About
Moores Cancer Center
at UC San Diego Health
#1 in San Diego
Established in 1978, Moores Cancer Center is one of just 58 National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States, and the only one in the San Diego region. Such centers are prominent among the leading institutions in the nation dedicated to scientific innovation and clinical excellence. This designation — reserved for centers with the highest achievements in cancer research, clinical care, education and community contributions — makes an enormous difference to our patients. Studies show that outcomes are better at NCI-designated centers. Our cancer services were ranked #1 in San Diego, with 9 specialties ranking nationally by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-2026 "Best Hospitals" survey. Learn more about this award.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to save lives by transforming cancer prevention, detection and care. Our vision is to make personalized cancer medicine a reality by creating, translating and disseminating exceptional cancer science and medicine. Our unique "bench-to-bedside" approach to cancer research and patient care supports the broadest range of cancer activities in the San Diego region. From research in molecular genetics to the most advanced treatments, Moores Cancer Center is at the forefront of the fight against cancer, developing promising new therapies and making them available to cancer patients throughout the region. Our model for providing patient care features a multidisciplinary team approach. These teams include specialists from a variety of disciplines such as medical, surgical and radiation oncology, pathology, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, nursing, social work, genetic counseling and more, who meet regularly to discuss the best options available for each patient. Using the advice from this group of experts, patients can then decide with their primary physician on the best course of treatment.
Our Building
In 2005, Moores Cancer Center dedicated its new home on the east campus of UC San Diego Health, adjacent to Jacobs Medical Center. The new facility unites cancer-related research laboratories, clinical trials, prevention and outreach programs, and clinical care under one roof. The building comprises two structures — a three-story facility for clinical services and administration, and a five-story research tower — that share a common base. This design encourages interaction and intellectual exchanges between our world-renowned clinicians and researchers. This beautiful building was designed with you and your family in mind. In 2008, it was awarded an Orchid Award for excellence in architecture by the San Diego Architectural Society, as it brings nature into the building and surrounds a bamboo courtyard. All of the services that you might need are located within the first two floors. Moores Cancer Center is for outpatient treatment only — procedures that require an overnight stay are usually performed at Jacobs Medical Center.
NCI Cancer Center Support Grant
Established in 1978, Moores Cancer Center is one of just 58 National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States, and the only one in the San Diego region. Such centers are prominent among the leading institutions in the nation dedicated to scientific innovation and clinical excellence. This designation is reserved for centers with the highest achievements in cancer research, clinical care, education and community contributions.
NCI designation is provided through the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) awarded by NCI. This grants provides key infrastructure support which facilitates research and collaboration across Moores Cancer Center. Publications and grants resulting from this project will acknowledge support provided by the “UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, Specialized Cancer Center Support Grant NIH/NCI P30CA023100.”
Our Future Now
Center for Novel Therapeutics (CNT)
The Center for Novel Therapeutics (CNT) is designed to foster collaboration with scientists and clinical researchers with the common goal of accelerating therapies from the research bench to the treatment at the patient’s bedside. The new 137,500 square foot research hub will leverage the strength of the university’s world renowned doctors and research at the Moores Cancer Center with private sector companies looking to translate research into helping cancer patients throughout the world.
PALOMAR UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH
As part of our commitment to expanding access to comprehensive cancer care across the region, UC San Diego Health and Palomar Health joined forces to bring specialized cancer services closer to North County communities. The partnership expands access to advanced cancer treatment, clinical expertise and multidisciplinary care through Palomar Medical Center Escondido.
MCGRATH OUTPATIENT PAVILION
The McGrath Outpatient Pavilion expands access to comprehensive outpatient care, bringing together medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion services and other specialty care under one roof. Located on the UC San Diego Health campus in La Jolla, the state-of-the-art facility provides a welcoming, patient-centered environment designed to support convenient, coordinated cancer care.
JACOBS MEDICAL CENTER
With our patient population currently growing 18 percent a year, a new state-of-the art facility was needed to meet our projected needs for inpatient care, including bone marrow transplants. Jacobs Medical Center opened in 2016 and includes three floors dedicated to cancer care, including blood and marrow transplants, designed with significant input from cancer patients and their families to create a healing, supportive environment.
Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion
Construction of a new Outpatient Pavilion (KFOP) was completed in late 2017 and the facility opened in 2018. Programs at this newest addition to the UCSD health complex include ambulatory surgery, outpatient imaging, physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation, musculoskeletal, pharmacy, disease-specific centers for pain, apheresis and stem cell treatments. Half of the KFOP will be dedicated to cancer care, and the facility will house the complete multi-disciplinary breast and genito-urinary oncology programs. Furthermore, the stem cell alpha clinic that is fully dedicated to cancer research will be housed within the KFOP.
UCSD Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI)
Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI) building, located just a few minutes from MCC, opened in July 2016. ACTRI provides infrastructure and support for basic, translational and clinical research throughout UCSD, expedites the translation of basic research to the clinic, and facilitates training and education of researchers.
UCSD Advanced Cell Therapy Laboratory (ACTL)
The ACTL, opened in 2018 within the Center for Advanced Laboratory Medicine (CALM), supports clinical trials involving cell therapies manufactured under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The facility includes clean rooms, laboratory space for quality control testing and two vapor-phase nitrogen storage tanks. Ongoing and planned trials use tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), CAR T cells and natural killer (NK) cells to treat hematologic and solid malignancies.