OUR MISSION

This year, an estimated 200 new patients with brain cancer and other cancers of the nervous system will seek consultation at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. These patients will be among some 70,000 Americans diagnosed with a new brain or spine tumor this year, according to the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States. Almost 690,000 people in the U.S. are living with some form of brain tumor, with varying symptoms and needs.

Treatment options for patients with primary or metastatic cancer of the central nervous system are limited. Moreover, the burden of symptoms, both physical and cognitive, can significantly detract from quality of life, because of progressive memory loss that can result in “loss of self.” The challenges in caring for these groups of patients are many. More work is needed in research and development of novel therapeutics, not only to improve anti-tumor therapies, but also for treatment of symptoms.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center strives to be the region’s most trusted destination for cancer patients from throughout the state of Kansas and the western third of Missouri. Our goal is to develop a nationally recognized neuro-oncology program, with the focus on patients and their families at all times.

In alignment with that goal, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical and translational research, two core components of our neuro-oncology program. We will expand our already strong cadre of research projects and clinical trials by recruiting a translational researcher whose work will focus on developing cutting-edge clinical trials, pioneering immunotherapy projects, developing personalized therapies based on each individual’s genetic mutation, researching new drug discovery and development opportunities and supporting KU Cancer Center’s role in the national Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative.