Puerto Rico NCI Community Oncology Research Program (Puerto Rico NCORP)

The PRNCORP is the only organization that conducts significant, meaningful NCI-directed Clinical Cancer Research focused on general communities in Puerto Rico for cancer treatment, cancer control and prevention, and cancer care delivery. It is the backbone for the development of the multidisciplinary cancer care at the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UPRCCC Hospital), which was opened to patient care on August 20, 2018. All faculty members, including translational researchers and clinical care providers, participate in the PRNCORP for the purpose of broadening the catchment base for accrual to our clinical trials. Each department within the CCCUPR Hospital, such as Gynecologic Oncology, Breast Cancer Clinic, and Hematological Malignancies Clinic, uses the PRNCORP as a platform to develop research within their respective areas of expertise. All patients treated at the CCCUPR Hospital will be consented for enrollment in PRNCORP to collect demographical and clinical data, as well as for specialized tissue donation. The PRNCORP is also a valuable source of knowledge for the broader oncology medical community. It will serve to improve cancer treatment and care for Adult and Pediatric patients throughout its participating institutions and beyond. Our PI’s and Co-PI’s are experienced professionals with over 30 years of experience in Clinical Research, with very strong staff and support personnel. Our fellows and attending are active participants in Medical Schools, tumor boards, and cancer seminars, and are involved in yearly updates to the Medical Community, such as the ASCO and ASH Review Conference. Our research environment will improve: (1) Pathology Departments, (2) Radiology Imaging Departments, (3) Radiotherapy Service, (4) Gastroenterology, (5) Surgery, (6) Hematology-Oncology Treatment Program, and (7) Direct Patient Care.