City of Hope® Duarte is a comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and is a nationally recognized leader in researching and treating pancreatic cancer and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top 10 hospitals for cancer care for 2025-26.
City of Hope has one of the most experienced pancreatic cancer programs in the United States. We are home to a supportive care program aimed at improving the quality of life and the overall pancreatic cancer care experience.
At City of Hope, we offer access to drug therapy, surgery and clinical trials to improve pancreatic cancer survival rates and enhance quality of life. We are at the forefront of developing minimally invasive procedures and work continuously to improve the effectiveness and reduce complications of pancreatic cancer treatment.
City of Hope has one of the country's most experienced pancreatic surgery teams. With the thousands of procedures our surgeons perform, we often treat patients whose tumors are considered inoperable elsewhere. We've refined our radiation treatments to target tumors precisely and preserve nearby tissue. We constantly evaluate new chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs for treating pancreatic cancer. Our clinical trial program lets patients access newly developed drugs and combinations.
Our doctors specialize in minimally invasive procedures, such as robotically assisted surgery using the da Vinci surgical system, laparoscopic surgery, radiofrequency ablation and embolization. Our surgeons have extensive experience in highly complex operations like the Whipple Resection, distal or whole pancreatectomy, which involves partial to whole pancreas removal. The benefits are less pain, reduced loss of blood, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and a lower risk of complications. Our palliative treatments help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
We harness the latest radiation technology like Helical TomoTherapy® to ensure the precision and effectiveness of treatment. We utilize image-guided radiation therapy, sophisticated computer software and 3D images from CT scans.
We offer unique chemotherapy and targeted therapy regimens. Your treatment may combine chemotherapy with radiation therapy to enhance the cancer-fighting effectiveness.
Our doctors may recommend targeted drug combinations for greater effectiveness and fewer side effects. Some targeted drugs aim to stop changes in cells and cell DNA that cause cancer. Others block the signals cancer cells use to fuel their growth and spread, or they may stimulate the body's immune system to destroy cancer cells from within (known as immunotherapy).
We consistently evaluate the latest advancements in chemotherapy and targeted therapy to treat pancreatic cancer. Our patients have the opportunity to assess newly developed drugs and combinations through our clinical trials. Currently, we're investigating PEGPH20, which may disrupt pancreatic cancer cells' ability to fight off chemotherapy. We're also comparing blood samples of healthy adults and pancreatic cancer patients to search for abnormalities to design a DNA test that detects early stage cancer or recurrence. Additionally, we're evaluating the safety of endovascularly applied padeliporfin vascular targeted photodynamic therapy for patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) has been established to advance early detection, innovative treatments and breakthrough research for pancreatic cancer. Inspired by the legacy of Toni Stephenson, SGPCRI strives to accelerate life-altering scientific and medical advances in pancreatic cancer to significantly reduce death rates, ease the burden on patients and their families, and ultimately eradicate the disease.
Laleh G. Melstrom, M.D., M.S., specializes in liver and pancreatic cancers.
Vincent Chung, M.D., is a medical oncologist specializing in pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal cancers.
Aditya Shreenivas, M.D., M.S. is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research.
Gagandeep Brar, M.D. is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research.
Laleh G. Melstrom, M.D., M.S., specializes in liver and pancreatic cancers.
Aaron Lewis, M.D., is a surgeon at City of Hope's South Pasadena and Arcadia locations, specializing in general oncologic surgery.
Bradford Kim, M.D., M.H.S., is an assistant clinical professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery.
Aaron Scott, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery at City of Hope.
Radiation oncologist Yufei Liu, M.D., Ph.D., was called to be a physician out of his desire to alleviate patients’ suffering during their most vulnerable times and to translate the latest scientific discoveries into better cancer treatments.
Dr. Hyun Kim is a radiation oncologist at City of Hope® in the Los Angeles area. Learn about his experience, and make an appointment.
Heather McGee, M.D., Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Department of Immuno-Oncology at City of Hope.
The world-renowned team at City of Hope offers a deep understanding of the latest pancreatic cancer treatments. Our expertise comes from treating pancreatic cancers, including rare and complex cases, every day.
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The prize, one of the largest privately funded awards for scientific investigation, will be given to the world’s top researchers, regardless of institutional affiliation LOS ANGELES — City of Hope®,
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