Partners

The Power of Collaboration

Friends of Cancer Research drives collaboration among partners from every healthcare sector to power advances in science, policy, and regulation that speed life-saving treatments to patients. We have been successful to date in large part due to the support and work with the partners listed below.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Originally founded in 1906, the FDA ensures the safety and purity of American food and pharmaceuticals, as well as regulates prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, medical devices, veterinary products, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and tobacco products. Each year, the FDA regulates more than $1 trillion worth of consumer goods–about 25% of all U.S. consumer expenditures. The FDA employs more than 10,000 full-time employees and is organized into agencies charged with the regulation of different products, including the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

FDA and Friends have frequently worked together on different initiatives throughout the years. These projects include:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is the country’s primary biomedical research agency. Every year, the NIH grants tens of billions of dollars to hundreds of thousands of researchers studying the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and cure of human diseases, the processes of human growth and development, the biological effects of the environment, and the understanding of mental, addictive, and physical disorders. The NIH funds more than 25 percent of all U.S. biomedical research and has contributed to countless breakthroughs and innovations over the last century. Through the Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, the NIH laid the foundation for personalized medicine.

NIH and Friends have worked together on the Lung-MAP clinical trial. NIH provided crucial input to the study design and implementation and without their support our idea for this first-of-a-kind trial would not have been feasible.

That National Cancer Institute(NCI) is the largest institute at NIH. NCI is dedicated to cancer research, training scientists, and providing the public with up-to-date information about cancer.

Initiatives that NCI and Friends have worked on together include:

Friends of Cancer Research’s Chair, co-founders, Dr. Ellen Sigal and Marlene Malek, were both Presidential appointees to the National Cancer Advisory Board. While Dr. Sigal was on the board, she chaired the Budget and Planning Committee that oversees the federal cancer budget.

In addition to her work on the National Cancer Advisory Board, Dr. Sigal is currently a proud member of the White Houses’ Cancer Moonshot Task Force.

There are two equally important components to the Abramson Scholarship Foundation program: scholarships and mentoring. The Foundation grants scholarship awards to high school seniors graduating from District of Columbia public high schools who attend four year accredited colleges. Applicants for grants must demonstrate academic achievement, financial need and a commitment to community service.

Friends and the Abramson Family Foundation regularly work together in the fight against cancer. Additionally, Pennie Abramson is on Friends board.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. is an urban office real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on world-class collaborative science and technology. Alexandria has established a dominant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle Park. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A assets clustered in urban science and technology campuses that provide its innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success.Alexandria and Friends have a longstanding partnership with their biggest, collaborative project being the Blueprint for Drug/Diagnostic Co-development series.

The Alliance for a Stronger FDA is committed to an ongoing, multi-year effort with two specific goals. The first is to assure that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) has sufficient resources to protect patients and consumers, and the second is to maintain public confidence and trust in the FDA. The credibility of the Alliance is based upon the breadth of its membership and the support of three former Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and six former FDA Commissioners, who act as honorary co-chairs.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Alliance for a Stronger FDA, in addition, Friends’ President & CEO, Dr. Jeff Allen, sits on the Alliance’s Board of Directors.

The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is a global advocate for regenerative and advanced therapies.Based in Washington, DC, ARM promotes legislative, regulatory, reimbursement, investment, technical and other initiatives to accelerate the development of safe and effective regenerative medicine technologies. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare.

Friends and ARM are working together on an upcoming event to discuss immune-oncology.

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) aims to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration. Through its programs and services, the AACR fosters research in cancer and related biomedical science; accelerates the dissemination of new research findings among scientists and others dedicated to the conquest of cancer; promotes science education and training; and advances the understanding of cancer etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment throughout the world.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with AACR, and their CEO, Dr. Margaret Foti, sits on the Friends’ board. Additionally, Friends of Cancer Research’s founder and chairwoman, Dr. Ellen Sigal, is a member of the AACR board.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is a cancer advocacy organization that is working every day to make cancer issues a national priority. Many of the most important decisions about cancer are made outside of the doctor’s office and are instead made by state legislature, in Congress and in the White House. ACS CAN empowers regular people to be part of the growing national movement that is fighting back against cancer.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with ACS CAN, and in addition, Chris Hansen, President of ACS CAN, is a member of the Friends of Cancer Research board.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) promotes and provides for lifelong learning for oncology professionals, cancer research, an improved environment for oncology practice, access to quality cancer care, a global network of oncology expertise and educated and informed patients with cancer. ASCO is supported by its affiliate organization, the Conquer Cancer Foundation, which funds groundbreaking research and programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of people with cancer.

