The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a cornerstone of the U.S. federal government, stands as the principal agency dedicated to cancer research and training. Forged by the National Cancer Institute Act of 1937, the NCI operates as a vital component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), itself one of the eleven agencies comprising the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
NCI’s overarching mission is to spearhead, execute, and bolster cancer research across the nation. This critical endeavor aims to expand scientific understanding, ultimately empowering individuals to live longer and healthier lives, potentially benefiting from advancements in areas such as a comprehensive course of care for a patient diagnosis with prostate cancer, and other cancers.
As the driving force behind the National Cancer Program and the world’s foremost funder of cancer research, NCI orchestrates an extensive array of research, training, and information dissemination initiatives that span the entire country. These efforts are meticulously designed to address the diverse needs of all demographics—regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location (urban or rural), or racial/ethnic background. NCI’s commitment is manifested in two primary roles:
Pioneering Cancer Research
- Leading national research initiatives focused on enhancing cancer prevention, early detection, precise diagnosis, and improving survivorship outcomes.
- Providing substantial support to 72 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers and a network of over 5,000 grantees, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Coordinating and facilitating all stages of cancer clinical trials across a vast network of 2,500 clinical trial sites nationwide, accelerating the development of novel and improved cancer treatments.
- Empowering intramural research scientists within NCI’s own laboratories and clinics to conduct groundbreaking investigations.
- Cultivating strategic partnerships with industry, private philanthropic organizations, fellow federal agencies, and international institutions to pursue complex and costly cancer research and training opportunities.
- Collaborating closely with private-sector life sciences companies to propel promising, innovative technologies that drive advancements in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment modalities.
- Sustaining the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, the only federally funded research and development center exclusively dedicated to biomedical research, as a hub of innovation.
- Curating long-term storage and accessibility of publicly available cancer genomic and clinical data, fostering open science and data sharing.
- Investing in the construction and modernization of laboratories, clinics, and related facilities essential for cutting-edge cancer research.
Cultivating and Supporting Cancer Researchers
- Dedicated to attracting, nurturing, and retaining the brightest minds to shape the future generation of cancer researchers and specialists who can contribute to fields like nero care and patient diagnosis.
- Providing robust support to scientists and their institutions to cultivate exceptional environments conducive to researcher training, basic and clinical research, and the delivery of optimal care to cancer patients.
- Funding a diverse spectrum of training and career development opportunities spanning a wide array of cancer research disciplines through training grants, fellowships, research career development awards, and research education grants.
- Championing targeted cancer research training initiatives specifically designed for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, striving for a diverse and inclusive workforce.
- Delivering comprehensive training programs tailored to the evolving needs of qualified individuals across all career stages, from middle-school students to established independent researchers.
- Offering diverse training opportunities within hospitals and research institutions nationwide, complementing intramural training programs at NCI laboratories and offices in Maryland.
As a federal entity, NCI’s funding is appropriated by Congress. The majority of its budget is allocated to extramural grants and cooperative agreements, facilitating vital research conducted at universities, medical schools, hospitals, cancer centers, research laboratories, and private firms both within the United States and internationally. These funds also underpin intramural research conducted at NCI’s facilities in Bethesda, Rockville, and Frederick, MD.
These strategic investments have yielded significant progress, contributing to declines in both new cancer case rates and overall cancer death rates in the United States over recent decades. This progress is mirrored by a remarkable increase in the number of cancer survivors in the U.S., more than doubling from 7 million in 1992 to over 15 million in 2016, and projected to exceed 26 million by 2040. These positive trends underscore the impact of advancements in cancer detection, diagnosis, and patient care, enabling individuals to live longer and healthier lives than ever before.
For more in-depth information about the NCI and the latest breakthroughs in cancer research, please visit the NCI web site.
Key Milestones in NCI History
August 5, 1937—The National Cancer Institute (NCI) was officially established through the National Cancer Act of 1937, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This landmark act culminated nearly three decades of dedicated efforts to formalize the U.S. government’s role in combating cancer through research. It marked the first instance of Congressional funding directed towards addressing a non-communicable disease, establishing NCI as an independent research institute within the Public Health Service. NCI assumed the mantle of the federal government’s principal agency for advancing research and training focused on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
NCI was entrusted with the crucial task of supporting and promoting cancer research across public and private institutions, particularly by providing funding opportunities to propel promising research endeavors. The act also established the National Advisory Cancer Council, now known as the National Cancer Advisory Board, which promptly recommended the approval of the inaugural fellowships in cancer research.
August 1940—The inaugural issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute was published, establishing a critical platform for disseminating cancer research findings.
July 1, 1946—The cancer control program was initiated, providing grants to states to bolster cancer control activities and public health initiatives.
July 2, 1953—NCI inaugurated a comprehensive clinical research program within the newly established Clinical Center, marking a significant expansion of its patient-centered research capabilities.
1955—NCI established the Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program, creating research networks, known as cooperative groups, to conduct collaborative cancer clinical research primarily under NCI sponsorship.
1957—The first instance of curing a malignancy (choriocarcinoma) with chemotherapy was achieved at NCI, demonstrating the transformative potential of systemic cancer treatments.
January 12, 1961—The Laboratory of Viral Oncology was established, reflecting the growing scientific interest in exploring the relationship between viruses and human cancer development.
April 2, 1962—An exhibit, “Man Against Cancer,” opened in Washington, D.C., commemorating the Institute’s 25th anniversary and launching Cancer Progress Year, a public awareness campaign.
October 25, 1962—The Human Cancer Virus Task Force convened its first meeting, bringing together scientists from NCI and other institutions to accelerate research in viral oncology and explore potential therapeutic interventions.
