What Constitutes an NCI-Designated Center

The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is Maryland's only comprehensive cancer center, as designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Below are the definitions of the NCI‘s designated cancer programs:

Comprehensive Cancer Program:

• Services available – Full range for diagnosis and treatment of cancer
• Qualifications of staff – Major specialty boards, including those in oncology, where offered
• Fellowships in Oncology – Advanced oncologic fellowship programs that lead to board eligibility
• Research – Required
• Conferences required – Weekly

Teaching Hospital Cancer Program:

• Services available – Full range for diagnosis and treatment of cancer; radiation therapy may be conducted elsewhere
• Qualifications of staff – Major specialty boards, including those in oncology, where offered
• Fellowships in oncology – Optional
• Research – Required
• Conferences required – Weekly

Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program:

• Services available – Full range of diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but patients may need referral for portion of treatment
• Qualifications of staff – Major specialty boards, including those in oncology, where offered
• Fellowships in oncology – Optional
• Research – Optional
• Conferences required – Weekly

Community Hospital Cancer Program:

• Services – Full range for diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but patients may need referral for portion of treatment
• Qualifications of staff – Major appropriate specialties represented or available
• Fellowships in oncology – Optional
• Research – Optional
• Conferences required – Monthly or twice each month as appropriate to annual analytic caseload