NCI-Designated Cancer Centers and Cooperative Groups

NCI-designated Cancer Centers and Cooperative Groups

There are more than 60 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers. These centers are classified into two categories:

Cancer Centers. Cancer Centers integrate research activities across three major areas: laboratory research, clinical research, and population-based research. Many of these centers also provide care and services for cancer patients.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers. In addition to the same activities conducted by Cancer Centers, Comprehensive Cancer Centers also have extensive community outreach and education programs.

Cooperative Groups

The NCI Cooperative Groups are large networks of researchers, doctors, and health-care professionals at public and private institutions that conduct multi-center, large-scale, phase III cancer clinical trials across the country.

Last reviewed: May 2021