Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the state of Texas with 98,000 new cases each year, and 37,000 deaths. The cost of cancer in the state has been estimated at $22 billion annually.
Groundbreaking
A small group of dedicated Texans decided it was time to put an end to these big numbers. It is from their determination and hard work that the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) was born.
CPRIT was officially created by constitutional amendment that was overwhelmingly supported by Texas voters in November 2007. It was established with a mandate to:
- Promote innovation in the areas of both cancer research and cancer prevention;
- Attract, create, and expand capabilities that advance cancer research;
- Create new high-quality jobs in the state; and
- Implement the Texas Cancer Plan.
Pioneering
As one of the largest government agencies driving cancer research (second only to the National Cancer Institute), CPRIT is poised to make Texas the leader in the fight against cancer. Given $3 billion over ten years to fund research and prevention programs in Texas, CPRIT’s legislation is a model for other states to replicate:
- Peer Review committees made up of 100+ renowned, award-winning cancer specialists from across the country who provide the greatest insight to identifying the most innovative projects
- Process maintains the utmost integrity by avoiding conflicts of interest as none of the reviewers are Texas residents
- Awards based solely on the best science, including some that are classified as High Risk/High Reward recognizing that if successful, these projects have the potential to contribute to major new insights to understanding the way cancers develop and how to treat or prevent them.
Within just nine months of operations, the first cycle of funding saw 880 applications requesting six times more than CPRIT’s allotted budget. Since then, more applications from top research and academic institutions as well as community-based organizations have been submitted and reviewed by CPRIT’s competitive and rigorous Peer Review Committee system.
CPRIT Foundation
The CPRIT Foundation was created in early 2009 to supplement the Institute’s efforts. To help maintain an efficient and fiscally responsible state agency, the Foundation provides resources from the private sector to enhance CPRIT’s work beyond grant funding.
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
To learn more about the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, visit www.cprit.state.tx.us.
