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50 Years of Discovery

At the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, we’ve built a legacy of transforming hope into real progress for patients and families. Our mission is to accelerate discoveries that prevent and cure cancer — from breakthroughs in basic science to developing targeted therapies such as Herceptin, Keytruda, and Ibrance that have redefined treatment. Through innovative clinical research, exceptional patient care, and comprehensive education and training, we're shaping tomorrow’s leaders and advancing a healthier, cancer-free future for all.

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27 FDA Approvals

Practice-changing medicine

Since 2014, research at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has led to a remarkable number of new cancer treatments or protocols.

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12K+ Patients

Enrolled annually in a UCLA cancer clinical trial

We conduct pioneering research on a wide range of cancers that opens the door for new and improved treatments.

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Nearly 3.5M

Women saved by Herceptin since it's UCLA-led debut

UCLA's cancer researchers are at the forefront of breakthrough therapies — and have been for five decades.

"It’s our unique DNA at UCLA and the Cancer Center that helps define us as a place where excellence, creativity and impactful contributions are woven into our institutional fabric, to better our community and society."

Michael Teitell, MD, PhD
Director, UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Michael Teitell holds up a petri dish in his lab
pancreatic cancer cells

Therapy doubles survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer

UCLA’s Dr. Zev Wainberg and International investigators found that the drug daraxonrasib significantly extended overall survival for patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer, suggesting a potential new treatment option for one of most lethal cancers.

Read About Pancreatic Cancer Therapy
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Pionerring progress in colorectal cancer prevention and research

From improving screening for younger adults to advancing immunotherapy and vaccine strategies, UCLA researchers are making strides to detect, treat and prevent colorectal cancer more effectively.

Read About Colorectal Cancer Breakthroughs
Prostate cancer cells

Using AI to improve outcomes for prostate cancer

UCLA investigators are using artificial intelligence to help map out the boundaries of cancerous prostate tissue — an advancement that can help ensure more accurate diagnosis, precise treatment planning and effective surgical procedures.

Learn About AI and Prostate Cancer
Dr. Dennis Slamon and Dr. Richard Finn.

A decade of progress: The FDA approval of palbociclib

Dr. Dennis Slamon and Dr. Richard Finn led the UCLA team that drove the development of Ibrance (palbociclib). Since its approval in 2015, it has transformed treatment for patients with advanced ER+/HER2- breast cancer by launching a new class of targeted therapies known as CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Learn About the Development of Ibrance

"All of our research addresses problems that require integrated and collaborative work together. Sharing resources and knowledge has been instrumental in helping us move faster in the lab, enabling us to create therapies for more people who desperately need it."

Antoni Ribas, MD, PhD
Director, Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy 
Research Program

Dr. Antoni Ribas standing in front of a blue background

A Comprehensive Cancer Center

The UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center attained designation as a "comprehensive cancer center" by the National Cancer Institute in 1976, a testament to its sustained excellence in cancer research, education, and outreach into Los Angeles County communities and well beyond. 

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Latest Discoveries

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Your Journey. Your Stories.

The UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center's strong partnership with UCLA Health provides outstanding cancer patient care, prevention and survivorship. We take great pride in being able to share some of our patients' stories with you.