DOI: 10.1097/01.COT.0000317219.18941.6a

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Issn Print: 0276-2234

Publication Date: 2008/04/10


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Want a Cancer Center?What Kind and How?

Joseph V. Simone

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It seems that everyone wants a cancer center for their institution, but what they mean is often vague. Since the term “cancer center” is not trademarked or copyrighted, it can be used by anyone. For example, I was told of an old storefront office in California with only one physician and one nurse with a sign above the door reading “Cancer Center.”
Many “cancer centers” in this country are simply ambulatory clinics where chemotherapy is given that are not so different from the storefront model. Some also include other services such as radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, and, less often, surgery. They are most often part of a hospital system. For purposes of clarity, I shall refer to these as “community-based cancer centers.”
However, when we speak of cancer centers we are usually referring to academic cancer centers that are now, or are in the process of becoming, part of the cancer centers program funded by the National Cancer Institute.
The requirements for entering this program are sharply defined. An article describing the distinctions among academic cancer centers can be found in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (2002:20:4503–4507), and a detailed list of the criteria for becoming one of the NCI-designated cancer centers can be found at http://cancercenters.cancer.gov
The motivations for wanting a cancer center vary, but usually are based on an attempt to accomplish one or more or the following:
I have served as an advisor to both types of cancer center and found that the best of both have much in common when it comes to the care of cancer patients. But the main focus of activity and the requirements for developing a community-based or an academic cancer center differ in several key areas, including primary mission, scope of services, and research.
The failure to understand this difference often leads to an enormous waste of energy and resources, hurt feelings, and confusion.
To help clarify these issues, I offer a few tips on that I believe are the most essential factors for success in establishing a cancer center. The list does not include every requirement, but if the following are in place the chance of success is far greater than without them.
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