University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

What University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center does

The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) is Wisconsin's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and operates as the oncology research arm of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a public research university. Established in 1973 and headquartered at 600 Highland Ave in Madison, WI, the center coordinates more than 400 researchers, physicians, and educators and over 300 faculty spanning 45 departments and 11 schools across six scientific program areas: Cancer Genetic & Epigenetic Mechanisms, Cancer Prevention & Control, Developmental Therapeutics, Human Cancer Virology, Imaging & Radiation Sciences, and Tumor Microenvironment. Its product portfolio comprises core shared resources (Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Small Animal Imaging and Radiotherapy Facility, and the Radiopharmaceutical Analytics and Specimen Research Laboratory), clinical programs (the Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board, the Survivorship Program, and TrialTALK), and the Initiative for Theranostics and Particle Therapy (ITPT), a joint initiative with UW Health and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation targeting metastatic cancer. The Wisconsin Oncology Network, established in 1998, distributes clinical trial and molecular imaging access across 19 affiliate sites in Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and western South Dakota, with 1,800+ patients enrolled to date.

UWCCC is governed by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and is primarily funded through the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA014520), other NIH and cancer-related research grants, and patient care revenue delivered through UW Health. The center also operates fee-for-service shared resource cores with tiered pricing for UWCCC members, UW users, VA, external academic clients, and industry (e.g., Flow Cytometry training rates range from $117.82/hour for UWCCC members to $322.04/hour for industry; RASR technician time ranges from $75/hour to $200/hour). Membership in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium, and its standing as 1 of 57 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers provide regulatory exclusivity, consortium-scale trial access, and reputational positioning. UWCCC pursues a partnership- and outreach-driven go-to-market, relying on referrals through UW Health, the 19-site WON affiliate network, community engagement programs, and scientific publication rather than conventional commercial sales channels. Annual research funding exceeds $100 million, and the center has secured awards including a $3.8 million NIH Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative grant in 2024.

Name

University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

Legal name

University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

Website

https://cancer.wisc.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center is Wisconsin's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, coordinating 300+ faculty and 400+ researchers across six scientific programs, shared resource cores, and a 19-site regional clinical trial network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cancer Research and Treatment Services

NAICS

Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215), Medical Laboratories (621511), Diagnostic Imaging Centers (621512), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Oncology & Cancer Specialty Hospitals (HLAFAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ambulatory Oncology Centers (Outpatient Chemo/Radiation) (HLAFABAI), Medical Oncology (HLAKAFAB), Nuclear Medicine Clinical Services & Therapy Centers (HLAIAGAI), Clinical Research & Trial Central Laboratories (HLAFAMAL), Clinical Biomarker Testing Services (central labs, trial enrollment/monitoring assays) (HLAAAMAC)

Keywords

• Cancer research services
• Clinical oncology trials
• Shared laboratory resources
• Radiopharmaceutical development
• Translational cancer research

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Research Grants and Funding: As an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, UWCCC is primarily funded through the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) P30 CA014520, NIH grants, and cancer-related research grants. The Office of Pre-Award Services assists investigators in developing and submitting grant proposals including research grants, contracts, and pilot programs.
2. Clinical Services Revenue: Patient care services provided through UW Health, including cancer treatment, clinical trials, and specialized oncology services. The center serves as Wisconsin's only comprehensive cancer center.
3. Shared Resource Core Services: Fee-for-service laboratory facilities including Flow Cytometry, Cancer Pharmacology Lab, RASR, and SAIRF that provide services to internal UW researchers and external clients including industry partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center is Wisconsin's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, delivering integrated cancer research, clinical oncology services, and shared resource laboratory capabilities across the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. It runs six scientific programs and operates fee-for-service core facilities (Flow Cytometry, Cancer Pharmacology, SAIRF, RASR), the Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board, a regional clinical trial network (Wisconsin Oncology Network, 19 sites), and the Initiative for Theranostics and Particle Therapy, serving patients, researchers, community oncologists, and industry partners.

