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HSSC pens nation’s first coordinated statewide cancer research initiative Partners of Health Sciences South Carolina (HSSC)—MUSC, the University of South Carolina (USC), Clemson University, Greenville Hospital System, Palmetto Health and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare Center—signed an unprecedented agreement April 27 establishing the first statewide cancer research initiative in the United States.   The announcement, made during a breakfast for members of the South Carolina General Assembly in Columbia,  accompanied the announcement of MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., as the new chair of the HSSC.   In addition, MUSC’s latest Endowed Chair, John Schaefer III, M.D., a world-renowned patient simulation researcher, was on hand to demonstrate a infant manikin that was hooked to computers and monitors.   The South Carolina Coordinated Cancer Initiative (SCCCI) will leverage the intellectual capital and resources of the state’s largest medical centers and leading research universities to improve the Palmetto State’s chances of securing a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation for MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center (HCC). NCI designation greatly improves the ability of Hollings and the other partners to attract funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other private sources, ultimately fueling research, educational and economic development opportunities.   “With this historic agreement, South Carolina places itself on the front lines of the national battle against cancer,” said HSSC Chairman and Palmetto Health Chief Executive Officer Kester Freeman. “Using the combined strengths of our six organizations to advance cancer research and expand cancer prevention and control outreach programs will have a tremendous impact on all South Carolinians. Not only will this improve access to cutting edge cancer therapies, access to these therapies will be more uniform across the state.”   Freeman said that securing NCI recognition is critical for many reasons. “Currently there is no NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in South Carolina, while there are three in North Carolina—Duke University, Wake Forest University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An NCI designation for Hollings will benefit all of the partners’ cancer centers as each seeks to enhance patient care, cancer research and the training of future health professionals.”   The proposed SCCCI will have locations at the HCC, South Carolina Cancer Center, Palmetto Health and USC, Columbia; Greenville Hospital System Cancer Center and Clemson University, Greenville; and Gibbs Regional Cancer Center (GRCC), Spartanburg Regional Health System, Spartanburg.   HCC will take the administrative leadership role of the organization with support from the other cancer centers.   Greenberg said the announcement of the proposed statewide cancer initiative should bring hope and optimism to the Palmetto State. “Cancer is the second leading cause of death in South Carolina; one of every two men and one of every three women will develop cancer during their lives. Our state also has some of the highest death rates in the country for cancers of the mouth and throat, prostate, cervix and esophagus. The best approach to addressing these challenges and the disparities within our population is to coordinate cancer research and clinical strengths in the state. I am pleased the partners of HSSC share a commitment to fighting cancer through coordinated research and also pleased Hollings Cancer Center is taking a leadership role,” he said.   In addition to research, the South Carolina Coordinated Cancer Initiative will enable the establishment of a statewide tissue bank system and standardized care protocols. These steps provide the opportunity for potentially lifesaving research to move from the lab and into patient care more quickly and efficiently.   Hollings Cancer Center director Andrew Kraft, M.D., added, “The Hollings Cancer Center is excited to partner with all HSSC members to enhance clinical trials and basic cancer research throughout South Carolina. It is only through novel and coordinated approaches to prevention, control, and treatment of cancer that we are going to make a dent in cancer morbidity and mortality.”   The South Carolina Coordinated Cancer Center agreement is the latest in a string of notable successes for HSSC. Since its formation in April 2004, HSSC has sought and secured state funding for three Centers of Economic Excellence through the South Carolina Research Centers of Economic Excellence Act: brain imaging, regenerative medicine and clinical efficiency and patient safety. The latest announcement secures HSSC’s place as a leader in the field of cancer research. About Health Sciences South Carolina Established in April 2004 by the Greenville Hospital System, MUSC, Palmetto Health and the University of South Carolina, Health Sciences South Carolina—the “Collaborative”—was founded with the vision of improving the health and economic wellbeing of South Carolina through a coordinated effort to advance health sciences research and education. The Collaborative, which now includes Clemson University and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, is an inclusive public-private partnership that seeks to bring together universities, health systems, and other partners committed to its vision. Friday, May 5, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.