Translating Innovative Science into Compassionate, Patient-Centric Care
Saint John’s Cancer Institute is renowned for advancing therapeutics, translational science, and establishing standards of care. We foster robust fellowship programs, implement and initiate clinical trials, and collaborate with academic and industry partners worldwide.
Read MoreInnovation Starts Here
Saint John’s Cancer Institute (SJCI) is a pioneer in drug discovery, therapeutics, clinical trials, and research. SJCI established the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy under the late Dr. Donald L. Morton, which has become the standard of lymph node care for melanoma and breast cancer worldwide.
Today, our patients continue to have access to innovative treatments, therapeutics, and trials. We are at the forefront of understanding the biology of cancer as well as expanding treatment for under-served communities.
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Center Spotlight: Vasek Polak Radiation Oncology Department at Providence Saint John’s Health Center
Radiation Oncologists Robert Wollman, MD, and April Vassantachart, MD, lead a highly experienced team, surrounding each patient with exceptional care and support.
“So, as you can see, we have a wonderful team that works very closely together to make sure that the radiation is delivered effectively and with compassion for every moment that our patients spend with us in the department and after they are finished with their treatment as well.”
– Robert Wollman, MD
Learn more about the radiation treatment process and each of the key roles of the radiation team.
Radiation Oncology, Video (24:12): Vasek Polak Radiation Oncology Department at Saint John’s Health Center
Providence Saint John’s Health Center Achieves Significant Milestone in Thyroid Care
Melanie Goldfarb, MD, Thyroid Surgeon, Performs 250 Successful Radiofrequency Ablation Treatments for Benign Thyroid Nodules.
“I’m so thrilled to provide this opportunity to my patients who can now avoid surgery for their benign thyroid nodules. It’s a huge step forward.”
– Melanie Goldfarb, MD, FACS, FACE
Learn more.
NEWS: Melanie Goldfarb, MD, Thyroid Surgeon, Performs 250 Radiofrequency Ablation Treatments for Benign Thyroid Nodules
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Dr. Anton Bilchik discusses treatment sequencing strategies and enhanced recovery pathways, providing sound advice for patients affected by pancreatic cancer.
“We now think of pancreatic cancer in a completely new way.”
– Anton Bilchik, MD
Learn more about treatment techniques offered at Saint John’s and a new testing method now available to detect pancreatic and other cancers.
Blog, Video (5:15): Dr. Anton Bilchik Discusses Pancreatic Cancer
Elsa Gonzalez, Pancreatic Cancer Survivor, receives the Whipple procedure at Saint John’s Health Center
Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, and Dr. Sean Fischer, her medical oncologist, provided expert care.
“…I thank you sincerely for everything you have done.”
– Elsa Gonzalez
Learn more about Elsa’s journey and a new testing method now available to detect pancreatic and other cancers.
Blog, Video (11:30): The Whipple Procedure Removes Pancreatic Tumor in Cancer Patient
Galleri Multi-cancer Test Discovers Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer
Dr. Ora Gordon speaks with Harris Bass at Saint John’s Health Center after his surgery with Anton Bilchik, MD.
“I would tell anybody to come here.”
– Harris Bass
Learn more about how Harris discovered he had pancreatic cancer and what led him to Saint John’s.
Blog, Video (5:58): Galleri Test Discovers Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer
Dr. Ora Gordon Spotlights the Promise of MCED – Multi-Cancer Early Detection
With a single blood test, as many as 50 different types of cancer can be identified before symptoms appear.
“The goal is to detect cancer early when it can be cured.”
– Ora Gordon, MD, FACMGG
Learn more and listen to Dr. Gordon explain how MCED is changing oncologic care.
Blog, Video (3:10): Dr. Ora Gordon Spotlights the Promise of MCED – Multi-Cancer Early Detection
Multi-cancer Early Detection (MCED) Testing
Providence is offering Multi-cancer Early Detection (MCED) testing to empower providers and the public with a blood test that can detect a shared cancer signal across 50+ types of cancer through a simple blood draw.
“Providence is committed to collaborations that provide individuals with the best evidence-based care including advancements like early cancer screenings that can improve patient outcomes.”
– Ora K. Gordon, MD, Regional Medical Director of Providence’s Clinical Genetics & Genomics Program
Providers are encouraged to request a test kit for eligible patients. See list of detectable cancers.
NEWS: Providence Offers Multi-cancer Early Detection (MCED) Testing
New Clinical Trial for Advanced Metastatic Breast Cancer
A Randomized, Open-Label Study Of The Bria-IMT Regime And Check Point Inhibitor VS Physician’s Choice In Advanced Metastatic Breast Cancer is Now Open
“This study is for all patients with advanced breast cancer for whom traditional chemotherapy has failed.”
–Parvin F. Peddi, MD
Learn more about the Bria-IMT Study.
NEWS: Saint John’s Cancer Institute is Participating in the BC-IMT-04, Breast Cancer Study
New Dietary Clinical Trial for Glioblastoma
Principal Investigator, Akanksha Sharma, MD, Leads DIET2TREAT Study for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Patients.
