Jefferson recently announced that its Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) has earned a National Cancer Institute (NCI) “Comprehensive” Cancer Center designation, the highest recognition awarded by the NCI.   

This recognition places SKCC among an elite group of only 57 cancer centers nationwide, providing exceptional and personalized cancer care and superior outcomes, fueled by a robust clinical research program.   

“We at Jefferson have always known that the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center is among the best of the best. Now it’s official, with an important new designation that’s shared with less than two percent of the nation’s cancer centers,” said Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, CEO of Jefferson.

This designation is a testament to Jefferson’s work to save lives by developing, testing, and applying innovative approaches to improve cancer clinical outcomes. The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center has been recognized for its leadership and resources, in addition to demonstrating an added depth and breadth of basic science, clinical research, and population science.  

The prestigious NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation is granted competitively to institutions characterized by the highest level of scientific excellence in cancer research and the ability to translate scientific discoveries into novel treatments. NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers are also responsible for educating the public, training future healthcare professionals, and providing outreach to underserved populations. Comprehensive cancer centers address the cancer burden unique to the communities they serve through tailored research programs and community outreach.  

As the federal government’s principal cancer research and training agency, the NCI awards designations based on excellence in cancer treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. Jefferson received an initial NCI Designation in 1996.   

“The NCI Comprehensive designation is an important milestone in our commitment to reducing the cancer burden not only in Philadelphia, but across the United States and globally,” said Dr. Susan C. Aldridge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University. “It is the culmination of Jefferson’s continued dedication to research, education and patient care. As partners in the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Research Consortium, Jefferson, along with Drexel University, is focused on transforming breakthrough research into life-changing cancer treatment.”

Learn more about the groundbreaking, cutting edge work being done at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, which led to the NCI designation at Jefferson.

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