February 13, 1967—NCI, in partnership with the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, established the Baltimore Cancer Research Center to conduct fundamental and clinical research focused on cancer treatment and to provide training opportunities for medical students and scientists.
October 18, 1971—President Nixon repurposed the Army’s former biological warfare facilities at Fort Detrick, Maryland, to house expanded research activities on the causes, treatment, and prevention of cancer, signaling a national commitment to cancer control.
December 23, 1971—President Nixon signed the National Cancer Act of 1971, representing the U.S. commitment to what he termed the “war on cancer,” which had become the nation’s second leading cause of death by 1970. The act empowered the NCI Director to plan and develop a comprehensive National Cancer Program encompassing NCI, other research institutes, and various federal and non-federal initiatives. It formalized the “bypass budget” process for NCI’s annual budget submission, transmitted directly from the NCI director to the President and Congress. The act also mandated the creation of a new National Cancer Advisory Board and the President’s Cancer Panel, and provided substantial additional funding to establish new cancer research centers, local cancer control programs, and an international cancer research data bank.
July 27, 1972—NCI was elevated to a Bureau-level organization, recognizing its expanded responsibilities and organizational status under the National Cancer Act of 1971.
June 20, 1973—NCI Director Dr. Frank J. Rauscher, Jr., announced the initial recognition of eight institutions as Comprehensive Cancer Centers, aiming to accelerate the translation of research findings to benefit a maximum number of people. (By 2017, this network had grown to 69 NCI-designated cancer centers).
September 12, 1974—NCI awarded its first cancer control grants to state health departments for a three-year program focused on cervical cancer screening for low-income women, expanding access to preventative care.
December 17, 1974—NCI and the National Library of Medicine jointly established CANCERLINE, a computerized service providing scientists nationwide with access to information on cancer research projects and published findings, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration.
December 19, 1974—The Clinical Cancer Education Program was announced to foster innovative teaching methods in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation across medical, dental, osteopathy, and public health schools, affiliated teaching hospitals, and specialized cancer institutions.
1975—The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research was officially established, evolving from the Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center established in 1972, becoming a nationally recognized center for excellence in cancer and AIDS research and development.
Shortly thereafter, The National Science Foundation designated NCI-Frederick as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), emphasizing its crucial role in addressing long-term research and development needs in cancer.
1975—The Cooperative Minority Biomedical Program, endorsed by the National Cancer Advisory Board, represented a collaborative funding initiative to promote cancer research through NIH’s Division of Research Resources’ Minority Biomedical Research Support Program and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences Minority Access to Research Careers Program, aiming to enhance diversity in cancer research.
July 1, 1975—The Cancer Information Service was established, fulfilling a mandate of the National Cancer Act of 1971 to educate the public, patients, and health professionals about cancer, improving access to vital information.
August 5, 1977—NCI commemorated its 40th anniversary with a ceremony on the NIH campus. Senator Warren G. Magnuson, a key figure in NCI’s establishment, highlighted the impact of NCI’s work, stating: “Those one and a half million Americans who are alive today—cured of cancer—are ample justification for all that we’ve appropriated over the last 40 years.”
1979—The groundbreaking discovery of the first human RNA virus (HTLV-I) by NCI’s Dr. Robert C. Gallo, paved the way for his pivotal role in identifying the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the causative agent of AIDS and developing the HIV blood test, revolutionizing AIDS research and diagnostics.
July 18, 1979—NCI and the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., entered into a collaborative agreement to jointly pursue cancer treatment research.
April 27, 1981—A new Biological Response Modifiers Program was established within the Division of Cancer Treatment, focusing on investigating, developing, and clinically testing therapeutic agents capable of modulating biological responses critical in cancer growth and metastasis, exploring innovative treatment avenues.
September 1982—PDQ (Physician Data Query), a comprehensive computerized database on cancer treatment information, became accessible nationwide through the National Library of Medicine’s MEDLARS system, providing clinicians with readily available, up-to-date cancer information.
December 16, 1982—NCI acquired a building adjacent to the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, through generous donations to the NCI Gift Fund, housing key information resources, including the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, and PDQ, centralizing vital cancer information dissemination.
July 16, 1983—NCI launched the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) to integrate the expertise of community oncologists with NCI clinical research programs, extending the reach of clinical research to cancer patients in their local communities.
1984—A policy statement was developed outlining the collaborative relationship between NCI, the pharmaceutical industry, and NCI-supported cooperative groups, fostering partnerships in anticancer drug development.
March 6, 1984—HHS Secretary Margaret M. Heckler initiated a new Cancer Prevention Awareness Program aimed at saving 95,000 lives annually by the year 2000, emphasizing public education on cancer risks and preventative measures.
April 1984—NCI scientist Dr. Robert C. Gallo reported the isolation of a new group of viruses, later named human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, from patients with AIDS, a discovery that enabled the development of blood tests to screen for and control blood-product-transmitted AIDS.
August 1985— The Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP), a pioneering postdoctoral research training program in cancer prevention, was launched, providing advanced training and mentorship in cancer prevention and control research.
October 24, 1987—The Office of Technology Development was established to manage collaborative agreements, inventions, patents, royalties, and related matters, facilitating the translation of research discoveries into practical applications.
September 30, 1988—The first Consortium Cancer Center was established, uniting three historically black medical schools—Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse School of Medicine—to focus on cancer prevention, control, epidemiology, and clinical trials in underserved communities.
April 1989—NCI increased efforts to supplement research grants to encourage the recruitment of minority scientists and science students into extramural research laboratories, later expanding to include women and individuals with disabilities, promoting diversity in the cancer research workforce.
