January 5, 2001

In recognition of the breadth of cancer research conducted by investigators at the MGH, Dana-Farber, BWH, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) has been officially designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Established in 1999, the DF/HCC is a first-ever collaboration of all cancer research activities among the Harvard-affiliated institutions.

The designation follows an October announcement that the DF/HCC had been approved as a comprehensive cancer center by the NCI. The awarding of comprehensive cancer center status indicates that DF/HCC covers a full range of cancer research activities, including basic and clinical science, population studies, community outreach programs and disease-prevention activities.

"The Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center has a broad array of research and outreach activities, as this designation recognizes," says Bruce Chabner, MD, associate director for Clinical Science for DF/HCC and medical director of the MGH Cancer Center. "We all realize, however, that there remains enormous unrealized opportunities to extend the benefits of cancer research to the diverse communities of greater Boston. We have plans to expand our outreach programs in the coming year."

Edward J. Benz, MD, director of DF/HCC adds: "The designation as a comprehensive cancer center is very gratifying. It recognizes the commitment of DF/HCC to controlling cancer on all fronts by every means available. We also regard this designation as a mandate to continue and enhance our involvement in the communities we serve."