Nevada Cancer Institute

Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI), founded in 2002, has been the official cancer institute for the state of Nevada since 2003. A not-for-profit organization, NVCI is composed of a team of dedicated, world-class researchers and physicians who are committed to advancing knowledge about cancer through research and medical services to Nevadans, the Southwest and throughout the United States. The Institute serves residents statewide with its research and care center located in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas and with offices committed to outreach and education located in Sparks, Fallon and Elko, Nevada.

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NVCI is a collaborative, statewide effort involving Nevada’s oncology community, academic leaders, legislators, corporations, health care advocates, cancer patients, their families and other concerned residents of the state. The Institute is fully committed to offering residents an organization that features the most current and advanced cancer treatment options in a warm, tranquil setting with focused attention placed on patient and family support services.

Background

NVCI’s purpose is to use research and implementation of groundbreaking methods of prevention, detection and treatment of cancer through: clinical trials; medical oncology services; radiation oncology services; pathology services; medical imaging services; navigation assistance providing patients with access to information and resources to help support them at their time of diagnosis, care and need; Lance Armstrong Foundation Cancer Survivorship Center; Patient Information and Resource Center; Illuminations Appearance and Gift Center; palliative care and symptom management; nutritionist; nurse counselor; meditation room; full-service café; spiritual and psychosocial counseling; linkages with and to other resources.

Under its official cancer institute mandate, NVCI offers a larger number of clinical trials that were not previously available without the support of a large research center. This includes the first Phase I clinical trials conducted in Nevada.

An essential part of NVCI’s mission is to ensure cancer patients and their families, regardless of their geographic location, have access to the latest in cancer prevention, education, detection and treatment options.

The overarching goal of NVCI is to become a National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Care Center. Facilities awarded this designation not only must perform first-rate research and exceptional patient care, but they must also demonstrate that the close integration of research and clinical efforts fosters an environment that stimulates new discoveries and translates these discoveries quickly into better care to patients. Research in the area of cancer control and programs in community outreach and education are also essential for comprehensive status.

Facilities

The Institute’s research and care center is located in a state-of-the-art, 142,000-square-foot facility. The lobby boasts a blown-glass chandelier designed by Dale Chihuly. As of December 31, 2006, the NVCI had 230 employees.

History

In 2002 The Howard Hughes Corporation donated 6 acres of land for the Institute's first permanent building, the flagship facility. The land was in the middle of a 61-acre site in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas.

In 2003, ground was broken for NVCI's initial 142,000-square-foot research facility. This building was designed by Marnell Corrao Associates who are better known for designing many of the megaresorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

NVCI has Outreach & Education offices located in Sparks, Nevada, with satellite offices in Elko and Fallon, Nevada.

NVCI opened its new, state-of-the-art flagship facility in August 2005, which was built at a cost of $53 million. The grand opening was on September 23, 2005, with a Vegas-style fireworks display.

From September 2005 to December 31, 2006, NVCI opened 54 clinical trials, 20 of which were Phase I or Phase I/II trials. In June 2006, NVCI was the first site worldwide to dose a patient in a new clinical trial.^{[citation needed]}

In October of 2005, the Institute acquired an additional 10 acres adjacent to its current site for future expansion.

In January 2006, the city of Las Vegas announced plans to work with the Institute, the Bureau of Land Management and other entities to acquire about 20 acres of land in the city for future use.

A Phase I clinical trial was opened in January 2007 at NVCI as one of only three places in the world offering it.^{[citation needed]}