The renowned City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center is redefining cancer care delivery through an expansive patient-centered approach that combines cutting-edge treatment with accessibility. This transformation represents a significant shift from the traditional "bigger hammer" approach of using increasingly powerful drugs to a more nuanced, precision medicine model.
Expanding World-Class Care Beyond Traditional Boundaries
City of Hope has dramatically expanded its reach through AccessHope, now serving 7 million members via 400 employers nationwide. The program enables local physicians to access City of Hope's expertise while keeping patients close to home when possible. The institution has also established new centers in Orange County, California; Gilbert, Arizona; Chicago, Illinois; and Atlanta, Georgia.
"Clinical advances in cancer have evolved at such a breakneck pace that it's impossible to keep up in so many ways," says Dr. Joseph Alvarnas, vice president for government affairs at City of Hope. The current focus is on delivering equitable care, particularly to underserved populations and those living far from comprehensive cancer centers.
Addressing Age Discrimination in Blood Cancer Treatment
A significant initiative at City of Hope targets the persistent ageism in blood cancer treatment. Dr. Eileen P. Smith, Chair of the Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, highlights that while 54% of new cancer diagnoses occur in patients over 65, this age group remains underrepresented in clinical trials and often receives suboptimal care.
The institution has implemented comprehensive geriatric assessments to ensure older patients receive appropriate treatment options. This approach has proven particularly important in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, where historically 40% of patients were directly referred to palliative care without consideration for intensive therapy.
Pioneering Integrative Oncology
Through a transformative $100 million gift from Panda Express founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng, City of Hope has established the Cherng Family Center for Integrative Oncology. Under Dr. Richard T. Lee's leadership, the center combines evidence-based Eastern and Western approaches to address treatment side effects and enhance patient outcomes.
The integrative oncology program offers services including:
- Oncology massage
- Acupuncture
- Music and art therapy
- Yoga and meditation
- Evidence-based natural product guidance
Maintaining Consistent Quality Across Networks
To ensure uniform excellence across its expanding network, City of Hope has implemented:
- Standardized clinical pathways
- Comprehensive genomic testing programs
- Integrated electronic medical records systems
- Regular tumor boards and faculty collaboration
- Patient-reported outcome tracking
The results speak for themselves, with 93-97% five-year survival rates for stages I-III cancer patients, and 78% for stage IV breast cancer patients across all locations.
"The systems we're putting in place give us information to show that we're doing better," explains Dr. Linda Bosserman, medical director for value-based care. "This is based on very comprehensive approaches. This is really what we are."
