On June 4, 2025, the MCW Cancer Center reached a milestone years in the making: it hosted its formal site visit with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a major step in the journey to become NCI-designated. This pivotal moment brings the Center closer to joining an elite group of cancer centers nationwide—unlocking the potential for increased federal funding, expanded research collaborations, and faster translation of scientific discoveries into care for the 3.4 million people it serves across Eastern Wisconsin.
This rigorous meeting followed the January 2025 submission of the Cancer Center Support Grant, a comprehensive application showcasing the Center’s scientific excellence, strategic vision, and deep community partnerships. Only 73 cancer centers in the U.S. hold NCI designation and none are located in Milwaukee, one of the nation’s largest metro areas. The Cancer Center is determined to change that.
“Hosting the NCI site visit is an accomplishment that represents years of dedication from our researchers, clinicians, staff, institutional leaders, and the entire community. Their collective effort has built a Center worthy of this moment: one that’s relentless in its pursuit of new knowledge, that’s committed to turning science into real solutions, and that’s now prepared to shape the future of cancer research and care at a national level,” said Gustavo Leone, PhD, MCW Cancer Center Director.
Held virtually, the site visit included pre-recorded scientific presentations from the Center’s Associate Directors and Research Program Leaders, followed by live Q&A sessions with NCI reviewers. The Cancer Center set the tone with opening remarks from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, MCW President and CEO John Raymond Sr., MD, and MCW Chair of the Board of Trustees Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Brenner, MBA, each underscoring what this moment means for the institution and the state.
“NCI designation is not a destination, but a platform to elevate our impact on cancer research and the people we serve,” said Dr. Raymond. “The accomplishments you’ll see today reflect years of strategic investment, talented people, and a shared sense of purpose. We are ready for this next chapter and ready to stand alongside the nation’s top cancer centers to help end cancer as we know it.”
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Brenner reaffirmed its strong commitment to cancer research and care at MCW, and shared a personal reflection. “The Center’s culture has transformed—reflected in rising research funding, expanded clinical trials, and stronger collaboration across disciplines,” she said. “As a survivor treated here, I can personally attest to the extraordinary combination of scientific rigor, clinical excellence, and deep compassion that defines this team.”
A Center Transformed by Vision and Purpose
The Cancer Center has been in pursuit of NCI designation for more than a decade. The site visit is the result of that long-standing commitment and the extraordinary transformation that has taken place over the past five years. “We set out to build a Center where science drives discovery, collaboration is embedded in the culture, and progress is measured by the lives we improve,” Dr. Leone said in the Director’s Overview.
His 30-minute presentation outlined how the Center rebuilt its foundation, reimagined its potential, and charted a bold course toward discovery and impact:
Fueled by a substantial institutional investment and guided by a 10-year Strategic Plan, the Center reorganized its Research Programs, expanded infrastructure, and recruited 46 new investigators, many from NCI-designated institutions. These new faculty brought expertise in rare cancers, precision oncology, cancer imaging, population health, and more, helping shape a Center that drives innovation across the research continuum.
Training and education became cornerstones of this growth. New fellowships and mentorship programs were launched to support early-career scientists, and the Center secured six national training grants to build a strong future research pipeline.
Research infrastructure expanded significantly. Shared Resources were launched or expanded to advance work in metabolomics, imaging, and geospatial analysis. These state-of-the-art technologies now support hundreds of research projects across campus and help investigators turn discoveries into clinical applications more efficiently than ever.
Clinical research has grown in both volume and impact. The Center now oversees more than 220 active clinical trials, the largest cancer treatment trial portfolio in the state. Collaborative initiatives like the Our Patient Project and Integrated Disease-Oriented Teams have increased the number of investigator-initiated trials and aligned research efforts with the most urgent needs of Wisconsin communities.
Community engagement has deepened through the Community & Cancer Science Network, which includes more than 170 academic and community partners, and ThriveOn Collaboration. These initiatives bring cancer screening, education, and support services into neighborhoods with a high cancer burden, and are guided by community priorities and cultural relevance.
“The MCW Center for Cancer Discovery brings it all together, creating space for meaningful collaborations,” said Dr. Leone. Opening August 5, 2025, the five-story, 161,000-square-foot facility will be a hub for cancer innovation. The building will unite researchers, Shared Resources, and the community under one roof to accelerate the pace of discovery and deliver solutions to patients in real time.
After sharing this remarkable progress, Dr. Leone left reviewers with a powerful message: “We are already operating at the level of an NCI-designated Center. By the end of the day, we hope you’ll agree that we are ready for this recognition.”
Momentum, Clarity, Readiness
The outcome of the site visit will be announced in late 2025. While NCI designation remains the goal, the journey has already strengthened the Center and clarified its mission.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Leone shared a bold vision for the future: one where cancer can be detected earlier, treated more precisely, and understood from its very first signs. He spoke of safer, more effective therapies driven by advances in structural biology, and of integrated approaches that combine discovery, prevention, and community partnership to not only extend life, but improve how people live it.
He recognized the many people who brought the Center to this moment, including support by departments, institutes, and centers, and shared what it felt like to stand before NCI reviewers on their behalf:
“We feel momentum—the kind that only happens when scientists, clinicians, educators, and communities move together toward something bigger than themselves.
We feel clarity—we’re not here to check boxes; we’re here to solve problems, save lives, and reshape what cancer care looks like.
And we feel readiness. Not hope. Not potential. Readiness to do what was thought to be impossible. Built through years of shared effort, aligned purpose, and the belief that everyone deserves exceptional care, no matter their ZIP code, background, or diagnosis.
What powers this is the engine underneath: the people.
We will keep doing this work with or without designation. But with your partnership, we can go farther.
We can move faster. And we can do more.
Thank you for spending your day with us—for allowing us to present the advances made at this Center, and to showcase what is possible when science is the driver, the mission is clear, and when talented people behind it, are all in.”