Skip to main content
Do not delete (CSS)

#1 in San Diego

Established in 1978, Moores Cancer Center is one of just 57 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 10 specialties ranking nationally by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023-2024 "Best Hospitals" survey. Learn more about this award.

HOS_Badge-Spc_Cancer-2023-2024-DropShad-1.png CompCancerCenter_v_RGB_COLOR_Badge_80x70.svg
 

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 56 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

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.

Learn more about Jacobs Medical Center

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.

Learn more about the Center for Novel Therapeutics

Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion (FFOP)

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.

Learn more about Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion

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.

Learn more about ACTRI

UCSD Advanced Cell Therapy Laboratory (ACTL)

The ACTL opened in 2018 and is dedicated to cancer within the Center for Advance Laboratory Medicine (CALM), which also houses the CLIA-certified advanced cancer genome sequencing facility. This space is designed to support clinical trials that require cell therapy products produced under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) conditions. Adjacent to the clean rooms is a laboratory area that is equipped to provide quality control testing/product characterization including flow cytometry, PCR, and basic sterility testing. The ACTL has two monitored vapor-phase nitrogen cell storage tanks. Clinical trials using novel tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells are underway or planned to treat hematologic and solid malignancies.

Learn more about the UCSD Advanced Cell Therapy Laboratory