Complex and Rare Cancers
(Focusing on Complex Inpatient and Surgical Care)

The Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers are recognized for demonstrating their superior capabilities in providing a range of services for complex and rare cancer patients and are the first in a line of Blue Distinction CentersSM focused on cancer treatment. This initial phase evaluates facilities on patient assessment, treatment planning, complex inpatient care and major surgical treatments for adults all delivered by teams with distinguished expertise and subspecialty training for complex and rare cancers. The program focuses on the following 13 cancers: Bladder cancer Pancreatic cancer Bone cancer Rectal cancer Brain cancer – primary Soft tissue sarcomas Esophageal cancer Thyroid cancer – medullary or anaplastic Gastric cancer Acute leukemia (inpatient/non-surgical) Head and neck cancers Liver cancer Ocular melanoma Medical centers designated Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers University Hospital of Arkansas in Little Rock The process and criteria for selection The designation is based on criteria established by expert physician panels and national medical organizations and include: Treats a large number of patients with rare cancers. Uses of various health-care professionals to plan for treatment, including sub-specialty trained teams. (A sub-specialty is a field of study within a specialty, such as pediatric dermatology.) Participates in ongoing quality management and improvement programs for cancer care. Commitment to using clinical data registries (a comprehensive source of accurate information) and participation in important research studies.