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Here are some of the top cancer centers on the U.S. West Coast, based on NCI “Comprehensive Cancer Center” status plus recent U.S. News/Newsweek rankings and reputation. I’ll split them by state and give quick notes on what they’re known for. California 1. City of Hope National Medical Center (Duarte, Greater LA) Why it’s notable: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center; highly specialized in hematologic cancers, transplants, and complex solid tumors. Rankings: U.S. News & World Report placed City of Hope among the top 5 cancer hospitals in the United States for 2024–25 and it has been in the national top 10 for multiple consecutive years. City of Hope +1 2. UCLA Health – Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center / Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles) Why it’s notable: Longstanding NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with deep strength across solid tumors and blood cancers; very research-heavy with lots of clinical trials. Cancer.gov Rankings: U.S. News has repeatedly ranked UCLA No. 1 in California and LA and top 5 nationwide for cancer care (e.g., #4 in the U.S. in 2023–24). UCLA Health +1 3. UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (San Francisco) Why it’s notable: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with major strengths in precision oncology, bone marrow transplant, and solid tumors; large integrated Mission Bay campus (Bakar Cancer Hospital, etc.). Wikipedia Rankings: UCSF has been on the U.S. News national Honor Roll, and in 2025–26 was ranked best in California for cancer, as well as one of the top hospitals in the country overall. cancer.ucsf.edu +1 4. Stanford Medicine Cancer Center (Stanford / Palo Alto) Why it’s notable: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center; strong in immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, and complex surgical oncology; heavily research-focused and trial-heavy. Wikipedia +1 Rankings: In 2025, U.S. News ranked Stanford among the top 10 cancer hospitals in the nation, after evaluating nearly 900 hospitals. Stanford Medicine +1 5. UC San Diego Health – Moores Cancer Center (La Jolla / San Diego) Why it’s notable: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center; only NCI center in the San Diego region; strong in solid tumors and early-phase clinical trials. Wikipedia +1 Rankings: Ranked #1 in San Diego and nationally ranked across multiple specialties by U.S. News; also appears in Newsweek’s top cancer-care hospitals list. moorescancercenter.ucsd.edu +2 Newsweek Rankings +2 6. Other strong NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers in California All of these are NCI-designated, which puts them among the top ~4% of cancer centers in the U.S. Wikipedia +1 USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (Los Angeles) UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center (Sacramento) Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Irvine (Orange) UCI Medical Center is also recognized by U.S. News as a top hospital in Orange County, with robust oncology services. Wikipedia +1 These may be especially relevant if you’re in those metro areas and want NCI-level care without traveling to SF/LA/SD. Washington 7. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center / UW Medicine / Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium (Seattle) Why it’s notable: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center; internationally known for bone marrow transplant, immunotherapy, and population science. It’s the integrated cancer program for UW Medicine. Wikipedia +1 Rankings & recognition: Listed in Newsweek’s “America’s Best Cancer Hospitals” rankings. Newsweek Rankings +1 Frequently recognized as a major referral center for leukemia/lymphoma and transplantation. Definitive Healthcare +1 If you’re anywhere in Washington or the Pacific Northwest, this is usually the flagship option. Oregon 8. OHSU Knight Cancer Institute (Portland) Why it’s notable: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center; known for early-detection research (“ending cancer as we know it”) and personalized therapies. Wikipedia Regional role: It’s the only NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center between Sacramento and Seattle, making it the primary destination cancer center for much of Oregon and surrounding states. How to think about “best” for you Rankings are helpful, but the “best” hospital in practice depends on: Cancer type & stage Some centers have particular strength in, say, bone marrow transplant, pediatric cancers, brain tumors, or rare sarcomas. Subspecialty and clinical trial availability can matter more than the overall rank. Clinical trials & research fit NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers (like all of those above) generally offer more trials and access to newer therapies than non–NCI centers. Wikipedia +1 Practical factors Travel distance and how often you’ll need to be seen Insurance coverage and out-of-network costs Support services (social work, housing support, patient navigation, language support, etc.) Coordination with your local oncologist Many people get a diagnosis, treatment plan, or second opinion at a major center, then receive some or most of their chemo/radiation locally with guidance from the academic team.