Translating Innovative Science into Compassionate, Patient-Centric Care
Saint John’s Cancer Institute is renowned for advancing therapeutics, translational science, and establishing standards of care. We foster robust fellowship programs, implement and initiate clinical trials, and collaborate with academic and industry partners worldwide.
Read MoreInnovation Starts Here
Saint John’s Cancer Institute (SJCI) is a pioneer in drug discovery, therapeutics, clinical trials, and research. SJCI established the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy under the late Dr. Donald L. Morton, which has become the standard of lymph node care for melanoma and breast cancer worldwide.
Today, our patients continue to have access to innovative treatments, therapeutics, and trials. We are at the forefront of understanding the biology of cancer as well as expanding treatment for under-served communities.
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Meet Richard Gillespie, MD, Double-board Certified Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Gillespie Joins the Pulmonary and Thoracic Oncology Team at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
“What I love about Saint John’s is it’s a group of very smart people who care a lot about their patients. I like working with people who are compassionate…The chance to work here is really kind of an honor.”
– Richard Gillespie, MD
Learn more about Richard Gillespie, MD, and listen to his personal care approach.
Bio, Video (3:50) Richard Gillespie, MD – Cardiothoracic & Thoracic Surgeon
Advancing Lung Cancer Care at Saint John’s
Dr. George Chaux Welcomes Dr. Richard Gillespie to the Thoracic Oncology Team, Discusses a Team Approach, Early Detection, and Minimally Invasive Technologies that are Changing Lives
“What you’ve built here is world-class…Robotic and navigational bronchoscopy truly streamlines diagnosis so patients can move quickly to the right treatment.”
– Richard Gillespie, MD
Learn more about how the thoracic Oncology Team at Saint John’s is transforming outcomes.
Blog, Video (5:35) Advancing Lung Cancer Care at Providence Saint John’s Health Center
Bronchoscopic Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Ablation for Lung Tumors – A First in Los Angeles County
George Chaux, MD, FCCP, describes the significance of PEF treatment via bronchoscopy and its potential for immune system response.
“It allows us to treat lung tumors that traditionally have not been treated with other ablative techniques because they’re either too close to vessels, airways, or the periphery of the lung…The tumor releases intact antigens that the
patient’s immune system can then recognize.”– George Chaux, MD, FCCP
Learn more and listen to Dr. Chaux detail PET treatment for lung tumors.
Treatment, Video (3:10) : Bronchoscopic Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Ablation for Lung Tumors
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy: A Personalized Approach to Breast Cancer Treatment
Janie Grumley, MD, and April Vassantachart, MD, Discuss Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) for Breast Cancer Candidates
“First select the correct patient for it, and then have a thorough discussion so that they know the risk and benefits of different approaches of radiation.”
– April Vassantachart, MD
Learn more about IORT and how patients are selected.
Blog, Video (7:30): Intraoperative Radiation Therapy: A Personalized Approach to Breast Cancer Treatment
CASE STUDY: When One Cancer Leads to Three – A Multidisciplinary Journey Through a Rare and Complex Case
Doctors, Parvin Peddi, Janie Grumley, Jennifer Linehan, Hyo Park, and Shanthi Gowrnathan Reflect on Valerie’s Case
“Because one cancer had already gone to the lymph node, we couldn’t assume the kidney or ovary were benign. They could have been metastatic or completely different cancers. We had to treat each one until proven otherwise.”
– Parvin Peddi, MD
Learn more about Valerie’s extraordinary case.
Blog, Video (29:04): When One Cancer Leads to Three: A Multidisciplinary Journey Through a Rare and Complex Case
Providence Saint John’s Health Center Glows Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
The Margie Petersen Breast Center, friends, and families promote breast cancer awareness, lighting the Saint John’s Health Center pink throughout the month of October. Mayor, Lana Negrete attends with encouraging words for survivors.
“It reminds us to be somebody’s Breast Friend. You want to spread the word because we can save lives.”
– Janie Grumley, MD, FACS
Learn more and watch this year’s special momements.
Events, Video (4:42): Providence Saint John’s Health Center Glows Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
New Pancreatic Cancer Screening & Prevention Program Launches at Providence Saint John’s Health Center
Ora Karp Gordon, MD, FACMGG, a genomics expert, and Miles Picus, a cancer genetics counselor at Providence Health, are shaping the fight against one of the most challenging cancers.
“We are incredibly proud to launch this pioneering program at Providence Saint John’s, bringing together advanced research, personalized screening, and expert guidance in one place to give high-risk individuals a real chance at early detection and even prevention of pancreatic cancer. It’s a game-changer in how we approach this elusive disease.”
– Ora Karp Gordon, MD, Director of Genomic Programs, Providence Health
Learn more and share our flyer detailing the program.
