SAN DIEGO -- The National Cancer Institute renewed a grant to the Moores University of California, San Diego Cancer Center worth $21 million over the next five years, university officials announced Wednesday.

The grant will fund the cost of administering the center's research programs and operating its 10 facilities, according to UCSD.

According to the university, the NCI also approved the continuation of the Moores UCSD Cancer Center's status as a comprehensive cancer center.

"An NCI designation is a highly prized hallmark of quality and is only awarded to cancer centers that meet stringent criteria defined by the NCI," said Dr. David Brenner, UCSD vice chancellor for Health Sciences and dean of the School of Medicine.

"It demonstrates that Moores UCSD Cancer Center meets the nation's highest standards for conducting cancer research, providing high-quality clinical care and educating our community about cancer," he said.

The Cancer Center includes more than 330 clinicians and researchers whose work ranges from molecular genetics and treatments, to drug discovery and community education and prevention.