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.
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.
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.
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
UCLA research helped pave the way to these 8 major cancer-fighting drugs
Driven by a desire to help and find answers to complex medical problems, UCLA’s cancer research has been deeply impactful, with millions of people receiving drugs and therapies developed in Bruin labs.
Using AI to improve the early detection of breast cancer
UCLA investigators are at the forefront of artificial intelligence in science, potentially leading to better earlier therapies and improved patient outcomes. A new UCLA-led study suggests that AI could help detect "interval" breast cancers — those that develop between routine screenings — before they become more advanced and harder to treat.
Inside the latest research advancements to combat brain cancer
UCLA researchers are making breakthrough strides to defeat brain cancer, one of the most difficult forms of cancer to treat. From reprogramming cancer cells to uncovering hidden mechanisms of resistance, our scientists are pursuing a wide range of approaches to attack glioblastoma and other deadly brain tumors.
Vaccine elicits strong immune response in patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancer
UCLA researchers never stop searching for answers to redefine the way cancer is treated. In a new study co-led by our investigators, a novel cancer vaccine has shown encouraging early results in stimulating the immune system in patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancer, two of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies.
"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
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.
