Lurie Cancer Center’s Scope Unique

Northwestern Missions

The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University has received a $25.6 million five-year renewal of its cancer center support grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), one of the largest grants ever received by the University. Annual cancer walk draws more than 3,500 participants and raises awareness.The Lurie Cancer Center remains the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Illinois and one of only 39 in the country.

“The reach and intensity of our work make us unique,� explains Steven T. Rosen, MD, GME ’76, Genevieve E. Teuton Professor of Medicine and Lurie Cancer Center director. “We have a strong research component that fosters new developments in diagnoses and treatment of cancer, and our researchers work closely with our clinicians so that we can implement new discoveries quickly. We offer advanced care to thousands of patients each year. We also have educational programs, training young physicians and researchers, and community outreach through which we provide information to the public about cancer and related issues.�

Center research funding exceeds $115 million annually.

The center proudly supports a large number of collaborative grant initiatives. Two recent grants are representative. The Feinberg School was awarded a $21 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study fertility threats posed to women by cancer treatment. Standard chemotherapy regimens can destroy a woman’s ability to conceive children. This new research will create an interdisciplinary team of biomedical and social scientists, oncologists, pediatricians, social workers, and medical ethicists to help women preserve their fertility while being treated for cancer.

Treatment for all types of cancaer available.

Northwestern University also was awarded a five-year $19 million grant from the NCI to establish a Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, one of seven across the country. It supports multidisciplinary teams that will develop nanomaterials for cancer therapeutics, drug delivery, imaging, diagnostics, and monitoring applications.