News: New Pancreatic Cancer Screening & Prevention Program Launches at Providence Saint John’s Health Center
Saint John’s Treats First Patient with Histotripsy for Liver Tumors
Dr. David Tran, director of interventional radiology at Tower Saint John’s Imaging, played a pivotal role in performing the procedure.
“Patients go home the same day and quickly return to normal life.”
– David N. Tran, MD
Learn more about the procedure Dr. Tran performed and how it may benefit the immune system.
BLOG, VIDEO (02:10): Saint John’s Treats First Patient with Histotripsy for Liver Tumors
TREATMENT, VIDEO (09:15): Histotripsy for Liver Cancer
Histotripsy for Liver Cancer: An Innovative Tool that Uses Ultrasound Waves
Dr. Jennifer Linehan explains how histotripsy works and its potential for other cancers.
“…There are no cuts, there’s no poking, there’s nothing that’s going inside you from outside. It’s all happening with a focused beam of ultrasound to destroy the tumors.”
– Jennifer Linehan, MD
Learn more about the Edison System by HistoSonics® and who may benefit most from this technology.
BLOG, VIDEO (09:15): Histotripsy for liver cancer: Innovative cancer treatment at Saint John’s Health Center
TREATMENT, VIDEO (09:15): Histotripsy for Liver Cancer
A Triumph in Modern Medicine: Histotripsy at Saint John’s Health Center
Thomas was the first patient to receive histotripsy treatment for liver tumors at Saint John’s.
“I really hadn’t felt any kind of discomfort or pain from the procedure at all.”
– Thomas Zisfain
Learn more about Thomas’ journey and how a multi-disciplinary team contributed to his progress, treating stage 4 kidney cancer.
Blog, Video (5:25): Histotripsy Removes Liver Tumors from Metastatic Kidney Cancer Patient
TREATMENT, VIDEO (09:15): Histotripsy for Liver Cancer
Kidney Cancer Returns in Multiple Organs After a Decade in Remission
Neil Leshner was treated at Saint John’s for stage 4 metastatic kidney cancer. Dr. Przemyslaw Twardowski provided expert medical care.
“I’m blessed for Saint John’s, and I’m not just saying this.”
– Neil Leshner
Learn more about Neil’s journey with metastatic kidney cancer and how Dr. Przemyslaw Twardowski and Dr. Anton Bilchik changed his life.
Blog, Video (9:07): Kidney Cancer Returns in Multiple Organs After 18 years in Remission
Saint John’s Pulmonary Team Expands Lung Cancer Screening Capability, Provides Disaster Relief
Ashraf Elsayegh, MD, and George E. Chaux, MD, are making a real difference in our community
“We thought it would be a great idea to start a pulmonary clinic to help with any issues that may arise immediately from the fires but also long-term issues from exposure to the toxins.”
– Ashraf M. Elsayegh, MD, FCCP, FAASM
Learn more about our lung cancer screening program and how the disaster relief clinic changes lives.
BLOG, VIDEOS: Saint John’s Pulmonary Team Expands Lung Cancer Screening Capability, Provides Disaster Relief
Saint John’s Continues to Elevate Surgical Excellence in Oncology with Innovation
Dr. Vivian Wu of Pacific Neuroscience Institute Offers Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) using Intuitives’ Single Port Robot.
“This single-port robot allows us to provide surgery to an area that was previously inaccessible surgically.”
– Vivian F. Wu, MD, MPH
Learn more about the benefits of TORS surgery for head & neck and oropharyngeal cancers.
TREATMENT, VIDEO (02:00): Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for Head and Neck Cancer
Open or Actively Recruiting Clinical Trials
Discover Open and Recruiting Clinical Trials at Saint John’s
Trials for Neuro-Oncology, Prostate Cancer, Non-Prostate Genitourinary Clinical Trials, Melanoma, Breast Cancer, and other solid tumors clinical trials: Learn more.
Breast Cancer: Precision Medicine
Principal Invenstigator: Dr. Parvin Peddi: Learn more.
Melanoma Cancer: Drug Trials:
Principal Investgator: Dr. Kim Margolin: Learn more.
Prostate Cancer: White Button Mushroom
Principal Invenstigator: Dr. Przemyslaw Twardowski: Learn more.
Other Current Trials
Search using key terms or filter by Centers of Excellence or by Lead Doctor. Learn more.
A Legacy of Research Excellence
Donald L. Morton, Surgical Oncologist best known for developing sentinel lymph node evaluation
“He was ahead of his peers in anticipating the genetics era of cancer research, for decades he carefully maintained archival specimen resource for correlative translational studies.”
– Laura Morton Rowe, Chief Human Resources Officer, Saint John’s Health Center
Learn more about the Donald L. Morton Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship.
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