At UCSF Health, we're battling cancer one cell at a time. Whether it's by developing smart cells that know the difference between cancerous cells and healthy ones, illuminating prostate cancer cells during surgery to make removal easier, or using the latest in CRISPR gene editing, we're setting the pace in precision cancer therapies.
UCSF's leadership in the fight against cancer
Combination therapies hold promise for prostate cancer treatment
In clinical trials at UCSF, precision radiation paired with immunotherapy is showing hope for improving survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Joining forces to leverage genomics for cell therapy
In partnership with the Gladstone Institutes and Innovative Genomics Institute, UCSF is furthering research on genomic technology and immunotherapy.
Taking CAR T-cell therapy to the next level
UCSF researchers are studying ways to engineer living cells that could revolutionize the treatment of cancer, including solid tumors of the brain, breast and lung.
Making breast cancer screening "smarter"
A UCSF study that aims to improve breast cancer detection strategies based on individual risk factors and genetics now includes women as young as 30.
New facility to accelerate cancer treatment breakthroughs
UCSF has partnered with Thermo Scientific, a leading manufacturer of instruments and services supporting medical innovation, on a cell therapy facility at our Mission Bay campus.
Read the storyOur research initiatives
-
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Research
UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.
-
Athena Breast Health Network
The Athena Breast Health Network, a collaborative organization that includes UCSF, promotes data sharing to help all partners deliver more effective and personalized care to patients with breast cancer.
-
Breast Cancer Trials
BreastCancerTrials.org helps match patients who want to participate in breast cancer research with open studies that are right for them.
-
UCSF Anal Cancer Research
The UCSF Anal Neoplasia Clinic, Research and Education Center participates in research aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of anal neoplasia and cancer.
-
UCSF Brain Tumor Center Clinical Trials
The UCSF Brain Tumor Center is home to many laboratories dedicated to improving the understanding and treatment of brain cancer. The labs explore aspects of brain tumor risk, biology, diagnosis and treatment.
-
UCSF Center for BRCA Research
The UCSF Center for BRCA Research is working to discover which types of cancer – beyond breast and ovarian cancers – may be associated with mutations in the BRCA genes, and whether other factors impact risk.
-
UCSF Department of Pathology Research
The UCSF Department of Pathology has numerous research programs that collaborate with other groups at UCSF to improve patient care in many areas, such as cancer and transplantation medicine.
-
UCSF Department of Urology Cancer Research
The UCSF Department of Urology is internationally known for its research in prostate and other urological cancers.
-
UCSF Division of Endocrine Surgery Research
The UCSF Endocrine Surgical Oncology Research Program investigates the causes and treatments of thyroid and other endocrine cancers, with the goal of helping more patients survive endocrine cancer and remain cancer free.
-
UCSF Prostate Cancer Program Research
The UCSF Prostate Cancer Program conducts research aimed at discovering how prostate cancer develops and progresses, finding the best methods of predicting patient outcomes and developing treatments to improve these outcomes
Rankings and recognition
-
Among the top hospitals in the nation
-
Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
Accreditations & memberships
-
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.
-
Commission on Cancer
UCSF's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.
-
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.