May 22, 1989—NCI scientist Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg conducted the first human gene transfer trial, utilizing human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes genetically modified with a foreign gene, pioneering gene therapy approaches in cancer treatment.
December 20, 1989—NCI researchers published the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Model, a tool to estimate a woman’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer, widely used by clinicians and researchers for risk assessment, patient counseling, and public health strategies.
September 14, 1990—Scientists from NCI and NHLBI announced the first gene therapy trial to treat immunodeficiency, inserting a corrected gene into white blood cells to reverse adenosine deaminase deficiency, marking a milestone in gene therapy for immune disorders.
January 29, 1991—Patients with melanoma were treated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes modified with a gene for tumor necrosis factor, representing the first human gene therapy trial specifically for cancer treatment.
October 1991—NCI launched the 5 A Day program, in partnership with Produce for Better Health, promoting increased fruit and vegetable consumption for cancer prevention.
1992—NCI established the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE), fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary translational cancer research to accelerate the development of new prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
December 18, 1992—Taxol (paclitaxel), an anticancer drug derived from the Pacific yew tree, received FDA approval for ovarian cancer treatment, marking a significant advancement in chemotherapy and highlighting successful interagency and industry collaboration.
November 1993—The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) trial, a large-scale screening study to evaluate the effectiveness of screening tests in reducing deaths from these cancers, commenced.
November 1996—Cancer mortality rates in the U.S. showed a sustained decline of nearly 3% between 1991 and 1995, the first such sustained decline since national recordkeeping began in the 1930s, reflecting progress in cancer control.
1996—The NCI Office of Liaison Activities, now the Office of Advocacy Relations, was established to ensure input from cancer research advocates on NCI research and activities, strengthening patient and advocate engagement.
August 1, 1997—NCI launched the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project to enhance the discovery of molecular changes in cancer and evaluate their clinical potential, leveraging genomics for cancer understanding and treatment.
April 6, 1998—Results from the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial demonstrated the effectiveness of tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer, proving that breast cancer prevention is achievable.
September 25, 1998—The FDA approved Herceptin (Trastuzumab), a monoclonal antibody, for HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer, marking a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapies.
May 25, 1999—The Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR), a major breast cancer prevention study comparing raloxifene to tamoxifen, began, aiming to identify alternative prevention strategies.
October 6, 1999—NCI awarded grants to establish the Early Detection Research Network, focused on discovering and developing new biological tests for early cancer detection and risk biomarkers.
December 8, 1999—NCI published the Atlas of Cancer Mortality, 1950–94, revealing geographic patterns of cancer death rates over four decades, aiding in public health planning and research.
April 6, 2000—A $60 million program was announced to address cancer disparities in underserved populations, creating Special Populations Networks for Cancer Awareness Research and Training.
June 7, 2000—President Clinton directed Medicare to reimburse routine patient care costs in clinical trials, promoting clinical trial participation for Medicare beneficiaries.
December 3, 2000—NCI established the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities, addressing the unequal cancer burden in racial and ethnic communities through targeted research and programs.
May 10, 2001—FDA approval of Gleevec (STI571) was announced, the first molecularly targeted drug for chronic myelogenous leukemia, revolutionizing targeted cancer therapy.
July 24, 2001—The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), the largest prostate cancer prevention study, was launched to investigate dietary supplements and prostate cancer risk.
September 4, 2001—NCI and ACRIN launched a multicenter study of digital mammography, the Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST), to compare digital to standard mammography.
September 10, 2001—NCI launched the Consumer Advocates in Research and Related Activities program, engaging patient advocates in NCI research and activities.
February 7, 2002—NCI and FDA scientists reported protein patterns in blood potentially indicative of early-stage ovarian cancer, offering a novel diagnostic approach.
May 19, 2002—NCI researchers reported bevacizumab slowing tumor growth in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, advancing targeted therapy for kidney cancer.
June 19, 2002—NCI scientists used microarray technology to predict chemotherapy response in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients, personalizing treatment approaches.
July 16, 2002—The NIH stopped a trial of estrogen and progestin due to increased breast cancer risk, highlighting risks of hormone replacement therapy.
September 18, 2002—NCI launched the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) comparing spiral CT and chest X-ray for early lung cancer detection in high-risk smokers.
September 19, 2002—NCI researchers demonstrated adoptive T-cell transfer for metastatic melanoma, showcasing a novel immunotherapy approach.
October 16, 2002—NCI and FDA scientists found PSA protein patterns useful in differentiating prostate cancer from benign conditions, improving prostate cancer diagnostics.
October 31, 2002—NCI researchers discovered Beta-defensin 2’s immune-activating properties, suggesting potential for cancer vaccine development.
2003—Therapeutic agents inhibiting tumor angiogenesis emerged as a novel cancer treatment approach.
March 5, 2003—Daily aspirin was shown to reduce colorectal polyp development, suggesting a preventative strategy for high-risk individuals.
May 30, 2003—FDA and NCI agreed to share resources to accelerate cancer drug development and delivery to patients, enhancing regulatory and research synergy.
June 24, 2003—The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial showed finasteride reduced prostate cancer diagnoses but with a caution about high-grade tumors, providing complex risk-benefit information.
September 2, 2003—Cancer death rates for major cancers continued to decline, as reported in the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, reflecting ongoing progress.
November 6, 2003—NCI scientists revealed contrasting roles of IL-2 and IL-15 in lymphocyte life and death, with implications for cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune diseases.
September 13, 2004—NCI announced the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, a five-year initiative integrating nanotechnology into cancer research for targeted treatments.
