Top Ranking for CINJ

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) has received the highest ranking awarded to cancer centers by the federal government—designation as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is one of only 39 centers nationwide that carry such a ranking. Gov. James E. McGreevey made the announcement at a news conference at CINJ on October 1.

This designation recognizes CINJ not only as a center of research excellence, but also as an important clinical resource where patients can access the most advanced cancer treatment and education options. It is the most difficult NCI ranking to earn, requiring a stringent peer review process. Among other cancer centers in this top tier are Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, Fox Chase in Philadelphia, and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center in Boston.

"It is a monumental achievement," said Brian Kimes, PhD, director of the NCI’s Office of Centers, Training and Resources and one of the speakers at the news conference. "You won’t have to squint across the Hudson anymore. You have state-of-the-art care, right here, right now." Other speakers included CINJ director William N. Hait, MD, PhD (above), Clifton R. Lacy, MD, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Chairman of the UMDNJ Board of Trustees Harvey Holzberg, FACHE, and Senator Jon Corzine.

"The importance of this new designation cannot be overstated," said Corzine. "The research being done here is second to none in the region and will continue to benefit not only New Jersey families, but residents of other states as well."

CINJ, which opened its doors in 1993, had 52,000 patient visits last year. It has a staff of 114 full-time faculty and receives some $70 million per year in grant funding.