The Cross Cancer Institute (CCI) is a comprehensive cancer research and treatment centre located on the University of Alberta campus in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It operates as part of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and maintains academic affiliations with the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.
History
- Established in 1979 through a collaborative agreement between the Government of Alberta and the University of Alberta.
- The institute officially opened to patients in 1984.
- It was named “Cross” in recognition of a major philanthropic contribution from the Cross family, which supported the development of the facility.
Mission and Scope
The institute’s mandate encompasses three core areas:
- Patient Care – Providing oncology services, including medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, as well as supportive care programs.
- Research – Conducting basic, translational, and clinical research aimed at understanding cancer biology, developing new therapies, and improving patient outcomes.
- Education – Training health‑care professionals, including physicians, nurses, and allied health staff, as well as offering community outreach and public education initiatives.
Facilities
- A patient‑care centre that houses chemotherapy infusion suites, radiation therapy units (including linear accelerators), and multidisciplinary clinics.
- Research laboratories equipped for molecular biology, genomics, epidemiology, and clinical trial coordination.
- Dedicated teaching spaces for university courses and continuing‑education programs.
Research Focus
The CCI’s research programs address a wide range of malignancies and include:
- Cancer genetics and genomics
- Immuno‑oncology and targeted therapies
- Cancer prevention, screening, and survivorship
- Clinical trials testing novel agents and treatment protocols
The institute participates in national and international collaborative networks, contributing to multi‑centre studies and sharing data through platforms such as the Canadian Cancer Trials Group.
Affiliations and Partnerships
- Alberta Health Services – CCI functions as the provincial hub for cancer care and research within the AHS Cancer Care Alberta network.
- University of Alberta – Joint appointments for faculty members, shared research infrastructure, and integration of clinical training for medical students and residents.
- External Collaborations – Partnerships with organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and various pharmaceutical companies for clinical trial sponsorship.
Notable Achievements
- Contribution to the development and clinical testing of several targeted therapies for breast, lung, and colorectal cancers.
- Leadership in provincial cancer screening programs, including breast and colorectal cancer early detection initiatives.
- Recognition for pioneering work in immunotherapy trials and biomarker discovery, leading to improved patient stratification.
Governance
The institute is overseen by an executive leadership team reporting to the AHS Board of Directors, with an advisory scientific board comprising university faculty and external experts to guide research strategy.
Location
1500 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (postal code T6G 2M2).
Contact Information
- Telephone: +1 (780) 492‑6000
- Website: https://cci.ualberta.ca
See Also
- Alberta Health Services – Cancer Care Alberta
- University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
- Canadian Cancer Society
This entry reflects information available from publicly released institutional sources and peer‑reviewed literature up to 2024.