City of Hope is a prominent institution dedicated to cancer treatment and research. With a legacy spanning over a century, it is recognized among the nation’s top hospitals for cancer care, earning a spot in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 rankings as one of the top 5 hospitals nationally. Its mission is to translate scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients, accelerating laboratory breakthroughs to those in need of innovative treatments.
Specialized Cancer Care
City of Hope oncologists offer specialized care across a broad spectrum of cancer types, addressing both common and rare malignancies. Their expertise encompasses hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, alongside solid tumors affecting various organs, including breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, gynecological, musculoskeletal, and brain cancers. Pediatric cancers also fall within their scope of treatment, ensuring comprehensive care for younger patients.
The institution is recognized for its advanced programs, including a robust bone marrow and stem cell transplant program. In addition to traditional approaches like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, City of Hope integrates cutting-edge therapies such as immunotherapy and precision cancer treatment, which are tailored based on individual genomic profiles. Innovative surgical capabilities like robot-assisted, minimally invasive, and laparoscopic procedures are also employed, alongside advanced radiation oncology techniques like brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment
City of Hope employs a comprehensive, team-based model for cancer treatment, where oncologists collaborate closely with a diverse group of specialists. This multidisciplinary team includes surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, nurses, social workers, and dietitians, all working together to develop personalized treatment plans.
Supportive care services are an integral part of the treatment philosophy, designed to manage side effects and enhance the patient’s quality of life throughout their journey. Pharmacists provide detailed medication guidance, while social workers offer emotional and practical support to both patients and their families. Palliative care specialists assist in managing symptoms, and complementary therapies like acupuncture, tai chi, and mindfulness practices are available to help alleviate treatment-related discomfort.
Pioneering Cancer Research
City of Hope holds the distinction of being a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, a recognition that places it among the top institutions nationwide for cancer research and treatment. Oncologists at City of Hope are deeply involved in pioneering research, translating basic scientific discoveries into new therapies for patients. This research spans several key areas, including cancer biology, which investigates the genetic and molecular underpinnings of cancer, and clinical and translational research, focused on developing and testing new treatments.
The institution conducts a substantial number of clinical trials, with over 730 trials enrolling more than 5,000 patients annually, offering access to innovative treatments before they become widely available. These trials explore various novel approaches, including molecular analysis for combination therapy, which uses genetic testing to guide treatment for solid tumors, and studies evaluating new immunotherapy combinations for lymphomas. Research also extends to integrative oncology, with ongoing studies on therapies such as cannabis for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and meditation for anxiety in cancer survivors.
Becoming a Patient
Individuals seeking care from City of Hope oncologists can initiate the process by contacting New Patient Services at (800) 826-4673. This initial contact allows for a review of the patient’s specific cancer diagnosis and an assessment of their needs. City of Hope offers in-person medical evaluations at its main campus in Duarte, California, and across its network of clinical locations in Southern California, as well as in the Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix metropolitan areas.
Telehealth appointments may also be available depending on the patient’s health needs, providing flexibility and accessibility through the MyCityofHope patient portal. Referring physicians can also connect with City of Hope specialists through a dedicated physician support line at (855) 709-5793 or by faxing referral requests and patient records to (844) 264-4357.