ASCO supports the Friends’ Annual Meeting, as well as participating on our Board of Directors.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a comprehensive public research university, measured by whom they include and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. It is a top-ranked research university based in the Phoenix area. Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with ASU, and in addition, Dr. Anna Barker, Professor & Director, Transformative Healthcare Networks at ASU is a member of the Friends of Cancer Research board.

The Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) is comprised of 95 leading cancer research centers in the United States. AACI’s membership roster includes National Cancer Institute-designated centers and academic-based cancer research programs that receive NCI support. The aim of AACI is to reduce the burden of cancer by enhancing the impact of the nation’s leading academic cancer centers. Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with AACI, in addition, AACI’s Executive Director, Barbara Duffy Stewart, sits on Friends’ Executive Committee.

Battelle is a nonprofit research and development organization that applies science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Battelle Memorial Institute. In addition, the Vice President & General Manager, Health & Analytics of Battelle Memorial Institute, Dr. Sudip S. Parikh, is onFriends’Executive Committee.

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Their mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing a society at the local, national and global level.

Friends and Brookings have worked together for eight years on the Annual Meeting, where revolutionary ideas such as the breakthrough therapy designation and Lung-MAP clinical trial originated.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) is an independent private foundation dedicated to advancing the biomedical sciences by supporting research and other scientific and educational activities. Within this broad mission, BWF has two primary goals: to help scientists early in their careers develop as independent investigators and to advance fields in the basic biomedical sciences that are undervalued or in need of particular encouragement.

BWF and Friends worked together on the Enhancing Use of Patient-Centered Data in Regulatory Decision-Making initiative.

Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC) provides culturally sensitive breast cancer screening services and health and wellness education guided by evidence-based practices to all women in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, regardless of their ability to pay. CBCC is part of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Friends of Cancer Research works regularly CBCC, in addition, Friends’ Vice President – Public Affairs, Ryan Hohman, sits on their Advisory Council

C-Change is comprised of the nation’s key cancer leaders from government, business, and nonprofit sectors. These cancer leaders share the vision of a future where cancer is prevented, detected early, and cured or is managed successfully as a chronic illness. One of the underlying principles of C-Change is to leverage the leadership and expertise of all sectors of society to eliminate cancer as a major public health problem at the earliest possible time. Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with C-Change, in addition,Friends’Board Vice Chair, Marlene Malek, is a member of C-Change.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CMS, is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).Amongst other programs, CMS administers Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with CMS, in addition, Friends’ President & CEO, Dr. Jeff Allen, is a member of CMS’ Technical Expert Panel, Chemotherapy Infusion Quality Measures Group.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute aims to provide expert, compassionate care to children and adults with cancer while advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer and related diseases. As an affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute, the Institute also provides training for new generations of physicians and scientists, designs programs that promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations, and disseminates innovative patient therapies and scientific discoveries to our target community across the United States and throughout the world.

Friends and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute work together regularly in the fight against cancer.

Deerfield has a comprehensive understanding of healthcare assets allowing them to appreciate opportunity even when complex financial, legislative, regulatory and competitive pressures are present. Collaboration, intellectual curiosity and pragmatism define their approach and they craft flexible, tailored and often unexpected financing options, exploring every angle so that companies can execute their business strategy to the fullest.

Deerfield Management’s Jonathan Leff sits on the Friends of Cancer Research Executive Committee, in addition to our collaboration on Examining Use Trends of Biomarkers Tests in Lung Cancer.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) mission is to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans. That mission is fulfilled by providing for effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health and social services. Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with HHS, in addition, Friends’ President & CEO, Dr. Jeff Allen, is a Governance Board Member of HHS’ Multi‐Payer Claims Database initiative.

Leading-edge cancer care and research have been a hallmark of Duke Medicine for nearly 40 years. Today, the Duke Cancer Institute continues to build on its national and global reputation as one of the foremost centers for cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, education, and training. The Duke Cancer Institute provides specialized care to patients, treating every cancer type, with 100 oncology-dedicated, board-certified physicians and 500 clinical staff — nurses, social workers, nutritionists, and others — dedicated to cancer.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Duke Cancer Center, in addition, Friends’ founder and chairwoman, Dr. Ellen Sigal, sits on the Duke University Cancer Center Board of Overseers.