Product overview

University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center is Wisconsin's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center offering an integrated portfolio of research programs and shared resource facilities. The center operates six scientific programs (Cancer Genetic & Epigenetic Mechanisms, Cancer Prevention & Control, Developmental Therapeutics, Human Cancer Virology, Imaging & Radiation Sciences, and Tumor Microenvironment) supported by core facilities including the Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Small Animal Imaging and Radiotherapy Facility (SAIRF), and the Radiopharmaceutical Analytics and Specimen Research (RASR) Core. Clinical programs include the Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board for molecular-guided treatment recommendations, the Survivorship Program for post-treatment care, and the Wisconsin Oncology Network connecting 19 regional sites. The center also developed TrialTALK, a communication tool for clinical trial discussions. The Initiative for Theranostics and Particle Therapy (ITPT) coordinates targeted radionuclide therapy research and development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TrialTALK A communication tool combining verbal elements with a take-home diagram designed to help oncologists navigate complex treatment discussions with patients and reduce disparities in clinical trial accrual. Developed for oncologists conducting cancer treatment conversations.
• Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board (PMMTB) A statewide service providing a forum for expert clinicians, pathologists and scientists to discuss and analyze tumor genotypes and molecular abnormalities and recommend patient-specific targeted therapies. Available to oncologists at UW Health and throughout Wisconsin.
• Survivorship Program Program advancing research and clinical care to support cancer survivors and their families through health system innovation, integrating survivorship into clinical practice and improving quality of life from the moment of cancer diagnosis through the rest of life.
• Wisconsin Oncology Network (WON) Collaborative oncology research network offering innovative treatment options and clinical trial enrollment to patients across 19 affiliate sites in Wisconsin, northern Illinois and western South Dakota, allowing patients to be treated in their home communities. More than 1,800 patients have participated in WON clinical studies.
• Initiative for Theranostics and Particle Therapy (ITPT) Joint initiative strengthening research collaborations and driving innovative treatments for metastatic cancer patients across targeted radionuclide therapy discovery and development, radiobiology, translational radiotherapy, medical physics, advanced imaging, personalized dosimetry, and radio-immunotherapy combinations.
• Radiopharmaceutical Analytics and Specimen Research (RASR) Core BSL2 fee-for-service facility providing next-generation in-vivo metabolism and biological assessment of new radiopharmaceuticals in clinical and preclinical studies, including pharmacokinetics, metabolite analyses, and single-cell sequencing. Services include technician time ($75-$200/hour by user tier) and equipment time ($100-$200/hour by user tier).
• Flow Cytometry Laboratory Fee-for-service facility providing technical and educational support for fluorescence-based single cell analysis and isolation, featuring multiple cytometers including Cytek Aurora, ThermoFisher Attune, BD LSR Fortessa, ImageStream, and cell sorters. Tiered pricing from $70.98/hour (UWCCC self-run) to $366.66/hour (Industry cell sorting assisted).
• Cancer Pharmacology Lab Lab providing bioanalytical assay development, validation and performance supporting clinical, translational and laboratory research, including pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and preclinical analytic services. Operates with a Sample Acquisition Service across the Clinical Science Center and Eastpark Medical Center.
• Small Animal Imaging and Radiotherapy Facility (SAIRF) Comprehensive core facility providing innovative, state-of-the-art, noninvasive, high-resolution in-vivo and ex-vivo imaging and radiotherapy support, including PET/CT, SPECT/CT, ultrasound, photoacoustic imaging, and targeted animal irradiation. Available to UW researchers and external clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,800+ patients have participated in WON clinical studies
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Wisconsin Oncology Network (WON)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1998Established in 1998 as a collaborative research network offering innovative treatment options to patients with the advantage that patients can be treated in their home communities. Grown to 19 sites in Wisconsin, northern Illinois and western South Dakota.
• Big Ten Cancer Research ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUW Carbone is a member of the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium that creates a unique team approach to rapidly driving science while leveraging the expertise of Big Ten universities to improve the lives of cancer patients.
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of 33 leading cancer centers belonging to the NCCN, dedicated to defining and advancing quality, effective, equitable and accessible cancer care and prevention.
