About Us
Cedars-Sinai Cancer is committed to pursuing pioneering research into disease mechanism, diagnostic innovations and new technologies and resources. Through our historic achievements, growing research enterprise, and serving one of the most diverse regions in the world, our physicians and scientists are uniquely positioned to guide the next generation of progress against the disease.
Director's Message: Cancer Care for Los Angeles and Beyond
This is an exciting and transformational time for Cedars-Sinai—which was ranked as the No. 7 hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2020-21 and No. 7 for cancer.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Over the course of two decades, Cedars-Sinai has evolved into one of the leading cancer treatment and research organizations in the nation. The institution began as two separate hospitals in Los Angeles—Cedars of Lebanon and Mount Sinai Hospital—and eventually merged in 1961, to form Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Based on its community roots, history of humanitarian service, and values in the Jewish community, this new organization held strongly to a patient-centric perspective, a view which remains true to this day.
Development of the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute
In 2004, building on scientific success in other fields, and with a lead gift from the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation, Cedars Sinai established the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute. The mission of Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute was to expedite translational research and cutting-edge clinical trials; research the role of genes and the environment in cancer; identify the molecular causes of cancer and develop drugs to target molecular pathways; and identify and develop effective imaging and pathology technology for early detection. The term "comprehensive" in the formal title reflected the intent to include all existing and future cancer activities under the umbrella of the Institute.
While there were some early successes in cancer research, it wasn’t until the establishment of Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and the appointment of Steven Piantadosi, MD, PhD, in 2008 to direct the development of cancer research programs, that oncology was taken fully into Cedars-Sinai operations, restructured as a matrix organization in the academic cancer center tradition, and clinical and basic research began to be integrated through cross-disciplinary teams. While clinical care of the patient with cancer had always been in the character of Cedars-Sinai, the goal of National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation was embraced in 2009, at which time large investments in cancer academics and research began.
Cedars-Sinai Cancer
Today, Cedars-Sinai is the largest single cancer care provider in California, providing expert care for more than 60 types of cancers. Providing cancer care to 30,000 patients each year, Cedars-Sinai has dedicated substantial resources to the cancer enterprise to support significant clinical and scientific expansion, which includes:
- 104,400 square feet of dedicate cancer clinical care space
- 76,000 square feet of new dry and wet laboratory space
- Cutting-edge, multidisciplinary clinic and infusion center
- Construction of oncology, imaging, surgical oncology and radiation oncology offices in the San Fernando Valley
- Extensive renovation of the Saul and Joyce Brandman Breast Center, providing two floors of state-of-the-art, comprehensive breast services
- Expansion of infusion clinical and exam rooms at The Angeles Clinical and Research Institute and Tower Hematology-Oncology
Under the current leadership of Dan Theodorescru, MD, PhD, Cedars-Sinai Cancer continues to be at the forefront of scientific discoveries and innovative methods to diagnose and treat cancer. Our dedication to serve not only the needs of our local community but to address cancer globally serves as a strong incentive to continue to elevate our basic and translational research portfolios. Collaborations, advancements and recognition include:
- Selected for the California Precision Medicine Consortium's All of Us Research Program and one of the 12 national sites for Precision Promise's Clinical Trial Consortium for pancreatic cancer
- Expanding the clinical trials program, specifically incorporating checkpoint-inhibitor—mediated immune stimulation for the treatment of cancer
- Research Programs—cancer biology, translational oncology, and cancer prevention and control studies.
- Launched the Research Center for Health Equity to help address health inequities and to foster research and research-driven community outreach
- Leadership role in the California Dialogue on Cancer—a coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer in California
- Well-designed Cancer Clinical Trial Office and biostatistics and bioinformatics shared resources
- Innovative Partnerships across Los Angeles: The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Valley Oncology Medical Group, Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital; the Hunt Cancer Institute of Torrance Memorial; and Tower Hematology Oncology Medical Group
Building on its strong history, core values, and its unique attributes, Cedars-Sinai Cancer continues to be acknowledged as a world leader in cancer care, education and research. We are uniquely positioned to progress our fight against the disease, now and for the future.
A highly regarded and passionate team of experts applies intelligent oversight to a distinguished team of clinicians and investigators.
Leadership
Cancer Executive Leadership
- Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, Director
- Joan August, Vice President,
- Robert Figlin, MD, Deputy Director
- Stephen Freedland, MD, Associate Director for Education and Training
- Robert Haile, DPH, Associate Director for Population Sciences
- Karen Reckamp, MD, MS, Associate Director for Clinical Research
- Zulfikarali (Zul) Surani, Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement
- Warren Tourtellotte, MD, PhD, Associate Director for Shared Resources
- James Turkson, PhD, Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships
- Janet Villarmia, MBA, ML, Associate Director for Administration
Disease Research Group Leads
Group |
Medical Oncology |
Surgical Oncology |
Radiation Oncology |
Project Manager |
Clinical Trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bone Marrow Transplant/ Hematology |
N/A |
N/A |
Melanie Manning (interim) |
||
|
Breast |
Parisa Mirzadehgan |
||||
|
Cutaneous Malignancies (melanoma) |
Amy Oppenheim |
||||
|
Gastroenterology |
Karen Kearns |
||||
|
Genitourinary |
Amy Oppenheim |
||||
|
Gynecology Oncology |
Melanie Manning (interim) |
||||
|
Head and Neck/Endocrine |
Amy Oppenheim |
||||
|
Neuro-Oncology |
Karen Kearns |
||||
|
Pediatric |
N/A |
N/A |
Melanie Manning (interim) |
||
|
Phase I |
N/A |
N/A |
Bethany Wendel |
||
|
Radiation Oncology |
N/A |
N/A |
Karen Kearns |
||
|
Sarcoma |
Amy Oppenheim |
||||
|
Thoracic |
Melanie Manning (interim) |
Population Science
Physician Leadership: Stephen Freedland, MD
SLASH
Physician Leadership: Jane Figueiredo, PhD
Faculty
From diagnosis to disease management and rehabilitation, Cedars-Sinai faculty members are at the forefront of cancer research and care.
The scientific focus of Cedars-Sinai Cancer is maintained by its membership. Membership is available to Cedars-Sinai faculty and medical staff who have an interest in cancer, delivery of cancer care, cancer-related research, clinical trials and training, and who meet the eligibility criteria. Please note that members of other National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated centers are not eligible.
Expanding Our Care
Cedars-Sinai Cancer is dedicated to ensuring every patient has access to the best and most advanced cancer care available, including the latest groundbreaking therapies in clinical trials and research. Through a dramatic expansion of our network, we offer a number of cancer care locations throughout Southern California.
Dedicated Research Facilities
In addition to the unparalleled care and medical advancements at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center and our affiliate locations, Cedars-Sinai Cancer is committed to expanding and sharpening its focus on basic and translational research.
Our main campus encompasses nearly 24 acres and 4.4 million square feet of space, including approximately half a million square feet of laboratory and laboratory support research space in multiple locations throughout our main campus and off-site, of which 76,000 square feet is dedicated to cancer research.
Cedars-Sinai’s state-of-the-art research facilities continue to provide pioneering research to further develop precision diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Have Questions or Need Help?
If you have any questions or wish to learn about Cedars-Sinai Cancer, please send us a message.
Cedars-Sinai Cancer
8700 Beverly Blvd.
North Tower Mezzanine, C2004
Los Angeles, CA 90048