Huntsman Cancer Institute

Huntsman Cancer Institute
Name	Huntsman Cancer Institute
Caption	The main campus in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Established	1995
Founder	Jon M. Huntsman Sr.
Affiliation	University of Utah
City	Salt Lake City
State	Utah
Country	United States
Website	hci.utah.edu

Huntsman Cancer Institute is a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center and a leading research and treatment facility. It is part of the University of Utah Health system and is located in Salt Lake City. The institute integrates pioneering genetic research with comprehensive patient care, focusing on understanding the inherited components of cancer. Its mission is driven by a philanthropic gift from entrepreneur and philanthropist Jon M. Huntsman Sr..

History

The genesis was a transformative donation by Jon M. Huntsman Sr. in 1995, following his own experiences with cancer. This philanthropic commitment led to the establishment of a dedicated cancer center within the University of Utah, an institution with a long history in genetic research. The institute's first director, Raymond White, a pioneer in human genetics, helped establish its foundational focus on familial cancer syndromes. Subsequent expansion was fueled by additional support from the Huntsman family and significant grants, including its designation as a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center in 1997. This history is deeply intertwined with the unique genetic resources of Utah, including the Utah Population Database.

Research

Research programs are internationally recognized for discoveries in cancer genetics and genomics. Scientists leverage the Utah Population Database, one of the world's richest sources of genetic and genealogical data, to identify inherited cancer risk genes. Landmark work includes the identification of major genes for hereditary breast cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer. The institute houses the Cancer Center Support Grant-funded research programs encompassing basic science, translational research, and population sciences. Collaborative efforts extend to national consortia like The Cancer Genome Atlas and institutions such as the National Institutes of Health. Research spans molecular biology, drug development, and cancer prevention studies.

Patient care

Patient care is delivered through the clinical services of University of Utah Health, providing multidisciplinary treatment across all major cancer types. Clinical teams include specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology, who develop personalized care plans. The institute operates a robust clinical trials program, offering patients access to novel therapies and cutting-edge protocols. Supportive care services, including psycho-oncology, nutritional counseling, and palliative care, are integral components. The Family Cancer Assessment Clinic provides genetic counseling and testing for individuals with a strong family history of cancer, directly translating research into clinical practice.

Facilities

The main campus is a state-of-the-art complex on the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City. The primary research and hospital tower opened in 2004, followed by additional expansions including the Primary Children's and Families' Cancer Research Center. Facilities house advanced laboratories, outpatient clinics, infusion centers, and radiation therapy suites equipped with technology like proton therapy. The campus also includes the Huntsman Cancer Hospital, a dedicated inpatient facility. Satellite clinics extend services throughout the Intermountain West region, increasing access to specialized care.

Leadership and organization

The institute is led by a director and CEO, a position held by notable figures such as Mary Beckerle and current director Charles M. Perou. Governance involves a board of directors that includes members of the Huntsman family and community leaders. It operates as an integral academic unit of the University of Utah, reporting through the university's health sciences leadership. The organizational structure includes multiple research departments, shared resources cores, and administrative divisions that support its mission. Collaboration with the University of Utah School of Medicine and the College of Pharmacy is essential for training the next generation of cancer scientists and clinicians.

Notable achievements

Notable achievements include pioneering the discovery of the CDKN2A gene responsible for familial melanoma and contributing to the identification of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Researchers played a key role in the international Human Genome Project. The institute consistently earns high rankings in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for cancer care. Its scientists have received prestigious awards, including the Lasker Award and funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The development and leadership of the The Cancer Genome Atlas project's melanoma and endometrial cancer working groups stand as major contributions to precision oncology.

Category:University of Utah Category:Cancer research organizations in the United States Category:Hospitals in Utah Category:Medical and health organizations based in Salt Lake City Category:Buildings and structures in Salt Lake City