Georgetown’s Lombardi Cancer Center changed its name to the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center after receiving a renewal of their distinction as a “comprehensive cancer center” by the National Cancer Institute last week.

The distinction is the highest given to cancer centers by the NCI and the name change will go into effect immediately.

To be deemed a “comprehensive” cancer center, institutions must meet numerous criteria which include clinical trials, research in many areas, the active translation of research into therapies and a dedication to helping the community in matters regarding cancer prevention and control. The new name change will allow patients to clearly recognize Lombardi’s dedication level to cancer research and clinical therapy, according to a medical center press release.

Lombardi was first distinguished as a comprehensive cancer center in 1990, and this distinction has been renewed every year since. This year’s renewal is part of the NCI’s Cancer Center Support Grant, which will award Lombardi with more than $12 million in funding over the next four years.

“This grant will be used to support the scientific infrastructure of Lombardi, including state-of-the-art technologies and equipment that will ultimately bring us closer to cancer cures,” Richard Pestell, director of the center, said.

Lombardi is one of only 39 places in the country to be distinguished as a “comprehensive” center, and is the only one in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The research conducted at the center specializes in breast cancer, adult and pediatric hematologic cancers and solid tumors.

Recent scientific achievements include a $7 million grant from the Department of Defense to study the link between breast cancer and alcohol consumption. Led by Peter Shields, professor of medicine and director of cancer genetics and epidemiology, the study will focus on alcohol’s supposed ability to stimulate tumor growth as well as its affect on cancer causing genetic mutations.

Advanced techniques and equipment are also available at the cancer center. Patients can benefit from CyberKnife, which offers a new radiation therapy for inoperable tumors. Additionally, the center has begun implementing innovative techniques in cancer detection, such as digital mammography and positron emission tomography.