December 10, 2004—A new molecular test, supported by NCI, predicted breast cancer recurrence risk and identified chemotherapy benefit, personalizing breast cancer treatment.
February 16, 2005—NCI and FDA jointly established a fellowship program to train researchers in molecular oncology product development and regulatory review, fostering translational expertise.
April 25, 2005—The HERA trial showed trastuzumab with chemotherapy significantly reduced HER-2 positive breast cancer recurrence, improving prognosis for aggressive breast cancer.
May 6, 2005—NCI announced the Community Networks Program to reduce cancer disparities in underserved populations through community-based education, research, and training.
September 16, 2005—Digital mammography trial results showed no overall difference in breast cancer detection compared to film, but potential benefit for women with dense breasts.
September 28, 2005—NCI and NINDS created Rembrandt, a brain tumor molecular data repository, correlating molecular and clinical data.
October 2005—NCI initiated the Patient Navigator Research Program (PNRP) to assess patient navigators’ impact on timely cancer care, focusing on underserved communities.
October 5, 2005—The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2002, showed continued declines in cancer death rates, attributed to prevention, early detection, and treatment progress.
October 11, 2005—NCI announced the Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer initiative to study diet, weight, and physical activity effects on cancer.
November 7, 2005—NCI launched a cancer biorepository pilot project for standardized biospecimen collection in prostate cancer research, improving data and specimen quality.
December 7, 2005—Oncotype DX test validation studies at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium highlighted its role in predicting breast cancer recurrence and chemotherapy benefit, advancing personalized care.
December 13, 2005—NCI and NHGRI launched The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a comprehensive effort to understand cancer’s molecular basis through genome analysis technologies.
April 17, 2006—STAR trial initial results showed raloxifene as effective as tamoxifen in reducing breast cancer risk for high-risk postmenopausal women.
May 23, 2006—The TAILORx trial was launched to use genes associated with breast cancer recurrence risk to guide individualized treatment decisions.
June 7, 2006—Gene profiling accurately distinguished Burkitt’s lymphoma from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, improving lymphoma diagnosis and treatment.
June 8, 2006—FDA approved the HPV vaccine, based on NCI research, preventing cervical cancer, a major breakthrough in cancer prevention.
June 29, 2006—NCI researchers identified a link between inherited and acquired genetic factors increasing melanoma risk.
August 1, 2006—NCI researchers published the Melanoma Risk Assessment Tool, estimating individual 5-year melanoma risk, aiding in risk identification and screening.
October 5, 2006—The Biomarkers Consortium was formed to validate new biomarkers for accelerated development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention strategies.
October 18, 2006—NCI released prostate cancer data from the Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility (CGEMS) study, identifying genetic risk factors.
March 28, 2007—MRI detected over 90% of contralateral breast cancers missed by mammography, improving diagnosis in women with breast cancer.
April 1, 2007—NCI and CGEMS researchers reported a DNA variation strongly predicting prostate cancer risk, potentially responsible for a significant proportion of cases.
April 18, 2007—A breast cancer incidence rate decline in 2003 was linked to decreased hormone replacement therapy use.
May 8, 2007—NCI and Baylor researchers found hepatitis C virus infection increased lymphoma risk.
June 14, 2007—NCI launched the Community Cancer Centers Program pilot phase, improving cancer care in community hospitals.
October 15, 2007—The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2004, showed accelerated cancer death rate decline.
November 1, 2007—NCI held a symposium celebrating HIV/AIDS research achievements and future directions.
November 27, 2007—The CARE model improved breast cancer risk estimation for African American women.
January 2008—Low-dose difluoromethylornithine and sulindac combination reduced colon polyp recurrence.
March 6, 2008—DNA mutations in poor-prognosis non-Hodgkin lymphoma provided insights into cancer development and treatment.
April 21, 2008—Gene activity patterns in mice predicted breast cancer metastasis risk in humans, identifying Brd4 gene regulation.
June 23, 2008—NCI researchers found multiple myeloma cells dependent on IRF4 protein, a potential treatment target.
January 1, 2009—Mutations in a gene predicted relapse risk in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), guiding therapy decisions.
February 11, 2009—Abnormal white blood cells detected years before chronic lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis advanced understanding of early disease stages.
March 18, 2009—PLCO trial showed prostate cancer screening increased diagnoses but not reduced deaths.
August 14, 2009—Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) reduced gastrointestinal stromal tumor recurrence after surgery.
October 5, 2009—A gene potentially involved in rhabdomyosarcoma growth and spread was identified, a new treatment target.
October 7, 2009—A microRNA identified liver cancer patients likely to respond to interferon treatment, personalizing therapy.
December 18, 2009—Lenalidomide (Revlimid) improved recurrence-free survival after stem cell transplant in multiple myeloma.
January 6, 2010—Genetic mutations contributing to aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma were discovered, revealing potential treatment targets.
January 19, 2010—Glioblastoma multiforme was found to be four distinct molecular subtypes with different chemotherapy and radiation responses.
April 19, 2010—Raloxifene, compared to tamoxifen, prevented breast cancer with fewer side effects.
November 4, 2010—NLST showed low-dose helical CT screening reduced lung cancer deaths by 20% in high-risk smokers.
November 10, 2010—Mutations in a gene affected acute myeloid leukemia treatment prognosis.
December 23, 2010—NCI announced major changes to the Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program to improve cancer therapy trials.
March 10, 2011—U.S. cancer survivors increased to 11.7 million in 2007.
March 31, 2011—Cancer death rates continued to decline, and new cancer diagnoses slightly decreased.
June 5, 2011—High-dose drug schedule improved cure rates in high-risk pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
June 29, 2011—Genomic analysis of ovarian cancer provided a comprehensive view of cancer genes.
