Board of Regents discusses KU’s cancer initiative

? Kansas Board of Regent Fred Logan Jr. of Leawood wants to make sure that if Kansas University doesn’t get National Cancer Institute designation on its first attempt, no one freaks out.

“I have a concern that many people think it’s quote `in the bag,’ ” said Logan on Tuesday at the regents retreat. “It is more typical than not that you don’t get it the first time,” he said.

KU is scheduled to apply next month for NCI designation of its Cancer Center. Winning the designation would increase dollars available for treatment of cancer patients.

KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said Logan’s concern was appropriate. She said KU has done what is necessary to qualify for designation but many factors are outside KU’s control, such as funding of NCI. She said KU could apply again if turned down the first time.

Logan said the Legislature’s $5 million annual appropriation to help KU in the effort has been one of the most important commitments made by legislators. He said if KU doesn’t win designation on the first effort that shouldn’t be interpreted as a failure.