MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (June 15, 2009)—The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has renewed the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota's designation as a comprehensive cancer center for another five years, the longest term possible.

NCI awards the comprehensive designation only to institutions that make ongoing, significant advances in cancer research, treatment, and education. The Masonic Cancer Center is one of 41 cancer centers in the United States to hold this highest level designation and the only one in the greater Twin Cities region.

"This designation reflects the caliber of our faculty and staff, and the distinguished level of their scientific achievement," said Douglas Yee, M.D., director of the Masonic Cancer Center. "Minnesotans should be proud of the University's long-standing history and commitment to cancer research. Our research offers options for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment that may not be available elsewhere. Our mission of reducing the cancer burden by education, prevention, and better treatments gives patients the opportunity to take part in early clinical trials of promising new strategies."

The University of Minnesota established the cancer center in 1991. In 1998, the cancer center applied to the NCI for comprehensive designation and received it. The designation was renewed in 2003 and 2009, both times after an intense evaluation of the cancer center's scientific programs by NCI.

In 2008, the University's cancer center received a $65 million gift for cancer research and treatment from Minnesota Masonic Charities and changed its name to Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.

The Masonic Cancer Center includes several hundred scientists and health care providers who perform research, treat patients, and conduct educational programs. The cancer center's expertise includes stem cell transplantation, breast cancer, bone cancer, cancer genetics, tobacco research, immunology, new therapies development, children's cancer, chemoprevention, cancer control and survivorship.

---

Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota is part of the University's Academic Health Center. It is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center for cancer research, treatment, and education. For more information, call 612-624-2620 or visit www.cancer.umn.edu.

Media Contacts:

Mary Lawson, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 612-624-6165, mlawson@umn.edu

Sara Martin, Academic Health Center, 612-626-7037, buss@umn.edu