September 8, 2011—Two doses of HPV vaccine Cervarix were as effective as three doses after four years.
January 19, 2012—Chemotherapy with radiation nearly doubled survival time in brain tumor (oligodendroglioma) patients with a specific chromosomal abnormality.
March 2, 2012—Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study linked heavy diesel exhaust exposure to increased lung cancer death risk.
March 8, 2012—Glioma incidence trends remained constant, not supporting cell phone use link.
May 21, 2012—PLCO trial showed sigmoidoscopy reduced colorectal cancer incidence and mortality.
September 24, 2012—TCGA classified breast cancer into four subtypes based on genomic alterations.
September 27, 2012—MYC protein boosted expression of already active genes, explaining its cancer-promoting role.
2013—NCI established the RAS Initiative to target RAS mutant cancers through collaboration.
September 19, 2013—Avon Foundation, NCI, and CAI launched a breast cancer technology commercialization competition.
October 10, 2013—TCGA identified additional mutated genes in glioblastoma multiforme.
November 13, 2013—Low-intensity chemotherapy achieved excellent survival rates in adult Burkitt lymphoma patients.
November 20, 2013—Oropharyngeal cancer incidence increased in developed countries, linked to HPV.
March 1, 2014—NCI transformed Cooperative Group program into the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN).
March 5, 2014—Avon Foundation, NCI, and CAI announced winners of the breast cancer technology competition.
August 18, 2014—NCI’s ALCHEMIST Trial began, testing targeted drugs for early-stage lung cancer with EGFR and ALK gene alterations.
August 30, 2014—NCI scientists quantified risk factors for 11 non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes.
October 7, 2014—NCI scientists Schiller and Lowy received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for HPV vaccine development.
2014—The NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) was launched, bringing cancer clinical trials to communities.
2015—President Obama announced a precision medicine research initiative, allocating funds to NCI and FDA.
January 27, 2015—MR/US fusion biopsy improved high-risk prostate cancer detection compared to standard biopsy.
April 20, 2015—Inherited TP53 gene variations were more common in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma.
June 1, 2015—NCI-MATCH precision medicine trial opened, assigning treatment based on tumor gene abnormalities.
August 13, 2015—NCI researchers mapped 3D gene locations in human cell nuclei, revealing roles in gene expression and genome stability.
January 12, 2016—President Obama launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative led by Vice President Biden, aiming to accelerate cancer progress.
May 16, 2016—Leisure-time physical activity was linked to lower risks of 13 cancer types.
June 29, 2016—NCI’s Genomic Data Commons (GDC) was announced, promoting precision medicine through data sharing.
July 11, 2016—VA, DoD, and NCI formed APOLLO Network for proteogenomic cancer profiling to guide targeted therapy.
September 7, 2016—NCI accepted Blue Ribbon Panel recommendations for Cancer Moonshot scientific priorities.
December 7, 2016—Researchers identified a method for targeting KRAS mutant colorectal cancer.
December 28, 2016—Selumetinib showed tumor shrinkage in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 and plexiform neurofibromas.
NCI Legislative Chronology
February 4, 1927—Senate Bill 5589 was introduced to authorize a reward for a cancer cure.
March 7, 1928—Senate Bill 3554 was introduced for federal aid in cancer cure discovery.
April 23, 1929—Senate Bill 466 was introduced for joint Public Health Service and National Academy of Sciences cancer cure investigation.
April 2, 1937—Senate Bill 2067 was introduced to authorize the Surgeon General to control cancer spread.
April 29, 1937—House Resolution 6767 was introduced to promote cancer research and establish a National Cancer Center.
August 5, 1937—The National Cancer Institute Act established NCI and authorized $700,000 annual appropriation. (P.L. 75-244)
March 28, 1938—House Joint Resolution 468 designated April as National Cancer Control Month.
July 1, 1944—The Public Health Service Act placed NCI within NIH and removed the $700,000 appropriation limit. (P.L. 410, 78th Congress)
December 23, 1971—The National Cancer Act of 1971 expanded NCI’s authorities, initiated the National Cancer Program, and established the President’s Cancer Panel. (P.L. 92-218)
November 9, 1978—The Community Mental Health Centers Act amended the National Cancer Act to emphasize cancer prevention and education. (P.L. 95-622)
November 4, 1988—The Health Research Extension Act of 1988 extended NCI’s special authorities and added information dissemination mandates. (P.L. 100-607)
June 10, 1993—The NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 encouraged NCI efforts in breast and women’s cancers and authorized increased appropriations. (P.L. 103-43)
August 13, 1998—The Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act established a special postage stamp for breast cancer research funding. (PL 105-41)
July 10, 2000—The Radiation Exposure Compensation Amendments of 1999 expanded eligibility for radiation-induced illness compensation. (P.L. 106-245)
July 28, 2000—The Semipostal Authorization Act authorized semipostal stamps and extended the Breast Cancer Stamp Act. (P.L. 106-253)
January 4, 2002—The Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act incentivized pediatric drug research. (P.L. 107-109)
May 14, 2002—The Hematologic Cancer Research Investment and Education Act of 2002 directed NIH research on blood cancers and CDC education programs. (P.L. 107-172)
September 10, 2002—The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act included potassium iodide stockpiling for radiation emergencies. (P.L. 107-188)
June 30, 2005—The Patient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2005 authorized patient navigator programs. (P.L. 109-18)
November 11, 2005—The 2-Year Extension of Postage Stamp for Breast Cancer Research extended the breast cancer research stamp. (P.L. 109-100)
January 12, 2007—The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005 (“Johanna’s Law”) directed a national gynecologic cancer awareness campaign. (P.L. 109-475)
April 20, 2007—The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 expanded program access. (P.L. 110-18)
September 27, 2007—The FDA Amendments Act of 2007 reauthorized prescription drug user fees and expanded clinical trial registries. (P.L. 110-85)
December 12, 2007—The Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act extended the breast cancer research stamp through 2011. (P.L. 110-150)
July 29, 2008—The Caroline Pryce Walker Childhood Cancer Act of 2007 advanced pediatric cancer research and awareness. (P.L. 110-287)
October 8, 2008—The Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2007 authorized research centers on environmental breast cancer factors. (P.L. 110-354)
February 4, 2009—The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 increased tobacco taxes. (P.L. 113-3)
February 17, 2009—The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided significant NIH funding, including $1.3 billion for NCI. (P.L. 111-5)
June 21, 2009—The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gave FDA tobacco product regulation authority. (P.L. 111-31)
March 23, 2010—The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act established the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the Cures Acceleration Network. (P.L. 111-148)
March 31, 2010—The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2009 aimed to prevent tobacco smuggling. (P.L.111-154)
December 23, 2011—The Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act extended the breast cancer research stamp through 2015. (P.L. 112-80)
January 2, 2013—The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act of 2012 called for NCI research framework for pancreatic and lung cancers. (P.L. 112-239)
December 11, 2015—The Breast Cancer Stamp Reauthorization Act extended the breast cancer research stamp through 2019. (P.L. 114-19)
December 13, 2016—The 21st Century Cures Act increased biomedical research funding, including for the Cancer Moonshot and Precision Medicine Initiative.
NCI Directors
| Name | In Office from | To |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Voegtlin | January 13, 1938 | July 31, 1943 |
| Roscoe Roy Spencer | August 1, 1943 | July 1, 1947 |
| Leonard Andrew Scheele | July 1, 1947 | April 6, 1948 |
| John Roderick Heller | May 15, 1948 | July 1, 1960 |
| Kenneth Millo Endicott | July 1, 1960 | November 10, 1969 |
| Carl Gwin Baker | July 13, 1970 | May 5, 1972 |
| Frank Joesph Rauscher, Jr. | May 5, 1972 | November 1, 1976 |
| Arthur Canfield Upton | July 29, 1977 | December 31, 1980 |
| Vincent T. DeVita, Jr. | July 9, 1980 | September 1, 1988 |
| Samuel Broder | December 22, 1988 | April 1, 1995 |
| Richard D. Klausner | August 1, 1995 | September 30, 2001 |
| Andrew C. von Eschenbach | January 22, 2002 | June 10, 2006 |
| John E. Niederhuber | September 15, 2006 | July 12, 2010 |
| Harold Varmus | July 12, 2010 | March 31, 2015 |
| Norman E. Sharpless | October 17, 2017 | September, 2022 |
| Monica Bertagnolli | October 3, 2022 | November 8, 2023 |
| Douglas R. Lowy | November 9, 2023 | December 17, 2023 |
| W. Kimryn Rathmell | December 18, 2023 | January 20, 2025 |
National Cancer Institute Research Programs
The National Cancer Institute spearheads the National Cancer Program through its research divisions, supporting both extramural and intramural cancer-related research. NCI’s global outreach and collaborations further amplify its impact within the worldwide cancer community.
NCI funding fuels cancer research across nearly every U.S. state and over 20 countries internationally, alongside research conducted at NCI’s own state-of-the-art facilities. NCI is a leading supporter of cancer research training, education, and career development, setting national priorities and driving progress in the fight against cancer.
NCI Research Components
Center for Cancer Research
The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) stands as the largest division within NCI’s intramural research program, encompassing over 230 basic and clinical research groups across two campuses near Washington, D.C.
CCR is a hub for leading scientists and clinicians exploring the forefront of cancer and HIV/AIDS research. Its diverse research portfolio spans from fundamental gene and protein structure analysis to innovative drug discovery methods, biomedical device development, and groundbreaking patient treatment strategies at the NIH Clinical Center.
CCR fosters intellectual freedom, encouraging scientists to pursue creative and innovative solutions to critical questions in cancer research and treatment. Long-term project support allows investigators to tackle high-risk, high-impact problems, continuously seeking new challenges and addressing the most pressing issues in modern cancer research, including advancements in areas like nero care for complex cancer conditions.
CCR’s success is rooted in a robust discovery research program that seamlessly translates basic cellular and molecular insights into clinical applications and improved patient care. Notable achievements include pioneering immunotherapy approaches, developing the HIV/AIDS test, and creating the human papillomavirus vaccine.
CCR is a unique scientific environment, blending diverse expertise with the freedom to thoroughly investigate the most critical questions in cancer biology and treatment.
Further details can be found at https://ccr.cancer.gov
Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) conducts population-based and interdisciplinary research, both nationally and globally, to uncover the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to cancer development. DCEG’s expertise in epidemiology, genetics, statistics, and related fields positions it uniquely to undertake high-impact epidemiologic research projects requiring long-term commitment, coordinated national approaches, or rapid responses to emerging public health concerns.
DCEG develops multidisciplinary resources for the scientific community, including software for genome-wide association studies, biospecimen inventories, family-based study resources, exposure assessment software, and interactive cancer mortality atlases. The Division is also dedicated to training the next generation of cancer scientists through its comprehensive fellowship program. DCEG’s research findings often form the evidence base for public health recommendations and cancer control policies, potentially impacting areas like preventative measures and early patient diagnosis.
The Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program comprises five branches conducting independent and collaborative research to identify cancer distribution, characteristics, and causes across human populations. It investigates cancer variations by demographics, carcinogenic effects of environmental and occupational exposures, radiation, dietary factors, medicinal agents, infectious agents, and host genetic susceptibility. The program also advances biostatistical methods for cancer etiology and prevention studies.
The Human Genetics Program focuses on interdisciplinary research into the genetic underpinnings of human cancer. Its branches and laboratories identify heritable cancer predisposition factors, studying gene-environment interactions, cancer-prone families, and genetic polymorphisms influencing cancer risk and treatment outcomes. The Laboratory of Translational Genomics examines genomic regions associated with cancer risk, enabling functional studies to determine causal variants and biological mechanisms.
The DCEG Fellowship Program offers postdoctoral and predoctoral fellows opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists in cancer etiology and prevention research. Fellows gain experience in diverse study designs, analytic techniques, genomics, and informatics, preparing them for future careers in epidemiology and related disciplines.
Additional information is available at http://dceg.cancer.gov.
Division of Cancer Biology
The Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) supports fundamental research across all areas of cancer biology, providing the scientific foundation for improved understanding of the disease. This basic research is essential for developing new prevention, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. DCB manages approximately 2,000 grants annually, facilitating investigator-initiated research and providing guidance on research support opportunities.
DCB identifies emerging scientific areas, establishes program priorities, and reports on scientific progress to the scientific community, NCI, Congress, and the public. Key research areas supported by DCB include cancer cell biology, immunology, hematology, etiology, DNA and chromosome aberrations, structural biology, molecular applications, tumor biology, microenvironment, and tumor metastasis.
Special research programs within DCB include the Physical Sciences-Oncology Network, Cancer Systems Biology Consortium, Oncology Models Forum, and initiatives focused on synthetic lethality for mutant KRAS-dependent cancers and fusion oncoproteins in childhood cancers.
DCB also sponsors vital resources for cancer researchers, including bioinformatics tools, the GM/CA CAT Project’s X-ray crystallography facility, and data and specimen repositories like The Chernobyl Tissue Bank and The International Registry of Werner Syndrome. These resources aid in advancing research and improving patient diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Further details are available at https://cancer.gov/dcb.
Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences
The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) serves as NCI’s bridge to public health research, practice, and policy, working to reduce cancer burden in America. DCCPS supports research in surveillance, epidemiology, health services, behavioral science, and cancer survivorship. It provides expertise and evidence on cancer care quality, economic burden, geographic information systems, statistical methods, communication science, comparative effectiveness research, obesity, tobacco control, and research translation.
DCCPS emphasizes transdisciplinary integration of research methods, models, and levels of analysis, drawing on diverse expertise in communication, anthropology, outcomes research, health psychology, economics, and policy analysis. DCCPS programs include the Behavioral Research Program, Epidemiology & Genomics Research Program, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, and Surveillance Research Program. The Office of Cancer Survivorship within DCCPS focuses on understanding and addressing the unique needs of cancer survivors, ensuring comprehensive nero care and support.
Additional information can be found at http://cancercontrol.cancer.gov.
Division of Cancer Prevention
The Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) conducts and supports research aimed at determining cancer risk and developing effective risk reduction strategies. Through laboratory, clinical, and epidemiologic research, DCP scientists have demonstrated that cancer is a complex, multi-stage process evolving over time. DCP research focuses on detecting early changes in the cancer process and intervening to prevent disease and death.
DCP’s research portfolio spans the entire cancer process, from initiation to progression, with a goal to detect changes and intervene early in the cancer process to prevent disease and death. Research groups within DCP include Chemopreventive Agent Development, Community Oncology and Prevention Trials, Nutritional Science, Cancer Biomarkers, Early Detection, Biometry, and organ system-specific research groups. These efforts contribute to improved cancer prevention and early patient diagnosis.
Further information is available at http://prevention.cancer.gov.
Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis
The Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) accelerates the translation of prospective cancer detection and treatment leads into clinical applications. DCTD facilitates the testing of new agents, biomarkers, imaging tests, and therapeutic interventions (radiation, surgery, immunotherapy) in patients. DCTD supports high-risk, high-reward research that may be challenging for industry or academia to pursue independently, emphasizing precision medicine initiatives and the development of molecular signatures for cancer.
DCTD’s eight major programs collaborate to advance molecules, diagnostics, and therapeutics from the laboratory to the patient bedside. These programs include Biometric Research, Cancer Diagnosis, Cancer Imaging, Cancer Therapy Evaluation, Developmental Therapeutics, Radiation Research, Translational Research, and the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DCTD’s work is critical in improving cancer treatment strategies and enhancing patient diagnosis accuracy.
Additional details can be found at http://dctd.cancer.gov
Division of Extramural Activities
The Division of Extramural Activities (DEA) provides expert scientific review of extramural research proposals, procedures, and policies, ensuring scientific rigor and helping NCI achieve its goals. DEA coordinates NCI’s extramural initiatives, guiding funding, overseeing peer review, managing advisory committees, establishing policies, and managing extramural staff training.
DEA serves as the primary liaison between NCI and the extramural cancer research community, processing approximately 12,000 grant applications annually and recruiting thousands of scientific experts for peer review. DEA’s Committee Management Office supports NCI’s advisory groups and the HHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society. DEA plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of NCI’s research funding processes.
Further information is available at http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov.
Center for Cancer Genomics
The Center for Cancer Genomics (CCG), established in 2011, advances genome science to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. CCG fosters national and international collaborations to promote genomics-based research, encompassing gene expression, proteomics, and other technologies. CCG aims to usher in an era of integrated and individualized cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, while ensuring responsible use of genetic information.
