The Chao center is one of only 37 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S., and the only one in Orange County.  To attain recognition as an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, an institution must pass a rigorous review. Included in the criteria for "comprehensiveness" is the requirement that a center must have a strong program of basic and clinical research and the ability to transfer scientific findings into clinical practice. Other requirements include strong participation in NCI clinical trials, a significant level of cancer prevention and control research, and active education and community outreach programs.

For patients, this means access to leading-edge treatments and medications not offered elsewhere.  It also means the availability of an internationally respected group of cancer specialists, who together represent a vast pool of knowledge, skills and experience.