Enroll America is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with more than 6,700 partners in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to create cutting-edge tools, analyze data, inform policy, and share best practices in service of its mission: maximizing the number of Americans who enroll in and retain health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Friends works regularly with Enroll America and Friends’ Vice President – Public Affairs, Ryan Hohman, sits on their board.

FasterCures is a DC-based center of the Milken Institute driven by a singular goal – to save lives by speeding up and improving the medical research system. FasterCures works across sectors and diseases to accelerate the process by which great advances in science and technology are turned into meaningful medical solutions for patients. Their programs identify what’s working and what isn’t across the research ecosystem, and share that knowledge so that every sector – and every patient – can benefit.

FasterCures and Friends work together regularly in the fight against cancer.

The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) procures funding and manages alliances with public and private institutions in support of the mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). FNIH, works with its partners to accelerate biomedical research and strategies to fight against diseases in the United States and across the world. The FNIH organizes and administers research programs; supports education and training of new researchers; organizes educational events and symposia; and administers a series of funds supporting a wide range of health challenges.

FNIH and Friends have partnered together on the Lung-MAP clinical trial. Among other items, FNIH runs the trial, which is activated at more than 700 sites across the country. Additionally, Friends of Cancer Research’s founder and chairwoman, Dr. Ellen Sigal, is on NIH’s Board of the Foundation where she chairs the Public-Private Partnerships Committee.

The Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) is part of Georgetown University Medical Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and seeks to prevent, treat and cure cancers by linking scientific discovery, expert and compassionate patient care, quality education and partnership with the community; guided by the principle of cura personalis or “care for the whole person.” Established in 1970, the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is named for legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, who was treated for cancer at Georgetown University Hospital. What began as a small clinic treating cancer patients has grown into a state-of-the-art cancer center housing more than 240,000 square feet of clinic and research space.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Georgetown Lombardi CCC, in addition, Friends’ Vice President – Public Affairs, Ryan Hohman, is a member of the Strategic Advisory Committee at The Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers at Lombardi CCC.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. LLS recognizes that finding cures is not enough and that patients need to be ensured they have access to the treatments, services and providers they need to live longer, better, healthier lives. LLS is dedicated to removing barriers to care.

LLS and Friends work together regularly in the fight against cancer.

Marymount University is an independent, coeducational Catholic university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines. A Marymount education is grounded in the liberal arts, promotes career preparation, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. A student‐centered learning community that values diversity and focuses on the education of the whole person, Marymount guides the intellectual, ethical, and spiritual development of each individual. Friends works regularly with Marymount University and Friends’ Board Vice Chair, Marlene Malek, is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Malek School of Health Professions at Marymount University is named in honor of Mrs. Malek and her husband Frederic V. Malek, for their service and commitment to the institution and cancer research.

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. Their aim is to inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education and research.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Mayo Clinic, in addition, Friends’ President, Marlene Malek, is a member of the Cancer Leadership Council at Mayo Clinic.

The University of Texas MDAnderson Cancer Center strives to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation and the world through programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public. They aim to be the premier cancer center in the world, based on the excellence of their people, research-driven patient care and science. MD Anderson and Friends work together on a few projects, which include:
  • Friends’ Annual Meeting
  • Lung-MAP clinical trial
  • Friends of Cancer Research’s founder and chairwoman, Dr. Ellen Sigal, sits on MD Anderson’s External Advisory Board
  • Friends of Cancer Research’s Board Vice Chair, Marlene Malek, is a member of the Advisory Council of the George and Barbara Bush Endowment for Innovative Cancer Research at MD Anderson

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, educating patients, caregivers, and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of melanoma.

Friends partners directly with MRF around our Advocacy Education Program through ProgressForPatients.org, offering the training to patient advocates and providing them with the tools necessary to effectively communicate with drug researchers, developers, and regulators.

