NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

**Semantic type:** Health Care Related Organization

**Definition:** NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers conduct research and provide services directly to cancer patients. These facilities must demonstrate expertise in each of three areas: laboratory, clinical, and behavioral and population-based research. Comprehensive Cancer Centers are expected to initiate and conduct early-phase, innovative clinical trials and to participate in the NCI's cooperative groups by providing leadership and recruiting patients for trials. Comprehensive Cancer Centers must also conduct activities in outreach and education, and provide information on advances in health care for both health care professionals and the public.

**Synonyms:** - Comprehensive Cancer Center