Cancer research at Saint John’s Cancer Institute continues to promote greater understanding in oncology.

In its third year, our research report showcases groundbreaking science at the Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute (SJCI). Our interdisciplinary research team includes scientists, medical oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, chemists, technologists, geneticists, and their clinical teams. We cover a broad spectrum of research areas: translational sciences, melanoma and cutaneous skin cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer and metastasis, kidney, pancreatic, prostate, lung, thyroid, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, solid tumors, neurologic diseases, and screening efficiencies.

Pan-Cancer Interrogation of B7-H3 (CD276) as an Actionable Therapeutic Target Across Human Malignancies.
Pan-Cancer Interrogation of B7-H3 (CD276) as an Actionable Therapeutic Target Across Human Malignancies.
In 2024, 34 faculty members published 106 peer-reviewed studies across various specialties. Contributions also came from non-faculty doctors and scientists who produced their own peer-reviewed publications. At SJCI, our surgical oncology and research fellows play a vital role, engaging in multinational studies and surgical techniques, and are encouraged to pursue their own research during their fellowship. By fostering collaboration and leveraging a diverse team’s expertise, the Saint John’s Cancer Institute continues to advance oncology and improve patient outcomes.

Why is Cancer Research Important?

Cancer research is central to Saint John’s Cancer Institute’s mission to understand and cure cancer. It drives new treatments and methodologies. SJCI aims to translate scientific discoveries into effective treatments through innovative clinical and laboratory research. For instance, breakthroughs in microRNA and liquid biopsies have positioned the institute among larger institutions, uncovering patterns that aid in cancer detection. Translational research bridges laboratory findings and clinical data, ensuring new therapies are safely and efficiently introduced into clinical practice, benefiting the most unique cancer patients.

This release marks three consecutive years of the research report, reflecting over 30 years of collaborative research with global organizations and our resolve to cure cancer.

– Dr. Dave SB Hoon, Director of SJCI Translational Research

The Saint John’s Cancer Institute emphasizes a multidisciplinary team approach to oncologic outcomes. Our collective environment brings together experts across disciplines to develop personalized treatment plans. For example, research involves collaboration with the Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) to advance shared knowledge and create patient-specific treatments under the Providence care umbrella. In urology, we foster training in advanced robotic procedures and clinical trials, while breast cancer research combines oncoplastic surgical approaches with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and immunotherapy to maximize patient benefit.

Implications of tumor-positive sentinel lymph nodes in single vs multiple nodal basins in melanoma.
Implications of tumor-positive sentinel lymph nodes in single vs multiple nodal basins in melanoma.
Melanoma and skin cancer research at Saint John’s Cancer Institute is led by experts in molecular science, genetic sequencing, immunology, and surgical approaches, a hallmark of the institute’s melanoma program founded by the late Donald L. Morton, MD. His groundbreaking techniques using Sentinel Node research have since improved survival rates for patients.

Thank you to our researchers, clinicians, fellows-in-training, and administrators. Through you, we are honored to be part of the impact you are making.

2024 SJCI Researchers
2024 SJCI Faculty Researchers – Saint John’s Cancer Institute

The more research we can do, the more our patients can do with their lives.

– Lynda Baxter, MBA, MPH, Executive Director, Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute and
Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center (DFCC) at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.

SJCI Research Reports

2024 SJCI Research Report
2024 SJCI Research Report
SJCI-2023-Research-Publications-cover
2023 SJCI Research Report
2022 SJCI Research Report
2022 SJCI Research Report

Cutting-edge research is possible through grants and your donations.

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About the Authors

David Austin,