Partnership for Excellence in Cancer Research

The University of Puerto Rico and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Form the Partnership for Excellence in Cancer Research

Significant disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes exist among underserved and minority populations. Through a Minority Institute/Cancer Center Partnership, now known as the Comprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (CPACHE), a grant was awarded by the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Health Disparities. Through this grant, the University of Puerto Rico and MD Anderson seek to address and, ultimately, eliminate cancer health disparities through the development of clinical, research, outreach and educational activities that benefit both institutions.

By creating the CPACHE grant, the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Health Disparities strives to facilitate a collaborative relationship between the center itself and the partnering institutions to create opportunities for training, research and outreach by focusing on the importance of detecting cancer early among underserved and minority populations. The CPACHE grant also facilitates improving cancer control and prevention within these populations through the design of support programs aimed at reducing health disparities in cancer incidence and survivorship.

The partnership has been in existence since 2001, with the long-term goal of MD Anderson assisting the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center in regaining its status as an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. In 2009, a dedication ceremony was held for the new research facility, and in 2014, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new hospital.

For more information, please see our U54 Partnership website.