Established in 1986, the National Coalition for Cancer Research (NCCR) is a coalition that is comprised of 20 national cancer organizations. Their membership includes more than 85,000 cancer researchers, nurses and physicians, more than 90 cancer centers and specialized research institutions, and more than 2 million cancer patients, survivors and their families. The NCCR serves as a voice for cancer researchers, cancer patients and their families, cancer survivors, caregivers, oncologists, oncology nurses, and others who are involved in advancing cancer research seeking bipartisan solutions on public policy issues that impact cancer research and their applications to quality cancer care.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the National Coalition for Cancer Research in the fight against cancer.

The National Dialogue for Healthcare Innovation (NDHI) is a project designed to bring diverse interests together to develop consensus approaches on issues affecting healthcare progress. NDHI is part of the Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), which is a coalition of chief executives from all disciplines within American healthcare, is the exclusive forum for the nation’s healthcare leaders to jointly develop policies, plans, and programs to achieve their vision of a 21st century system that makes affordable, high-quality care accessible to all Americans.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with NDHI, in addition, Friends’ Vice President – Public Affairs, Ryan Hohman, is part of their principles working group.

The National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) represents the patient’s voice nationwide, particularly those struggling with a chronic, debilitating or life-threatening illness. In addition, they support sensible reforms that will expand access to health care for patients and protect them from the often unjust and discriminatory effects of illness.

NPAF and Friends regularly work together in the fight against cancer.

One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) is a collaboration of national non-profit organizations representing millions of Americans, delivering a unified message to Congress and the White House on the need for increased cancer-related appropriations.

OVAC began in January 2000 as a working group of public health organizations dedicated to ensuring that the federal government provides the necessary investments for cancer research and application programs. It has since grown into an effective coalition on cancer funding that has enabled the community to enhance policymakers’ awareness of the need for substantial increases in essential cancer programs.

Friends and OVAC have worked together as partners in the fight against cancer.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), is an independent nonprofit, nongovernmental organization located in Washington, DC that was authorized by Congress in 2010. Their mandate is to improve the quality and relevance of evidence available to help patients, caregivers, clinicians, employers, insurers, and policy makers make informed health decisions. Specifically, PCORI funds comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER), as well as support work that improves the methods used to conduct such studies.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with PCORI, in addition, Friends’ founder and chairwoman, Dr. Ellen Sigal, sits on PCORI’s Board as a representative of patients and health consumers.

The Phase One Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Phase I clinical research and treatment programs for patients with cancer. Raising more than $10 million in the past decade, Phase One is proud to have funded research at some of the most prestigious organizations in Southern California including Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, City of Hope, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Premiere Oncology Foundation Lung Cancer Initiative.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Phase One Foundation, an early collaborater and key partner in the development of the Friends Advocacy Education Program on ProgressForPatients.org.

Since 1985, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has invested $142 million in support of its mission: saving lives through cancer prevention and early detection across all populations, and has become nationally recognized as a leader in the fight against cancer through prevention. The Foundation’s Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Board, Scientific Review Panel and staff each play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission. Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Prevent Cancer Foundation, and in addition, the President & Founder of Prevent Cancer Foundation, Carolyn “Bo” Aldige, is a member of the Friends of Cancer Research board.

RCYMedicine is a consulting service focused on cancer center productivity, health care quality and health policy.The founder, Dr. Robert C. Young, has vast experience in both government and cancer center work. Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with RCYMedicine, and in addition, Dr. Robert C. Young is a member of the Friends of Cancer Research board.

The Reagan-Udall Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization created by Congress to advance the mission of the FDA by advancing regulatory science and research. With the ultimate goal of improving public health, the Foundation provides a unique opportunity to bring all parties to the table (FDA, Patient Groups, Academia, other Government entities and Industry) to work together in a transparent way to create exciting new regulatory science. Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Reagan-Udall Foundation, in addition, Friends’ founder and chairwoman, Dr. Ellen Sigal, is the vice chair of the Foundation’s inaugural board.

Regulatory Action and Education for Patients (REAP) is an umbrella coalition, established by the National Patient Advocate Foundation in May 2010, and is comprised of 61 patient advocacy groups whose mission is to communicate collaborative perspectives on proposed rules and specific legislative priorities to Federal and State policymakers. REAP’s collective voice assures a wide range of patient concerns are considered in policy development to maximize care access and improved outcomes, as well as minimize unintended consequences upon implementation of proposed rules. REAP, through its member entities, contributes information and perspectives regarding important health care decisions to a degree that is new for health care advocacy groups working collaboratively in the regulatory arena. Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with REAP, in addition, Friends’ President & CEO, Dr. Jeff Allen, is a co-chair.

