A world-class cancer center at Kansas University would require roughly $331 million in new investment over the next decade, Roy Jensen, director of the Kansas Cancer Center said Wednesday.

“We’re very good right now,” Jensen said. “If we want to be great, that’s the cost.”

KU administrators have called development of a major cancer center a top priority. Their goal is to develop a federally designated comprehensive cancer center within a decade. The designation would open up the center to cutting-edge cancer treatments and increased funding.

Jensen floated an unofficial 10-year business plan to a small gathering of KU staff and administrators Wednesday. He has yet to take the plan to interested parties throughout the state, he said.

The National Cancer Institute recognizes two types of centers – cancer centers and comprehensive cancer centers.

Cancer centers often conduct only lab research and do not provide patient care, while comprehensive centers conduct research and provide services directly to patients. And there are other differences.

Jensen said the first aim is to become a cancer center – a goal that KU estimates will require about $72 million in new investment over the next three years.

The entire project requires funds for salaries, the renovation and building of new facilities, the creation of endowed chairs, the recruitment of top people and the development of a network across the region. The center would create what’s called a Midwest Cancer Alliance, an association of health care institutions networked for clinical trials.

The entire initiative would be an impossible goal, if KU were starting from scratch, Jensen said of the project. But the project builds on existing strengths, he said, and has already garnered support, including:

¢ A $15 million pledge from the Kansas Masonic Foundation,

¢ More than $30 million from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research,

¢ Institutional commitment from KU and state government support.

All told, the project could require an investment of up to or more than $1 billion to become a comprehensive cancer center. That sum would include current commitments and resources coupled with new money.

Jensen said the details released Wednesday were part of a draft business plan, and a final version will be released in upcoming weeks.