PURDUE UNIVERSITY Center for Cancer Research was renewed as an NCI-designated basic science cancer center, and was awarded $8 million in funding over the next five years. In its review, the institute rated the center as “outstanding.”
“Notably, the center has clear examples of having translated a number of its discoveries,” the review stated. “The center is poised to move to a new level of national impact in drug discovery and development.” The center was first established as an NCI basic science cancer center in 1978.
Of the 68 NCI-designated cancer centers, only seven are basic laboratory cancer centers, which conduct laboratory research and do not provide patient treatment. The center’s discovery groups focus on bladder cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and links between obesity and cancer.
The center has established partnerships with Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, IU Health Arnett in Lafayette, Indiana, and is a member of The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium.
“The grant from the NCI will help us maintain and grow these shared resources so we can continue to nurture multidisciplinary collaborations and lead in the field of basic cancer research,” said Douglas Cuttell, the center’s managing director. “It also will enhance our ability to attract top talent and to expand into emerging areas of cancer research. For example, over the next five years we plan to expand genomics and bioinformatics work that can feed into the field of personalized medicine.”
The center plays a significant role in the Purdue Moves drug discovery initiative, and has expanded its physical presence through the new Bindley Multidisciplinary Cancer Research Facility and space at the new Drug Discovery Facility.
“More than 14 million people in the U.S. have a history of cancer and more than one million new cases will be diagnosed this year,” said Timothy Ratliff, the Robert Wallace Miller Director of the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research. “We want to eliminate any hurdles or gaps in the path from research concept to a tool or treatment available to patients.”
