OU CANCER CENTER
BACKGROUND & LEADERSHIP
The
activities of the OU Cancer Center are directed by Howard Ozer, MD, PhD, Eason
Professor and Chief of Hematology / Oncology in the Department of Medicine. Dr.
Ozer was selected to direct the center in 2000 in response to a cancer focused
initiative that began in 1996 with an investment in the OU Cancer Center by the
University of Oklahoma. This investment in the form of enthusiasm, support, and
resources continues today under the guidance of David Boren, President of the
University of Oklahoma; Joseph Ferretti, PhD, Senior Vice President and Provost
of the Health Sciences Center; Dewayne Andrews, MD, Vice President for Health
Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine and the Board of Regents of the
University. The Cancer Center has maintained a high priority within the Health
Sciences Center and institutional funding has permitted the recruitment of more
than twelve new faculty who have clinical and research interests focused on
cancer. This cancer-centered recruitment of new faculty continues today.
FACILITIES
The
fifth floor of the new OU Physicians Building containing 25,000 square feet has
been designated as the Cade Cancer Center and was supported by 3 million dollars
from the Presbyterian Foundation. Ten thousand square feet of this space is to
be used for Phase I Clinical Trials focused on the evaluation of cutting edge
therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer. In a second Cancer Center
related activity, forty million dollars will be invested in a new Biomedical
Research Center. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the summer of 2003.
This 125.000 square foot, five-story Center will provide state-of-the-art
research laboratories, animal facilities, and comprehensive core facilities.
Fifty thousand square feet contained in two floors of this building will be
designated for laboratory space for Cancer Center investigators and
comprehensive core laboratories and animal facilities designed for cancer
focused research.
FUTURE
The
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has been awarded a $1.3 million
planning grant by the National Cancer Institute which is the first step in
becoming an NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
http://www.ouhsc.edu/article-display.asp?idnum=663 . The closest NCI
designated Comprehensive Cancer Center is 450 miles from Oklahoma City.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers are required to demonstrate excellence in basic and
clinical sciences research, engage in community outreach education and
prevention programs, as well as provide cutting edge treatment strategies for
cancer patients. The establishment of this center is an important event for
Oklahoma and the southwest region surrounding Oklahoma due the significant
impact of cancer on our population and our healthcare systems.
IMPACT OF CANCER ON OKLAHOMANS
Cancer is the
second leading cause of death in Oklahoma.
Cancer is
the leading cause of death in the children of our state.
Approximately
one-half of our general population will develop cancer in their lifetime.
One of every four
Oklahomans will lose his life to cancer.
SERVICE TO OKLAHOMA AND THE SURROUNDING
SOUTHWEST REGION
The
provision of comprehensive health care for cancer patients in central Oklahoma
means that the people of our state and the surrounding southwest region will not
have to be subjected to the stress and expense of traveling long distances to
receive innovative, state-of-the-art treatment for cancer.
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