The Vermont Cancer Center is losing its long-standing, prestigious federal designation as a "comprehensive cancer center."
The loss of the designation also means the center will lose an annual stipend from the National Cancer Institute that in past years has exceeded $1 million.
Frederick C. Morin of the University of Vermont College of Medicine says the center is in what he calls a rebuilding phase and is focusing on recruiting additional researchers and a permanent director.
He says it’s not possible to rebuild the program in time for a grant submission.
The comprehensive designation will be allowed to lapse on Nov. 30.
Officials say the loss of the designation will have no effect on patient care.