Research!America is a not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance committed to making research to improve health a higher national priority. Their aim is to achieve funding for medical and health research, better inform the public of the benefits of medical and health research and the institutions that perform research, motivate the public to actively support medical and health research and the complementary sciences that make advances possible, and promote and empower a more active public and political life by individual members of the research community on behalf of medical and health research, public health, and science overall.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with Research!America, and in addition, Research!America’s President, Mary Woolley, is a member of the Friends of Cancer Research board.

Stand Up To Cancer’s (SU2C) aims to raise funds to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives. SU2C brings together the best and the brightest researchers and mandates collaboration among the cancer community. By galvanizing the entertainment industry, SU2C has set out to generate awareness, educate the public on cancer prevention and help more people diagnosed with cancer become long-term survivors.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with SU2C, in addition, Friends’ founder and chairwoman, Dr. Ellen Sigal, is on their Advocate Advisory Council, and is one of two Council members nominated to the SU2C Scientific Advisory Committee.

What was started with $200, a shoebox full of potential donor names and a promise to eradicate breast cancer has now grown into the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer. To date, Susan G. Komen has invested more than $2.6 billion in groundbreaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 30 countries. Their efforts have helped reduce death rates from breast cancer by 34 percent since 1990; and has helped improve five-year relative survival rates for early stage cancers from 74 to 99 percent.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure has worked with Friends by supporting our Annual Meeting.

SWOG is a worldwide network of researchers that design and conduct cancer clinical trials. The group’s goal is to change medical practice so it improves the lives of people with cancer. SWOG trials test new ways to diagnose and treat cancer, as well as prevent it. SWOG researchers also study ways to improve the care cancer patients receive, and improve quality of life for both patients and survivors.

SWOG works with Friends in a couple capacities:

  • Lung-MAP clinical trial
  • Friends of Cancer Research Vice President – Public Affairs, Ryan Hohman, is a chair on the Lung-MAP clinical trial Public Affairs Committee

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute’s (OSUCCC – James) vision is to create a cancer-free world, one person, one discovery at a time. This underlies everything they do in working to eradicate cancer through research that translates to innovative and highly targeted patient care. The OSUCCC – James is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic medical center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nation’s largest public universities.

Friends and the OSUCC-James work together regularly in the fight against cancer.

The Sherry Lansing Foundation is dedicated to funding and raising awareness for cancer research, health, public education, and encore career opportunities. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization and was formed in 2005.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Sherry Lansing Foundation, and in addition, Sherry Lansing, CEO of The Sherry Lansing Foundation, is a member of the Friends of Cancer Research board.

Since its opening in 1973, our Cancer Center has led the world in deciphering the mechanisms of cancer and new ways to treat it. The strength of our research and treatment programs was recognized early on by the National Cancer Institute, becoming one of the first to earn comprehensive cancer center status and recognition. One of only 45 cancer centers in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center has active programs in clinical research, laboratory research, education, community outreach, and prevention and control.

Friends of Cancer Research works regularly with the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, in addition, Friends’ founder and chairwoman, Dr. Ellen Sigal, sits on their Advisory Council.

With a membership of more than 450 physicians and scientists, UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the largest comprehensive cancer centers in the nation. They handle more than 20,000 patient visits per year and conduct hundreds of clinical trials, providing the latest in experimental cancer treatments. Today, the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has established an international reputation for providing the best in experimental and traditional cancer treatments and expertly guiding the next generation of medical researchers.

Friends and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center work together regularly in the fight against cancer.

The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center (UMGCC) is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, putting them in the top tier of centers nationwide for state-of-the-art cancer research. Additionally, UMGCC utilizes a true multidisciplinary approach to care, where specialists in medical, surgical and radiation oncology meet with new patients in a single visit.

UMGCC and Friends work together regularly in the fight against cancer.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is a world-renowned health care provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh, Pa., and is inventing new models of accountable, cost-effective, patient-centered care. UPMC operates more than 20 academic, community, and specialty hospitals, more than 500 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites, employs nearly 3,600 physicians, and offers an array of rehabilitation, retirement, and long-term care facilities.

UPMC and Friends work together regularly in the fight against cancer.