Yale Cancer Center


Yale Cancer Center was founded in 1974 as a result of an act of Congress in 1971, which declared the nation's "war on cancer." It is one of a network of 51 Comprehensive Cancer Centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. Directed by Charles S. Fuchs, the Cancer Center brings together the resources of the Yale School of Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, and the Yale School of Public Health.

Overview and history

The faculty at Yale School of Medicine pioneered the modern concepts of chemotherapy by administering the very first anticancer agent, nitrogen mustard, to a patient with cancer.

Clinical care

Clinical care is led by Roy S. Herbst, Chief of Medical Oncology and Associate Director for Translational Research, Yale medical oncologists care for patients in Smilow Cancer Hospital. To organize patient care, Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital have developed 13 multidisciplinary programs to provide physicians and specialists at Yale Cancer Center with the opportunity to focus their expertise on specific types of cancers.

Research

Yale School of Medicine was home to the country’s first university-based Medical Oncology Section, and its faculty has since pioneered many breakthrough cancer treatments.
Basic research in cancer is a hallmark of Yale Cancer Center, which draws approximately $96 million in cancer research funding to Yale every year.
The research portfolio of Yale Cancer Center comprises seven research programs: