As one of only 45 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute has met high standards set by the NCI. Michael A. Caligiuri, MD, director of the OSUCCC and CEO of The James, said this is a big deal for patients. The comprehensive cancer center designation is important because “that is where the best scientists and physicians look to do their work,” Dr. Caligiuri said. “We now have more than 160 physicians who are for the most part all cancer subspecialists, focusing their care, research and academic pursuits on a single cancer type.” “These scientists and physicians want to be and work at one of the nation's NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers where they can work together and create the future of cancer research and medicine.” To earn the designation from the NCI, the OSUCCC undergoes a thorough review every five years to make sure it is living up to expectations. “The NCI has a very robust peer-review process to ensure cancer centers receiving the designation are of the highest quality,” Dr. Caligiuri said. “This peer-review process requires a center to be at the top of its game in terms of conducting the most cutting-edge research that ultimately is truly making a difference for preventing, detecting and treating people with cancer.” The review results in a two-part score: A merit descriptor, which ranges from ‘Good’ to ‘Very Good’ to ‘Excellent’ to ‘Outstanding’ or, occasionally, to the highest rating of ‘Exceptional,’ and a numeric score that ranges from 100 (very bad) to 10 (a perfect score). “I am very happy to report that in our most recent review, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center has been rated Exceptional and received a numeric score of 10,” Dr. Caligiuri said. “To our knowledge, we are the first university-based comprehensive cancer center ever to achieve a perfect score.” “There is no such thing as a routine cancer, so you need people focused on your particular cancer. Many of our discoveries are truly groundbreaking,” Dr. Caligiuri said. “These discoveries lead to better prevention methods, detection, treatment and cures not only for the people of Ohio but all over the world.” For highlights from Dr. Caligiuri’s interview on the importance of being an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, including how the OSUCCC – James is changing the landscape in cancer research and care, view the video above.