Stanford Cancer Institute
Part of Stanford Medicine — one of the USA's most prestigious academic centers. Stanford Cancer Institute combines clinical care with a pioneering precision medicine and immunotherapy program; strong in breast cancer, prostate cancer and lymphoma.
First contact
International Medical Services — complete the International Patient Information form and send it by email or fax before booking. Contact: +1-650-723-8561, ims@stanfordhealthcare.org. Remote Online Second Opinion also available without traveling to the USA.
Center websiteAbout the center
Stanford Cancer Institute is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center within Stanford Medicine and Stanford University. For years it has set directions in precision medicine — therapies tailored to the tumor's genomic profile. It runs hundreds of clinical trials annually. The Palo Alto campus offers modern infrastructure in one of the world's most innovative regions.
Location
Palo Alto, California
Stanford Medicine campus in Palo Alto, in the heart of Silicon Valley. SFO airport (San Francisco) — about 30–40 minutes by car; alternatively SJC (San Jose) — about 25 minutes. Direct flights from Europe to San Francisco via London, Frankfurt or Paris. Mild climate year-round.
Why patients choose this center
- ✓Precision medicine leader — therapies based on molecular tumor profile.
- ✓Stanford University affiliation — early access to research advances.
- ✓Strong position in immunotherapy, prostate cancer and lymphoma.
- ✓Mild California climate — comfortable stay year-round.
- ✓International Medical Services with full coordination for foreign patients.
Specializations
Precision medicine and genomics, immunotherapy, breast and prostate cancer, lymphoma and leukemia, Phase I–III clinical trials.
- Precision medicine and genomics-based therapy
- Immunotherapy (including CAR-T in selected indications)
- Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy
- Radiotherapy and CyberKnife radiosurgery
- Stem cell transplants (hematology)
- Robotic oncologic surgery
Clinical trials
Stanford Cancer Institute runs one of the USA's most active clinical trial programs — especially in immunotherapy and precision medicine. International patients may qualify for Phase I–III trials. Check our clinical trials radar. Check the clinical trials radar →
International patient program
International Medical Services (IMS) coordinates the full process: patient form → submit records → appointment confirmation. Offers translation, cost estimates, accommodation and transport assistance. Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion is also available — remote opinion without a hospital visit.
Documents to prepare
- •Treatment summary in English
- •Pathology report with full biomarker profile
- •Sequencing / molecular test results (if available)
- •Dated imaging results
- •Therapy list with treatment response
- •Current blood test results
Costs and insurance
Paid treatment — individual estimate after case review. California is one of the more expensive states, but accommodation near Palo Alto varies (hotels to apartments). Check international policy and grants database. Grants database →
Typical timeline
Initial record review: 5–10 business days. First visit: 2–4 weeks after acceptance. Treatment plan: often within the first week, after molecular testing.
Accommodation
Stanford publishes hotel and apartment recommendations in Palo Alto and surroundings. Staying in Mountain View or Sunnyvale with commute — cheaper than central Palo Alto. Support programs — see accommodation in the USA section. Accommodation in the USA →
Languages
Practical tips
- 💡If you have NGS sequencing results — include them; Stanford makes particular use of these.
- 💡Palo Alto is expensive — consider staying in Sunnyvale or Mountain View with commute.
- 💡Without a rental car: Caltrain connects the area to San Francisco.
- 💡Climate is mild but evenings can be cool — bring a light jacket.
The data in the directory is informational and may change. Before making any decisions, always verify current information directly with the center. This is not medical advice.