Sanford Community Cancer Program of the North Central Plains (NCORP)

Sanford Research, a non-profit research institution within Sanford Health, is dedicated to improving cancer outcomes through scientific discovery, clinical innovation, and broad community engagement. Serving one of the largest rural healthcare networks in the United States, Sanford Research is uniquely positioned to enhance the mission of the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) by expanding access to cutting-edge cancer clinical trials, prevention strategies, and cancer care delivery research across rural, urban, and geographically dispersed populations. Sanford Health spans over 250,000 square miles across the Upper Midwest, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and rural communities in Montana and Nebraska. With more than 80 oncology providers across a network of more than 50 affiliated sites, Sanford has a well-established infrastructure for clinical trial implementation, regulatory compliance, and patient navigation. Sanford Research integrates seamlessly with Sanford’s clinical operations to streamline the activation, accrual, and management of NCI-sponsored trials. Sanford has demonstrated strong performance in enrolling patients in oncology trials. Through continued participation in NCORP, Sanford Research will build upon its existing foundation to expand research in cancer prevention and control, survivorship, and cancer care delivery science. Special emphasis will be placed on recruiting participants from rural populations to ensure broader representation in cancer research. Sanford’s multidisciplinary research teams—including epidemiologists, behavioral scientists, and clinical investigators—are prepared to contribute to NCORP’s national priorities while supporting meaningful local impact through community partnerships, patient-centered outreach, and data-driven care improvements. Through this collaboration, Sanford Research aims to drive innovation and access in oncology care—furthering the NCORP mission and improving outcomes for patients in our communities through clinical research.