USC Cancer

At the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, research and clinical faculty from across the University and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) collaborate through five interdisciplinary research programs: Tumor Immunology and Microenvironment, Epigenetic Regulation in Cancer, Translational and Clinical Sciences, Cancer Epidemiology, and Cancer Control Research.

From early detection to complex care, USC studies and treats a wide range of cancers, including blood and bone marrow, brain, breast, colorectal, gastrointestinal, gynecologic, head and neck, liver, lung, skin and urologic cancers, as well as sarcoma. Specialized programs also focus on bone marrow transplantation, cancer genetics and radiation oncology.

At the Keck School of Medicine, cancer research is led by the Department of Cancer Biology and the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, bringing together scientists and clinicians across the University and CHLA. The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center houses a cGMP cell manufacturing facility, along with biorepositories and shared research facilities in flow cytometry and immune monitoring, liquid biopsy, molecular genomics, translational pathology, data science, population research and preclinical models. Collaboration also spans centers such as the USC Brain Tumor Center and the Rosalie and Harold Rae Brown Center for Cancer Drug Development.

USC offers the full continuum of cancer education and training, including master’s and PhD programs, a graduate certificate in translational biotechnology, a residency in radiation oncology, and clinical fellowships in specialties including imaging, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, hematology/oncology, hematopathology, hepato-pancreato-biliary and urologic oncology. Students and trainees gain hands-on research and clinical experience across the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Keck School of Medicine, Keck Medicine of USC, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles General Medical Center, and affiliated hospitals and clinical sites. In addition, the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) programs support the next generation of cancer physicians and scientists through education, training, mentorship and professional development.

USC provides access to cancer research and clinical trials through the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated programs across the Keck School of Medicine and Keck Medicine of USC. Clinical trials include studies in cancer disparities, prevention, early detection and treatment, including immunotherapy and precision medicine, with opportunities to participate through USC and national registries such as ClinicalTrials.gov.