Blue Skies Ahead: Wilmot's Half-Decade Quest for the 'Blue Ribbon' Award
Wilmot Cancer Institute Aims for NCI Designation with Ambitious Plans
The Wilmot Cancer Institute has embarked on a significant journey, applying for a P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) with the goal of achieving blue-ribbon designation. This prestigious accolade would signify that the institution meets the most rigorous standards for research, prevention, and cancer care.
The grant application process, considered the capstone of Wilmot's efforts since 2013, comes amidst a challenging financial landscape. The NCI grant announced a budget cut of approximately 37.2% compared to the current fiscal year, raising concerns about cancer research funding and patient support. Despite these challenges, Wilmot has made significant improvements in understanding the region's cancer burden, establishing new research collaborations, community outreach programs, and doubling down on clinical trials efforts.
If awarded, the grant would place Wilmot in a club of 71 NCI-designated cancer centers in the U.S. This designation would not only boost the institution's reputation but also attract top doctors and scientists, as patients prefer to be treated at an NCI-designated center due to the interaction between physicians and scientists.
To strengthen its research capabilities, Wilmot has doubled its research funding, with more than half coming from the NCI. Over 20 top-flight physicians and scientists have been strategically recruited, and a new education and training program has been established, serving high school students to junior faculty and emphasizing diversity.
Team science approaches have been emphasized at Wilmot, with the assembly of three broad research programs, five shared resource programs, and 100 scientific members and executives. A data-based, 27-county "catchment area" for patient care and research has been defined, encompassing western and central New York and serving 3 million residents.
Recognizing the importance of patient needs, a Community Outreach and Engagement office has been created, connecting patient needs with physicians, scientists, and addressing disparities. The Clinical Trials Office has been restructured, resulting in a 70% increase in patient participation in trials.
An informatics team and data-mapping tool for cancer hotspots have been built to aid in the research and understanding of cancer trends in the region. A comprehensive five-year strategic plan has been completed with center-wide participation, outlining the institute's vision and goals.
The grant application is currently under final review, and a decision is expected in the summer of 2022. If not awarded the NCI designation in 2022, Wilmot remains committed to its mission of advancing cancer care and research, and the application process will continue. Stay tuned for updates on this significant milestone in Wilmot's journey.
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