University of Arizona Cancer Center

University of Arizona Cancer Center
Name	University of Arizona Cancer Center
Type	Academic medical center
Established	1976
Headquarters	Tucson, Arizona
Affiliation	University of Arizona

University of Arizona Cancer Center. It is a premier National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center located in Tucson, Arizona, and part of the University of Arizona Health Sciences. The center integrates groundbreaking laboratory research with advanced clinical care to develop new treatments and improve outcomes for patients across Arizona and the Southwestern United States. Its mission encompasses a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention, detection, therapy, and survivorship.

History

The center's origins trace to 1976 when it was founded by Dr. Sydney E. Salmon with initial support from the National Cancer Institute. It achieved its first NCI-designated Cancer Center status in 1978, establishing a foundation for translational research. A major milestone was reached in 1990 when it was elevated to "Comprehensive" status, recognizing its excellence in basic science, population research, and community outreach. Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the center expanded its physical footprint and research portfolio, notably with the 2013 opening of the University of Arizona Cancer Center - Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. This growth solidified its role as a statewide leader in oncology.

Research programs

Scientific discovery is organized around several formalized research programs that foster collaboration. These include the Cancer Biology program, which investigates fundamental mechanisms of tumorigenesis and metastasis. The Therapeutic Development program focuses on translating laboratory findings into novel clinical trials, often involving experimental chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents. The Cancer Prevention and Control program conducts epidemiological studies and behavioral research aimed at reducing cancer risk and addressing health disparities, particularly among Hispanic and Native American populations in the region. Research is supported by shared resources like advanced genomics and biostatistics cores.

Clinical care

Patients receive care through a network of clinics that provide access to cutting-edge therapies within a patient-centered model. Multidisciplinary teams comprising medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, and specialized support staff develop individualized treatment plans. The center offers a vast portfolio of clinical trials, including Phase I studies, providing early access to innovative drugs and technologies. Specialized clinics address specific cancers such as melanoma, gastrointestinal cancer, and breast cancer, while supportive services like palliative care and survivorship programs address the full continuum of patient needs.

Facilities and locations

The primary headquarters is the state-of-the-art University of Arizona Cancer Center building in Tucson on the campus of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson. This facility houses extensive research laboratories, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic imaging services. The center operates a major clinical and research hub in Maricopa County at the Phoenix campus, in partnership with Dignity Health and Creighton University. Additional community-based infusion and clinical sites extend its reach across the state, ensuring patients outside major metropolitan areas have access to high-level oncology services and clinical trial participation.

Leadership and organization

The center is led by a Director who oversees all academic, research, and clinical enterprises, reporting to the senior leadership of the University of Arizona Health Sciences. It is structured into administrative units managing research programs, clinical operations, shared resources, and community outreach. Scientific direction is guided by senior leaders and program co-leaders who are often prominent researchers like Dr. David S. Alberts, a past director known for his work in gynecologic oncology and cancer prevention. The organizational model emphasizes collaboration across departments at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and other health sciences colleges.

Affiliations and recognition

As an NCI-Comprehensive Cancer Center, it is part of an elite national network. Key clinical and academic affiliations include its integral role within the Banner Health system and partnerships with the VA Southern Arizona Health Care System. The center collaborates with the Mayo Clinic in Arizona on specific research initiatives and is a member of prestigious consortia such as the Southwest Oncology Group. Its researchers are consistently recognized with awards from organizations like the American Association for Cancer Research and receive substantial grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and private foundations.

Category:University of Arizona Category:Cancer centers in the United States Category:Medical and health organizations based in Arizona Category:1976 establishments in Arizona