Cancer

Infusion Center

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At UCSF Infusion Center locations in San Francisco, San Mateo and Berkeley, you'll find a convenient and comfortable place to receive infusions ranging from chemotherapy, antibiotics and hydration fluids to red blood cells and platelets, as well as nonchemotherapy injections and central line care.

Our nurses are experts at keeping you safe and at minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy and other infusions. Over 40 percent of them are certified in oncology, meaning they have deep, specialized knowledge of and experience with cancer care. In addition, board-certified pharmacists dedicated to oncology patients review all medication orders and profiles, and work closely with our doctors to create customized infusion regimens.

When appropriate, we offer flexible infusion options to make life a little easier for patients. These include a "home disconnect program" that trains eligible patients and their caregivers to disconnect continuous chemotherapy pumps at home, eliminating the need for a second weekly visit to the center.

If you are dealing with a severe reaction to therapy, our program of "desensitization protocols" can help. In collaboration with the UCSF Allergy and Immunology team, this program assists people who need to remain on certain chemotherapy drugs after an adverse reaction.

Appointments, visitors and amenities

Appointments are required. Please check with your doctor's office before scheduling one. Avoid scheduling your treatment too soon after activities that could run late and affect your ability to arrive on time. This will shorten waiting time and help you get through your time at the center faster.

We provide warm blankets for you to use during treatment. At some locations, you'll also be offered a wireless tablet and light snacks. We encourage you to bring one visitor to sit with you. (Additional visitors must wait outside the infusion center.)

Clinical trials and new treatments

As an academic medical center, UCSF is committed to research, and our patients have access to clinical trials.

Patients receive the latest, most sophisticated treatment available, and our specialized pharmacists, clinical research coordinators and infusion nurses have extensive training in delivering new therapies.

Our locations

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    Our team

    Guides and forms

    U.S. News rankings

    • usnews-neurology

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • Best in Northern California for cancer care (tie)

    Accreditations & memberships

    • National Cancer Institute

      The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF 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.

      Learn more

    • Commission on Cancer

      UCSF'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.

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    • National Comprehensive Cancer Network

      UCSF is a founding 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.

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    Support services

    Support Group

    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.

    Fitness

    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.

    Patient Resource

    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.

    Support Group

    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.

    Fitness

    Core & 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!

    Patient Resource

    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.

    Class

    Meditation & 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.

    Patient Resource

    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 Resource

    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.

    Support Group

    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."

    Patient Resource

    Spa Infusion

    Pamper yourself while fighting cancer. Free treatments for patients receiving chemotherapy at our Mount Zion campus include massage, acupressure and more.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

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    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

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    Hospital Stays

    Checking into the hospital? Find helpful information by clicking on the relevant “Your Hospital Stay” booklet: Mission Bay, Parnassus or Mount
    Zion.

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    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

    Learn more

    Related clinics

    Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    See both of our San Francisco locations.

    (415) 514-2880

    Psycho-Oncology

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St.
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    (415) 353-7019

    UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center in Berkeley

    Berkeley Outpatient Center

    3100 San Pablo Ave., Suite 280
    Berkeley, CA 94702

    (510) 420-8000
    M-F, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

    Cancer Center San Mateo

    218 DeAnza Blvd.
    San Mateo, CA 94402

    (650) 341-9131
    M-F, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

    Our research initiatives

    • UCSF-Helen-Diller-Family-Comprehensive-Cancer-Center-Research-2x

      UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Research

      UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.

      Learn more

    Do you need pediatric care?

    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals

    Can't find what you're looking for?

    UCSF Help Center

    (888) 689-8273
    referral.center@ucsf.edu

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