Our History
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is a recognized leader in cancer research. The center’s work spans basic research; translational studies; clinical research, including early-phase clinical trials; and prevention, cancer control, and population-based research.
Huntsman Cancer Institute opened its first research building in 1999 after a generous donation from the Jon M. and Karen Huntsman family. In 2015, the National Cancer Institute awarded the cancer center its “Comprehensive” status—the highest designation possible—recognizing its outstanding research and impact on national cancer care guidelines and improved patient outcomes.
Today, Huntsman Cancer Institute has more than 650 research projects underway and more than 300 research teams studying cancer. With the largest Phase 1 clinical trials program in the Mountain West, the institute offers more than 325—including 45 first-in-human—open trials. The institute is also home to the Utah Population Database (UPDB), the largest database of its kind in the United States. With this powerful resource, more genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center.
Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute is leading the way in research focused on rural and frontier patient needs, health care delivery transformation, skin cancer treatment and prevention, and more.
Our Comprehensive Cancer Center
Cancer Center Research Programs
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) provides funding for four research programs, each focused on a specialized aspect of basic, translational, clinical, and population-based research performed by the members of our Cancer Center. These programs promote scientific excellence through coordinated, broad-based transdisciplinary research.
Disease Centers
Huntsman Cancer Institute has nine disease centers that serve as collaborative hubs where clinicians, basic scientists, and population scientists work together to translate science discoveries to the clinic. The disease centers enhance coordination and collaboration across research disciplines. Huntsman Cancer Foundation provides financial support for disease center research projects, which are awarded each year through a competitive, peer-reviewed process.
Shared Resources
Our Shared Resources offer support services, technology, and facilities to support cancer research. Shared Resources are funded by a combination of the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), institutional funds, other University of Utah funding sources, and charge-back for services.
Additional Core Facilities
Selected University of Utah Shared Resources
ADDITIONAL UNIVERSITY OF UTAH CORE FACILITIES
Clinical Trials Office
The key to finding new and better treatments for cancer lies in research. The Clinical Trials Office (CTO) at Huntsman Cancer Institute continually develops new approaches to both prevent cancer and help cancer patients live longer and better lives. The Population Sciences Trials Office assists researchers advancing prevention, early detection, survivorship, and health outcomes. Patient participation in clinical trials is an essential factor in this process.
Center for Cancer Genetics
For decades, geneticists working in Utah have made seminal contributions to the field of cancer predisposition genetics. The Center for Cancer Genetics (C4CG) at Huntsman Cancer Institute continues our leadership through comprehensive translation of cancer susceptibility gene discoveries to the clinic and to the population.
Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging and Theranostics
The Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging and Theranostics (CQCIT) at Huntsman Cancer Institute provides researchers, clinicians, and patients with the most advanced quantitative molecular imaging and theranostic technologies available. The CQCIT supports cutting-edge cancer research through its expertise in radiopharmaceutical development, preclinical imaging, clinical trial imaging, and theranostics.
High Risk Cancer Research Clinics & Studies
Huntsman Cancer Institute’s High Risk Cancer Research Clinics provide information for investigations into the genetics and inheritance of cancer. They provide education, and in some cases cancer screening services, for individuals and families with an increased risk of developing cancer. Through these clinics, eligible participants may enroll in cancer research studies. Physicians, genetic counselors, research coordinators, and other support personnel provide a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
IMPACT Center
The Innovative Medical Practices and Advancing Care Transformation (IMPACT) Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute accelerates innovation in cancer care delivery. By integrating technology, partnerships, and multidisciplinary expertise, IMPACT improves access to high-quality care—especially for patients in rural and frontier communities. The center fosters a culture of innovation and helps scale best practices to ensure every patient can get the care they need, no matter where they live.
Cancer Research Training and Education
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Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to educating the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians. Our training opportunities bring together students, faculty, and staff in an atmosphere of learning and collaboration between a wide range of research disciplines.
Discovery Innovations Newsletter
The Discovery Innovations newsletter showcases the latest advances in cancer treatment, research, and prevention from Huntsman Cancer Institute. These achievements demonstrate progress made in ending cancer as we know it.
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Discovery Innovations Fall 2025
A grant to study endometrial cancer and progestins, a review of gaps in skin cancer care, an immunotherapy system for multiple myeloma patients, and how cell identity affects tumor growth.
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Discovery Innovations Summer 2025
New drug therapy gives hope to advanced melanoma patients, personalized exercise plans enhance lung cancer patient recovery, and patient receives first allogeneic stem cell transplant from a deceased organ donor.
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Discovery Innovations Special Edition 2025
Three executive leaders describe how they see Huntsman Cancer Institute advancing cancer care and research in 2025 and beyond, including increasing cancer care access for all.
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Discovery Innovations Winter 2024
The latest advances in cancer research from Huntsman Cancer Institute include a new prostate cancer treatment, a method to predict aggressive breast cancer, and microbiome links to melanoma immunotherapy response.
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Discovery Innovations Fall 2024
Highlights from Huntsman Cancer Institute’s latest studies reveal elevated ovarian cancer risk in women with endometriosis and highlight challenges in bladder cancer treatment and insurance access for childhood cancer survivors.
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About the Cancer Center Support Grant
As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). This grant is awarded by the NCI to Comprehensive Cancer Centers, the highest national designation for a center possible, to support the infrastructure and coordination of our cancer research.
To maintain this funding and prestigious designation, Cancer Centers must undergo a rigorous renewal process every five years. This includes a comprehensive review of scientific impact, leadership, research programs, community outreach, and future plans. The process ensures that NCI-designated centers like Huntsman Cancer Institute continue to meet the highest standards of cancer research and care.
Huntsman Cancer Institute has maintained its Comprehensive Cancer Center status since it was first awarded by the NCI in 2015.