Research Programs

We operate six research programs organized to foster excellence in interdisciplinary and collaborative research across academic units.

Molecules floating in globes

The UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center's six research programs provide a platform for colleagues with similar scientific interests, allowing them to exchange information and ideas, facilitate and promote their research interactions and provide access to shared resources.

We are fortunate at UCLA that the Medical School, the College of Letters and Sciences, the Dental School, the School of Public Health, the School of Nursing, the School of Engineers, and others are all located on a single campus, along with both our children's hospital and main hospital. Select faculty from these academic units are members of the Cancer Center, as are a number of full-time faculty at our affiliated institutions.

Cluster of cancer cells

Cancer and Stem Cell Biology

Links basic and translational investigators interested in the unique biological processes shared by malignancy and stem cells.

Diverse group of cancer patients holding hands in a circle

Cancer Control and Survivorship

Tackles existing and emerging cancer control problems, to apply to all populations and to guide cancer care delivery from primary prevention through end-of-life settings.

Nanotechnology grid

Cancer Molecular Imaging, Nanotechnology and Theranostics

Advances translational imaging, nanoparticle design and delivery, and theranostics to improve cancer patient outcomes and accelerate discoveries.

RNA strand

Epigenomics, RNA and Gene Regulation

Promotes UCLA’s critical mass of outstanding gene regulation researchers to apply their expertise to the cancer problem.

Activate RAS protein attached to cancer cell

Signal Transduction and Therapeutics

Brings together basic scientists and clinicians to exchange information to further enhance the development of cancer therapies targeting growth signaling pathways.

T cells attacking cancer tumor

Tumor Immunology & Immunotherapy

Provides a research environment focused on enhancing the understanding of tumor immunology and developing new immunotherapies for cancer.