Hollings Cancer Center lands its highest score, receives NCI-designation renewal

Dr. Besim Ogretmen, Hollings Cancer Center researcher, left, and Dr. Shanmugam Selvam discuss their work. Hollings Cancer Center has over 70 research labs and employs more than 400 researchers. Photo by Sarah Pack

Hollings Cancer Center of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) joins local and state leaders to celebrate the renewal of its designation as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center.

MUSC President David J. Cole, M.D., hailed the renewal as affirmation of the strength of the work being done at Hollings. "MUSC is proud to have the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Carolina. This renewal validates the significant, ongoing and dedicated effort by Hollings Cancer Center scientists toward advances in cancer prevention, diagnoses and treatment, with the ultimate goal of finding cancer cures."

NCI-Designated Cancer Centers represent the top 4% of cancer centers in the United States. With this five-year renewal, Hollings is one of only 70 cancer centers in the U.S. with this prestigious status and the only such institution in South Carolina.

Gov. Henry McMaster underscored the importance for the state. “This is just one more example of the excellence that South Carolina produces. Congratulations are in order for MUSC and the Hollings Cancer Center for this impressive designation and for the important work that we know its scientists, doctors and researchers will continue to do there.”

The renewal is accompanied by $10,781,505 in funding to sustain and grow research efforts at Hollings Cancer Center. The NCI awards designation and renewal are based on leadership, vision, outstanding facilities, commitment to research and community outreach. NCI designation is awarded for a five-year period, after which centers undergo an extensive renewal application submission and examination. Hollings, which has held this designation since 2009, submitted its Cancer Center Support Grant renewal to NCI in 2018 and underwent a site visit in October.

Hollings Cancer Center Director Gustavo Leone, Ph.D., said he’s grateful for the teamwork it took to land the highest score the center has ever received in a rigorous, competitive process. “This took an enormous effort from a large group of team members to be able to present and highlight the excellence at Hollings to the NCI leadership."