About the Center

Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Staff

Our Unique Mission

The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center is located on a 10 acre campus atop the Torrey Pines Mesa in the center of one of the largest concentrations of biotechology/health science companies, research institutes, cancer centers and pharmaceutical research and development institutes in the world.

The mission of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center is to translate laboratory discoveries into non-toxic treatments for cancer. The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center has become a regional and national resource for research into the biology of the cancer cell and its vasculature. The SKCC has succeeded in translating that information into genetics tests for therapy selection as well as new treatment strategies for cancer which are less toxic and more effective than existing treatment modalities.

There are now five research programs in the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center: immunology, vascular biology, genomics, cancer cell biology and drug development. As shown in the figure below, laboratory discovery at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center leads to cancer diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The staff of the SKCC consists of 54 scientists with Ph.D. and/or M.D. degrees, 52 other laboratory staff, and 34 administrative persons for a total of 142 persons committed to breakthrough discoveries in cancer treatment and research.

The goal of the drug development program of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center is to redirect the therapy away from the normal tissues to the cancer tissue and to the tissues on which the cancer cells depends for growth such as the blood vessels, thereby significantly reducing toxicity and increasing the effectiveness of the therapy.

The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center also uses the science of genomics to develop genetic tests which can be used to select the optimal therapy for each person’s cancer. These tests are designed to enable oncologists to selectively tailor each individual’s therapy to optimize the treatment for each patient’s cancer.

Our Vision

• To discover cures for cancer in our lifetime.
• To establish nationally and internationally the commitment of the Cancer Center towards education and discovery in cancer therapy.
• To rapidly translate accomplishments in the laboratory to well-integrated patient treatment programs.
• To develop a community of premier researchers and staff who collectively contribute to our mission.

• Our Benefactor - Sidney Kimmel
• Board of Trustees
• External Scientific and Medical Advisory Board