Research
Advancing the science of surgical oncology
At UCLA Health, the Division of Surgical Oncology is reshaping the future of cancer care through groundbreaking research, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered innovation. From pancreatic and breast cancer to sarcoma and melanoma, our surgeon-scientists lead high-impact clinical trials and translational studies that uncover new therapies and improve outcomes.
Supported by major public and private funding, and in partnership with institutions like the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases, our work drives scientific discovery with real-world impact.
Research focus areas
Pancreatic cancer
Dr. Timothy R. Donahue, Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology, leads a translational research laboratory funded by the National Institutes of Health. His team investigates novel therapeutics for pancreatic cancer, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for this aggressive disease.
Sarcoma
Dr. Fritz C. Eilber directs the UCLA Sarcoma Clinical/Translational Research Program. His research focuses on developing innovative treatments for soft tissue sarcomas, including exploring the molecular mechanisms driving these tumors.
Melanoma and immunotherapy
Dr. Joseph G. Crompton's research centers on characterizing the immune response to melanoma and developing novel immunotherapies to treat advanced stages of the disease.
Breast Cancer
The division offers a comprehensive Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship, training surgeons in multidisciplinary care and research related to benign and malignant breast diseases
Immunotherapy
Dr. Cristina Puig-Saus is pioneering the use of CAR-T cell therapy to treat solid tumors, particularly treatment-resistant melanoma. Her lab focuses on enhancing natural T cell responses to cancer. Supported by a $5.9 million grant from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, her team developed an engineered CAR-T cell therapy that demonstrated strong efficacy in preclinical models without severe side effects.
UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases
The UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases serves as a leading hub for pancreatic cancer research, integrating multidisciplinary care with innovative scientific discovery. Established through a partnership between UCLA and the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the center focuses on improving patient outcomes through comprehensive approaches.
Integrated research and clinical innovation
At the core of the center's approach is its Integrated Practice Unit (IPU), which brings together experts in surgery, oncology, pathology, radiology, and gastroenterology within a shared clinical space. This collaborative model enhances patient care and accelerates the translation of research findings into clinical practice.
Advancing research through strategic partnerships
The Hirshberg Foundation has been instrumental in propelling the center's research capabilities. Its Seed Grant Program has provided over $5 million to support innovative projects in early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pancreatic cancer. These grants have enabled researchers to secure more than $65 million in additional funding from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Focused research initiatives
The center's research portfolio encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at understanding and combating pancreatic cancer, including basic and translational research, clinical trials, and collaborative consortia. These efforts are supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts working together to advance the field of pancreatic cancer research.