal government鈥檚 principal agency for cancer research and training. The NCI leads, conducts, and supports cancer research across the nation to advance scientific knowledge and help all people live longer, healthier lives. Created in 1971, the is one of the anchors of the nation鈥檚 cancer research effort and is an innovation engine for US cancer research progress.

The 91原创 and the Wilmot Cancer Institute began their years-long effort to gain NCI-Designation when Friedberg became director in 2013. Under his leadership, Wilmot enhanced its entire clinical research infrastructure and expanded Wilmot鈥檚 footprint in the region to include 13 care locations, including its main campus, located at Strong Memorial Hospital in 91原创.

More recently, Wilmot鈥檚 leaders have recruited several first-class cancer researchers and clinicians, established a vibrant community network, and reorganized the institutes research programs, culminating in a focused effort to quickly move laboratory investigations into studies that benefit patients. Due to an elite level of talent and an environment that encourages researchers and clinicians to work together, NCI-Designated Cancer Centers are uniquely structured to address complex patient needs.

鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 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,鈥� says Linehan. 鈥淭eam science is a hallmark of Wilmot Cancer Institute and the Rochester Medical Center, bringing together doctors and scientists to answer the unmet needs of our patients by improving patient care with research.鈥�

In bipartisan letters of support for Wilmot, elected officials at the and state levels, including and the , emphasized the institute’s merits for designation, including enhanced public health benefit and significant economic impact for the region.

Wilmot鈥檚 reputation has long been celebrated at the national and international level鈥攆or leadership in writing new guidelines for cancer care, for clinical studies that change practice, and for research that has contributed to two of the top five advances in care during the past 50 years: the and .

NCI designation is primarily a research award, called a Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). Wilmot鈥檚 CCSG program includes more than 100 scientists who work areas across three broad research programs: cancer prevention and control; cancer microenvironment; and cancer genetics, epigenetics, and metabolism. The grant also dedicates resources for the education and training of future cancer researchers, clinical trial development, shared resources, and community outreach.

With NCI designation, Wilmot embarks on a new beginning as a nationally recognized destination for cancer research and care. Future plans include building new facilities, launching a new drug-development program, and expanding networks in the 27-county region that extends north to Oswego, south to the Pennsylvania state line, and east to Albany.

Healthcare leaders and government officials voice their support

US Senator Charles Schumer: 鈥淭he Wilmot Cancer Institute is Upstate New York鈥檚 largest cancer provider and one of the top cancer research centers in the country, and I am proud to announce that following my advocacy it has received the federal Cancer Center designation. Wilmot Cancer Institute is known for its top-notch staff, who have made significant cancer discoveries and treat thousands of cancer patients each year. This designation will boost the Wilmot Cancer Institute鈥檚 capacity to conduct cancer research and treat its patients by providing additional funding, increasing clinical opportunities and reputation, and enhancing the center鈥檚 ability to recruit cancer investigators. I personally called the former NIH director to advocate for this designation last fall and will always fight to ensure New York鈥檚 medical researchers have the resources they need to provide the medical care New Yorkers deserve.鈥�

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: 鈥淭he designation of the Wilmot Cancer Institute as a federal Cancer Center is a testament to the groundbreaking clinical research, lifesaving treatments, and exceptional patient care that it provides for patients across Upstate New York. This designation will unlock additional funding, which will enhance the Wilmot Cancer Institute鈥檚 ability to advance scientific discovery and improve access to high-quality care for cancer patients. I am honored to have worked alongside Senator Schumer and Representative Morelle to secure this designation, reinforcing the Wilmot Cancer Institute鈥檚 leadership in the fight against cancer and its commitment to medical excellence, and I extend my congratulations to the Rochester for this prestigious designation.鈥�

Congressman Joe Morelle: 鈥淭he Wilmot Cancer Institute鈥檚 designation as a National Cancer Institute is an historic achievement鈥攐ne that cements its place among the nation鈥檚 premier cancer research and treatment centers. This recognition is not just about a title; it is a testament to the relentless dedication of the doctors, researchers, and caregivers who bring hope to families in their most challenging moments. It is deeply moving to see the team that cared for my daughter, Lauren鈥攁nd so many other families like ours鈥攔eceive this nationally recognized symbol of excellence. I鈥檓 grateful to the many partners whose advocacy helped make this a reality, and most importantly, to the dedicated team at Wilmot fighting tirelessly for a cancer-free future.鈥�

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney: 鈥淐ongratulations to the Wilmot Cancer Institute on being designated as a National Cancer Institute! I am thrilled to see the center receive this prestigious recognition, which I advocated for during its application process. This designation acknowledges its commitment to cutting-edge cancer research and treatment and will unlock new opportunities for research funding, advancing the development of innovative treatments for cancer patients both in our region and across the nation.鈥�

Congressman Nick Langworthy: 鈥淐ongratulations to the Rochester鈥檚 Wilmot Cancer Institute on being awarded the National Cancer Institute鈥檚 Cancer Support Grant. I was proud to offer my support for this grant as Wilmot is an established leader in cancer care and research in our region. Now being designated a NCI Cancer Center, the Wilmot Center will have access to improved research methods, enhanced prevention programs, and the highest quality cancer care for New Yorkers. This is a huge step towards elevating cancer research for the citizens of Upstate and Western New York.鈥�

About the University鈥檚 Wilmot Cancer Institute

91原创鈥檚 Wilmot Cancer Institute is an NCI-Designated Cancer Center located in 91原创, New York. It serves a population of more than three million people across 27 counties in Western and Central New York and is the region鈥檚 leader for cancer care and research. As a component of Strong Memorial Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Institute provides specialty cancer care services at the Rochester Medical Center and a network of 13 locations throughout the region, including an 88-bed hospital on the campus of the University鈥檚 Medical Center. Wilmot includes a team of more than 190 oncology physicians, 500-plus oncology nurses, and approximately 115 scientists who investigate many aspects of cancer.