Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI)

The Stanford Cancer Institute became an NCI-Designated Cancer Center in 2007 and a comprehensive cancer center in 2016. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley in California, its mission is to improve cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for individuals and populations within the region and the world at large. The Stanford Cancer Institute’s compelling history of cancer discovery has accelerated with the development of innovative new technologies, a strong focus on understanding the etiologies of cancers in individuals and in populations, a proven track record in implementing high-impact clinical trials, and a mission to translate findings to improve the care of cancer patients. 

By leveraging the expertise of nearly 500 physicians and researchers, Stanford Cancer Institute harnesses the vast intellectual and scientific resources of Stanford University, Stanford Health Care, and Stanford Children’s Health to advance the understanding of cancer and rapidly translate those research discoveries into improved prevention strategies, novel diagnostics, and safer, more effective therapies. Stanford’s cancer treatment programs combine new advances in precision medicine with compassionate care and supportive services. 

Research at the Stanford Cancer Institute

Investigators at Stanford are leading a revolution in cancer biology and transforming how we treat cancer patients. Stanford Cancer Institute has over 350 clinical trials across all types of cancer and phases, including a rapidly growing phase 1 clinical trials portfolio. Stanford is committed to diversity and inclusion in its research and is very interested in partnering with communities to remove barriers to participation. 

The Stanford Cancer Institute has scientific strengths in cancer cell and stem cell biology, radiation biology, genetics and genomics, immunology and immunotherapy, and molecular imaging. From first using the linear accelerator in 1955 and pioneering the combined modality treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, Stanford has provided innovative ideas that greatly advanced the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of cancers. Stanford faculty pioneered the development of genomic technologies, detection of circulating tumor DNA, and the application of monoclonal antibodies to cancer treatment, among many other major advances. 

Select Scientific Initiatives at Stanford Cancer Institute 

In addition to seven research programs, Stanford Cancer Institute supports key initiatives to foster the discovery, application, and translation of scientific knowledge. Interdisciplinary researchers partner to solve some of the most challenging questions in cancer research and patient care. Some key initiatives include: 

• pioneering work in the fields of blood and marrow transplantation and cancer cell therapy, including one of the first uses of a bivalent CAR T-cell therapy in patients 
• large, multidisciplinary research and patient care programs in pancreatic and lung cancer 
• dedicated research across the lifespan and a significant investment in drug discovery 

This profile was provided by the Stanford Cancer Institute.