• Initiative for Theranostics and Particle Therapy (ITPT) PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiative of UW Carbone, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW Health to strengthen existing research collaborations, create new partnerships and resources, and drive innovative treatments for metastatic cancer patients.
• UW Collaborative Genomics CorecoreTechnology or IntegrationThe Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board works in partnership with the UW Collaborative Genomics Core and UW Carbone Cancer Center to provide expert clinical analysis of tumor genotypes.
• TrialTALK Development PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center developed TrialTALK, a communication tool combining verbal elements with take-home diagrams to help oncologists navigate complex treatment discussions with patients to address disparities in clinical trial enrollment.
• Gundersen LutherancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWON affiliate site located in La Crosse, WI; Gundersen Lutheran contacts for PMMTB include Ben Parsons.
• ThedaCare Cancer CarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWON affiliate site; ThedaCare contacts for PMMTB include Matthias Weiss.
• ProHealth CarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWON affiliate site; ProHealth contacts for PMMTB include Timothy Wassenaar.
• Aspirus Regional Cancer CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWON site in Wausau, WI (215 N 28th Ave) offering cancer care and clinical trial access.
• Aurora Cancer CareminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWON sites in Wauwatosa, Green Bay, Marinette, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, Summit, and Two Rivers, WI.
• Bellin Memorial HospitalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWON site in Green Bay, WI (744 S. Webster Ave) as part of the Wisconsin Oncology Network.
• Medical College of WisconsinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWON site in Milwaukee, WI (8701 W. Watertown Plank Rd) as part of the regional cancer research network.
• Marshfield ClinicminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWON site in Marshfield, WI (1000 N Oak Ave) offering community-based cancer clinical trials.
• Swedish American HospitalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWON site in Rockford, IL (1401 E. State St) extending network reach to western Illinois.
• John T. Vucurevich Cancer Care InstituteminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWON site in Rapid City, SD (353 Fairmont Blvd) extending network to western South Dakota.
• Cancer Pharmacology Lab (CPL)coreTechnology or IntegrationCo-managed Shimadzu LC-20 HPLC system with the Cancer Pharmacology Lab which provides expertise in HPLC and pharmacological assays for RASR users.
• Flow Cytometry CorecoreTechnology or IntegrationRASR utilizes expertise from frequent collaborators in the Cancer Pharmacology Lab and Flow Cytometry Core for comprehensive analysis capabilities.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center affiliated with Harvard, with a comparable translational research portfolio, precision medicine tumor board services, and shared resource core fee-for-service model.
• Abramson Cancer Center (University of Pennsylvania): NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with leading programs in radiation oncology, immunotherapeutics, and precision medicine — a directly comparable academic peer for translational research output.
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with strong translational research programs in immunotherapies, radiopharmaceuticals, and clinical trial infrastructure — directly comparable in research scope.
• UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center at a major public research university with parallel structure: multidisciplinary programs, shared resource cores, and statewide precision medicine initiatives.
• Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with a comparable mix of translational research, clinical trials, theranostics, and shared resource cores serving a regional population.
• Mayo Clinic Cancer Center: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center geographically closest to UWCCC, competing for the same Midwest catchment and offering overlapping capabilities in theranostics, molecular tumor boards, and clinical trials.
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center operating parallel programs in translational research, precision oncology, and radiopharmaceutical/theranostics development with comparable shared-resource core facilities.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of the largest oncology research and treatment enterprises in the U.S. Directly comparable in scope (multidisciplinary research programs, clinical trials, shared resources) and NCI/NCCN designation tier.
• University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium peer, sharing cooperative group trial infrastructure, faculty exchange, and translational research programs with UWCCC.

Regional players

• Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center (Northwestern): NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chicago — a regional competitor for patient catchment in northern Illinois, overlapping with UWCCC's WON service area.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/UWCarbone
• Facebookfacebook.com/UWCarbone
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/uw-carbone-cancer-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center