“If you have been diagnosed with gliobastoma within the past 2 months and have not started standard-of-care, you may qualify to participate in this new trial.”
–Akanksha Sharma, M.D.
Learn more about the DIET2TREAT Study.
NEWS: New Dietary Clinical Trial for Glioblastoma – Principal Investigator: Akanksha Sharma, MD
Open or Actively Recruiting Clinical Trials
Brain Cancer and Solid Tumors Clinical Trials
Principal Invenstigator: Dr. Akanksha Sharma: Learn more.
Breast Cancer: Precision Medicine
Principal Invenstigator: Dr. Parvin Peddi: Learn more.
Melanoma Cancer: Drug Trials:
Principal Investgator: Dr. Kim Margolin: Learn more.
Prostate Cancer: White Button Mushroom
Principal Invenstigator: Dr. Przemyslaw Twardowski: Learn more.
Current Trials
Search using key terms or filter by Centers of Excellence or by Lead Doctor. Learn more.
Why Are Clinical Trials Important?
Doctors, Kim Margolin, Przemyslaw Twardowski, Leland Foshag, Parvin Peddi, Santosh Kesari, and Emma Chacon, RN, Discuss the Impact of Clinical Trials and Advancement of Medical Science.
“It goes without saying the importance of clinical trials in modern medicine and academics. This institute was founded on the basis of clinical trials back more than 30 years ago beginning with a variety of melanoma vaccine trials under the direction of Dr. Morton.”
– Leland Foshag, MD
Learn more and listen to some of the principal investigators at Saint John’s Cancer Institute.
Doctors, Kim Margolin, Przemyslaw Twardowski, Leland Foshag, Parvin Peddi, Santosh Kesari, and Emma Chacon, RN, Discuss the Impact of Clinical Trials and Advancement of Medical Science.
“It goes without saying the importance of clinical trials in modern medicine and academics. This institute was founded on the basis of clinical trials back more than 30 years ago beginning with a variety of melanoma vaccine trials under the direction of Dr. Morton.”
– Leland Foshag, MD
Learn more and listen to some of the principal investigators at Saint John’s Cancer Institute.
Blog, Video (16:45): International Clinical Trials Day: Hear from the experts in cutting-edge research
Synchronous Breast & Kidney Cancer Uncovered: A Rare Occurrence
Dr. Crystal Fancher and Dr. Ramkishen Narayanan treated Cristina, having both breast and kidney cancer.
“…And you make it easy to trust you guys, both of you.”
– Cristina Torres
Learn more about how Saint John’s and Saint Joseph collaborated on Cristina’s care.
Blog, Video (15:56): Synchronous Breast & Kidney Cancer Uncovered: A Rare Occurrence
What’s Next in Immunotherapy?
Principal Investigators at Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Kim Margolin, MD, and Przemyslaw Twardowski, MD, discuss immunotherapy developments in clinical trials.
“There are times when a patient really wants to try a drug and they heard of it already…The FDA calls it, ‘expanded access,’ or compassionate use protocols for individual patients…, a ‘right to try.’”
– Kim Margolin, MD, FACP, FASCO
Learn more in this in-depth immunotherapy interview with Dr. Kim Margolin.
Blog, Video (23:18): What’s Next In Immunotherapy?
Saint John’s: A Legacy of Care Excellence
Major Healthcare Awards for 2023 and 2024
“All of these achievements reflect the outstanding care our caregivers and physicians provide to our patients each and every day, …providing leading-edge, award-winning care in a compassionate, community hospital setting.”
– Michael Ricks, CEO, Saint John’s Health Cancer and Institute
Healthgrades – America’s 250 Best Hospitals for Clinical Excellence, including
America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Replacement, and Five-star ratings in six specialties: Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip replacement, Hip Fracture, Pneumonia, Bowel Obstruction and Sepsis, U.S. News & World Report – Best Hospital for Maternity Care 2024, Top Six Hospitals in Los Angeles County and Orange County, Recognized among the top 15 “Best Hospitals” in California, and Newsweek – World’s Best Hospitals 2024
About Us, Awards: Saint John’s Health Center Awards
An Illuminating Celebration of Hope
The Margie Petersen Breast Center and Friends Promote Breast Cancer Awareness, lighting the Saint John’s Health Center Pink Throughout the Month of October.
“And they say that nobody else in the city really does this.”
– Janie Grumley, MD, FACS
Learn more and watch this year’s celebration kick-off video.
Events, Video (2:35): An Illuminating Celebration of Hope – The Margie Petersen Breast Center and Friends Promote Breast Cancer Awareness
A Legacy of Research Excellence
Donald L. Morton, Surgical Oncologist best known for developing sentinel lymph node evaluation
“He was ahead of his peers in anticipating the genetics era of cancer research, for decades he carefully maintained archival specimen resource for correlative translational studies.”
– Laura Morton Rowe, Chief Human Resources Officer, Saint John’s Health Center
Learn more about the Donald L. Morton Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship.
