Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

The University of Tennessee Medical Center has received a $7 million state appropriation to support its pursuit of National Cancer Institute designation, a milestone that would bring the gold standard in advanced cancer care, research and prevention efforts to East Tennessee.

Currently, the only other verified institute in the state is the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

With these funds, UT Medical plans to:

• Expand early detection and screening programs, including mobile mammography and lung and colorectal screening units, with a focus on rural and high-burden communities.
• Grow clinical trials and research capabilities in partnership with the University of Tennessee System, UT Health Science Center, and regional collaborators such as Erlanger.
• Build data and care coordination infrastructure to better connect patients to cancer services across Tennessee.
• Recruit leading physicians and scientists and strengthen multidisciplinary cancer care teams.

Better care and better economics

Studies show that treatment at NCI-designated centers can reduce cancer mortality by 20-50%.

While bettering life expectancy is the top priority, acquiring this world-class label also tends to bring major innovation and economic development to the local area through federal funding, high-wage salaries, and more.

This trend is exactly what the UT Research Park is counting on as East Tennessee builds up its life sciences and biosciences innovation corridor.

The park, which is part of the UT System, sits near the medical center in Knoxville’s Peninsula District. They noted that they already have a great partnership with UT Medical, but they look forward to supporting the “next phase of medical research and innovation across our region” that accompanies this announcement.

Read the full release here.

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