CCG and its offices—The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Office of Cancer Genomics (OCG)—manage programs including Genomic Data Commons, Cancer Driver Discovery Program, and the Human Cancer Models Initiative. CCG-supported research has identified numerous cancer-related genes, informing biologic knowledge, drug development, and DNA-based diagnostics, leading to advancements in personalized medicine and improved patient diagnosis.
Additional information is available at https://www.cancer.gov/ccg.
Center for Cancer Training
The Center for Cancer Training (CCT) is dedicated to developing a 21st-century cancer research workforce. CCT coordinates research training and career development activities across NCI laboratories, clinics, and research groups, spanning disciplines and career stages from high school students to experienced professionals.
CCT supports cancer research training, career development, and education at institutions nationwide, addressing workforce needs and adapting programs to meet evolving challenges. CCT initiatives enhance recruitment, retention, partnerships, and diversity awareness within the cancer research community, ensuring a robust and skilled workforce capable of advancing cancer research and patient care, including specialized areas like nero care.
Additional information is available at http://www.cancer.gov/cct.
Center for Global Health
The Center for Global Health (CGH), established in 2011, works to reduce the global cancer burden. CGH collaborates with NCI divisions, cancer centers, and international partners to support cancer control planning, build capacity, and advance cancer research in low- and middle-income countries.
CGH serves as NCI’s focal point for global health activities, leading the development of global cancer research priorities and pursuing strategies for cancer control on a global scale. CGH conducts and supports international cancer research, training, health information dissemination, and related programs, coordinating collaborations with global health organizations and agencies. CGH’s efforts aim to improve cancer outcomes worldwide through research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
Additional information is available at https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/cgh.
Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives
The Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives (CSSI) focuses on developing and implementing exploratory programs that integrate advanced technologies, trans-disciplinary approaches, and infrastructures to accelerate cancer research. CSSI programs aim to create publicly available, multi-dimensional data, knowledge, and tools to empower the entire cancer research continuum for patient benefit.
CSSI initiatives address major barriers and opportunities in cancer research, enabling advances that translate to the clinic and significantly impact patient care. CSSI programs build databases, knowledge resources, tools, and transdisciplinary scientific teams. Offices within CSSI include the Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research and the Office of Cancer Nanotechnology Research, driving innovation and accelerating progress in cancer research and treatment, potentially impacting future nero care approaches.
Additional information can be found at http://cssi.cancer.gov/.
Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities
The Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD), established in 2001, addresses the unequal burden of cancer in society by leading NCI’s workforce diversity efforts and training researchers from diverse backgrounds. CRCHD strengthens NCI’s disparities research portfolio, builds regional networks, enhances disparities research capacity, and disseminates culturally appropriate cancer information to underserved communities through the National Outreach Network (NON).
CRCHD supports research programs including Community Networks Program Centers, Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity, and the Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program. CRCHD’s work aims to achieve cancer health equity by addressing disparities in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship across all populations.
More information is available at http://crchd.cancer.gov.
Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancy
The Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancy (OHAM) oversees HIV/AIDS and HIV malignancy research across NCI. OHAM coordinates and prioritizes NCI research in these areas and manages specific research programs, building on NCI’s long history of HIV/AIDS research contributions.
OHAM’s two main programs are the AIDS Malignancy Program and the AIDS Cancer Clinical Program. The AIDS Malignancy Program identifies new international initiatives and oversees co-managed programs. The AIDS Cancer Clinical Program oversees clinical programs including the AIDS Malignancy Consortium and the AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource, advancing research and improving outcomes for individuals with HIV-related malignancies.
More information is available at https://oham.cancer.gov.
Small Business Innovation Research Development Center
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs at NCI, managed by the SBIR Development Center, drive innovation and commercialization of novel technologies and products for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. These programs offer funding opportunities to small businesses, providing advice, fostering partnerships, and mentoring SBIR-funded companies in technology development, regulatory strategies, and commercialization.
The SBIR Development Center aims to enhance the return on investment of the SBIR program, benefiting the cancer community and public health. SBIR and STTR are major sources of early-stage technology financing in the U.S., accelerating the development of innovative cancer technologies and products, potentially including advancements in nero care technologies and diagnostic tools.
More information is available at http://sbir.cancer.gov.
Office of Cancer Centers
The Office of Cancer Centers (OCC) supports 72 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers nationwide, which are hubs of transdisciplinary research aimed at reducing cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality. These centers are major sources of cancer discoveries, developing more effective prevention, diagnosis, and therapy approaches. They deliver medical advances to patients, educate professionals and the public, and reach underserved populations.
NCI-Designated Cancer Centers are characterized by strong organizational capabilities, institutional commitment, trans-disciplinary science, experienced leadership, and state-of-the-art facilities. They are funded through P30 Cancer Center Support Grants, fostering research programs, shared resources, and scientific infrastructure, playing a vital role in advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes across the nation.
Additional information can be found at http://cancercenters.cancer.gov.
Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) operated for NCI. FNLCR provides rapid response capabilities and addresses long-term research and development needs for NCI and other NIH Institutes. FNLCR supports research collaborations and partnerships, building cross-disciplinary teams, bridging the gap between discovery and early development, and developing technology platforms and data standards.
FNLCR’s advanced technologies and platforms support NCI’s mission across basic, translational, and clinical research, including Cancer Model Development, Genetics and Genomics, Proteomics, Clinical Assay Development, and High-Performance Biomedical Computing. FNLCR accelerates the development of treatments for cancer and AIDS patients, serving as a critical national resource in the fight against these diseases, and potentially contributing to advancements in specialized areas of care like nero care.
Additional information is available at http://frederick.cancer.gov.
