National Cancer Institute Designation
The UNM Cancer Center is the only cancer center in the state of New Mexico that is designated by the National Cancer Institute. We are one of only 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive cancer centers in the nation. Comprehensive designation is the highest federal designation and rating for cancer centers.
We offer national clinical trials. And, we work with the other 72 NCI-designated cancer centers and Comprehensive cancer centers in the country to offer treatment options that no other center in New Mexico can offer.
As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, We
We are home to the state’s largest team of cancer physicians: 146 doctors in every cancer specialty recruited from the finest medical schools in the country and the world. They are supported by our 600-person staff, who work with them to develop a personalized treatment plan for each one of our patients.
Working with our community partners, we built the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance, a statewide network that provides access to new cancer drugs and treatments in more than 175 clinical studies each year. The NCI considers the Alliance to be an “exemplary national model for cancer health care delivery.” Through the Alliance, people throughout New Mexico can have access to clinical trials. We are also developing our ORIEN project, which will allow all of our patients the opportunity to have their cancer tissues genetically sequenced. Using this sequencing, we will be able to match them to the most promising new treatments, now and in the future.
The UNM Cancer Center is on the leading edge of cancer research. Our 102+ scientists from places like Harvard, MIT and Memorial Sloan-Kettering, are annually supported by almost $36.2 million in federal, state and private funding.
Recognized throughout the nation for their breakthrough research in genomics, leukemia, nanotechnology, radioisotopes and drug discovery, they work with our research partners at Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratories and Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, as well as with collaborators at New Mexico State University and other institutions to find treatments and cures for cancer.
Our scientists have developed new diagnostics and drugs for leukemia, melanoma and cancers of the breast, ovaries, prostate, liver, pancreas and brain. Since 2015, they have published 930 manuscripts, and promoting economic development, they filed 136 new patents and launched 10 new biotechnology start-up companies.
... of cancer physicians, scientists and healthcare professionals.
The physicians, scientists and staff have provided education and training experiences to more than 530 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowship students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery.
Our innovative education pipeline trains students from the high school level through the junior faculty level. Because we are part of the teaching hospital, your medical team may include fellows, residents, interns and other professionals-in-training under the instruction of our faculty.
As part of our service to New Mexico, we seek to discover and overcome the genetic, environmental, social, and behavioral factors that contribute to cancer disparities in New Mexico and the nation.
We are committed to building on a 50-year legacy of deep engagement with New Mexico communities to make cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship services more accessible to everyone in our state.