UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center

UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the San Diego region, a distinction held since 2001. As part of UC San Diego Health, the center integrates pioneering laboratory research with advanced clinical care across a network of locations. Its mission encompasses the full spectrum of cancer science, from fundamental discovery to community outreach and education.

History

The origins of the center trace back to 1978 with the founding of the University of California, San Diego Cancer Center. A pivotal moment arrived in 2000 with a landmark $20 million gift from San Diego philanthropists Rebecca and John Moores, for whom the center was renamed. This philanthropic support was instrumental in achieving the prestigious National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation in 2001. Under the leadership of directors such as Dennis A. Carson and later Scott M. Lippman, the center has expanded its scientific footprint and clinical reach. Its growth has been closely tied to the broader development of UC San Diego Health and the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

Facilities and location

The primary facility is a 270,000-square-foot, freestanding building in La Jolla on the campus of UC San Diego Health – Jacobs Medical Center. This facility houses over 250 laboratory-based investigators, advanced clinical trial units, and multidisciplinary clinics. The center operates a network of community-based clinics throughout San Diego County, including locations in Kearny Mesa, Encinitas, and South Bay. These sites ensure broader patient access to its specialized oncology services. Key shared resources within the main building include state-of-the-art genomics, biomarker, and cellular therapy core facilities.

Research programs

Organized around collaborative, interdisciplinary themes, the research enterprise is structured into several formal programs. These include Cancer Biology and Signaling, Translational Cancer Immunology, and Reducing Cancer Disparities. The center is a national leader in immunotherapy, precision oncology, and early detection research. Investigators maintain strong ties with neighboring institutions like the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, and Scripps Research. Major research initiatives often involve partnerships with entities such as the Stand Up To Cancer foundation and the American Association for Cancer Research.

Clinical care

Clinical services are delivered through disease-focused teams specializing in areas such as breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, hematologic malignancies, and neuro-oncology. The center offers a vast portfolio of clinical trials, including numerous Phase I first-in-human studies, providing access to novel therapies. Specialized clinical programs include the Blood and Marrow Transplant program and centers of excellence in melanoma and head and neck cancers. All care is integrated within the network of UC San Diego Health hospitals and affiliates, including Sharp HealthCare.

Affiliations and recognition

As an integral component of UC San Diego Health, the center is closely affiliated with the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. It holds memberships in prestigious national consortia such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium. The National Cancer Institute renewal of its Comprehensive status is a recurring recognition of its scientific excellence. The center also partners with community organizations like the American Cancer Society for patient support and advocacy initiatives.

Category:University of California, San Diego Category:Cancer centers in the United States Category:Hospitals in San Diego County, California Category:Medical and health organizations based in California