Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Programs: Cancer research: at karmanos cancer institute (kci), the institutes investigators conduct all forms of research into the prevention, detection, treatment and causes of cancer. Types of research conducted at kci include: basic, clinical, epidemiological and behavioral. The core research facilities of kci serve to enhance research in all of the programs by supplying instrumentation and/or expertise that individual investigators require to perform cutting-edge research. Research at kci is organized within the following four programs: (1) molecular imaging, (2) molecular therapeutics, (3) population studies and disparities research, and (4) tumor biology & microenvironment.

kci is part of the michigan breast & cervical cancer control program (bcccp): this program is available to individuals meeting the following criteria: (1) have an income below 250% of the federal poverty level, (2) be uninsured or underinsured (3) be age 40-64 for breast/cervical cancer screening/diagnostic/treatment services , (4) be age 21-39, referred to the bcccp with an abnormal pap test or clinical breast exam which requires breast/cervical diagnostic services. The bcccp provides breast care services such as clinical breast exams, mammograms, follow up tests and if needed, cancer-related treatment. The bcccp also provides cervical care services such as pap smears, pelvic exams, follow up tests and if needed, cancer-related treatment. The bcccp can enroll and provide post-screening diagnostic follow up care (imaging, biopsy, other) for insured women whose deductible creates a financial hardship if they meet the above bcccp eligibility requirements.

affiliation / network support, community education, & cord stem cell bank: community education provided by kci staff and volunteers occur through visits to businesses, churches, schools, shopping malls, health care forums and virtually any venue conducive to informing individuals on ways to prevent cancer and its warning signs, and the very latest in screening, diagnostics, treatment and follow-up care through educational presentations, materials and displays. Kci offers free fact sheets on the most common forms of cancer and topics of interest. These are geared to persons concerned about their cancer risk and interested in prevention and early detection not to persons diagnosed with cancer. Genetic counseling educational sessions are offered on a regular basis at kci and by appointment. Participants learn about inherited breast and ovarian cancer genes and how to reduce their risk. Kci also supports efforts and provides resources to help individuals successfully quit smoking. The j. P. Mccarthy cord stem cell bank at kci is a public, non-profit stem cell bank with over 2,700 umbilical cord blood units in its inventory. The bank was founded in 2001 with funding from the j. P. Mccarthy fund and the carls foundation and is one of only a few internationally recognized cord stem cell banks affiliated with the national marrow donor program. The bank was created in anticipation of providing life-saving hope to people who have been diagnosed with cancer and serious blood disorders. Kci collects, processes and stores donated umbilical cord blood that becomes a readily available source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplant in children and adults with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease or other life-threatening conditions. The j. P. Mccarthy cord blood bank and carls processing laboratory is also accredited by the foundation for the accreditation of cellular therapy (fact). The accreditation signifies the highest standards of practice in collection, processing and transplantation. This accreditation demonstrates the commitment to quality in cord blood banking through adherence to rigorous standards that are verified by periodic inspection and peer review.