Cancer Immunotherapy
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Why choose UCSF Health for immunotherapy treatment?
Immunotherapies (drugs that harness the immune system to fight diseases) are among the newest treatments available for certain types of cancer. Researchers and physicians at UCSF Health are at the forefront of this field, studying and testing the newest and most promising immune-based medicines for cancer and other diseases.
Many of our research initiatives are funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and bring together the nation's top immunotherapy cancer researchers and clinicians.
Why choose UCSF Health for immunotherapy treatment?
Immunotherapies (drugs that harness the immune system to fight diseases) are among the newest treatments available for certain types of cancer. Researchers and physicians at UCSF Health are at the forefront of this field, studying and testing the newest and most promising immune-based medicines for cancer and other diseases.
Many of our research initiatives are funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and bring together the nation's top immunotherapy cancer researchers and clinicians.
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First in California
UCSF Health was the first in the state to offer CAR T-cell therapy for young adults and children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer.Team approach
Medical oncologists, hematologists, pathologists and specialized nurses work together to select the right therapies for your needs.Clinical trials
We are leading clinical trials to test better treatments, such as a new, more targeted immunotherapy for aggressive brain cancer developed at UCSF Health.Leaders in immunotherapy research
We are part of the UCSF Cancer Immunotherapy Program, studying immune-based therapies for cancer and translating our discoveries into better patient care.
Our approach to immunotherapy for cancer care
Immunotherapies stimulate your immune system to better identify and destroy cancer cells. We may recommend immunotherapy for advanced cancer or cancer that hasn't responded to standard treatments. Immunotherapy can be used to treat many cancer types, including breast, pelvic, blood, brain and lung cancers.
Immunotherapy is tailored to each person's biology, tumor type and immune system response, making it a highly precise treatment that can have fewer side effects than chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Types of immunotherapy
Medical oncologists at UCSF Health evaluate your medical history and type of tumor to find out if immunotherapy may be right for you.
Types of immunotherapy we offer include:
Cancer vaccines. Cancer cells or proteins from cancer cells are used to trigger your immune system to respond against cancer.
Cell therapy. Different types of immune cells are modified to fight cancer. CAR T cells (gene-modified, cancer-fighting cells) are one example of this.
Checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs disable the "off switch" on immune cells, allowing them to better attack cancer cells.
Immune system modulators. Certain medications boost your immune system to prevent cancer cells from growing and dividing.
Monoclonal antibodies. Synthetic proteins made in a lab are designed to target specific molecules on cancer cells.
Providers
Kelly Fitzgerald, MD
Genitourinary Medical Oncology
Thomas G. Martin III, MD
Hematology Oncology • Myeloma
David Oh, MD, PhD
Urologic Oncology
Excellence in patient care
Best in California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
Related conditions & treatments
Treatments
- Cancer Immunotherapy
- Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy
- Clinical Trials
Explore what we do
Cancer Immunotherapy Toxicity Evaluation
We offer specialized evaluations and care for people with immunotherapy side effects. Our program is among the first of its kind in the country.
Clinical trials
Talquetamab in Combination With Iberdomide and Dexamethasone for Relapsed or Refractory Multiple MyelomaOpens in a new window
Safety will be evaluated for the population of participants who received at least one dose of study drug. Treatment-emergent AEs will be graded by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0.
Accreditations & memberships
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF Health a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.
Commission on Cancer
UCSF Health's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world's top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.
Guides and forms
Support services
Art for Recovery
Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.
Cancer Nutrition Counseling
UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.
Cancer Exercise Counseling
Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.
Cancer Support Groups
These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.
Core and More Class for Cancer Patients
A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!
Friend to Friend Specialty Shops
A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.
Meditation and Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients
Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.
Oncology Social Work
Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.
Patient & Family Cancer Support Center
The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.
Peer Support Programs for Cancer
Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."