Nationally-Recognized Oncologist Joins Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute

Los Angeles - July 9, 2010 – Robert Figlin, M.D., F.A.C.P., a national leader in cancer research and treatment, has joined Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute as director of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and as associate director of the institute’s Academic Development Program.

Figlin, a prolific researcher known for his work on new urologic and lung cancer treatments, will help manage the institute’s growing clinical trials program, in which more than 100 studies are being conducted. As leader of the hematology/oncology division, he will oversee breast, prostate, lung, blood and bone cancer programs.

Prior to joining Cedars-Sinai, Figlin was chair of the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutic Research at City of Hope. Previously, Figlin was with the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles for more than 20 years, where he held a number of leadership positions in the areas of urologic cancer and hematology/oncology.

“Dr. Figlin’s strong background in both research and patient care will be instrumental in further enhancing Cedars-Sinai’s commitment to providing innovative treatments and the highest quality of cancer care to our patients,” said Steven Piantadosi, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai.

In his new position, Figlin will continue his research into understanding the biology of kidney and lung cancers. His efforts have already resulted in the development of novel anticancer drugs without the toxicities associated with standard treatment therapies. Figlin, board-certified in medical oncology and internal medicine, is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Center Network and the American Urological Association. He is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the International Society for Biologic Therapy.

Figlin serves as editor of Kidney Cancer Journal and is senior editor of Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology. He has published dozens of research articles and has contributed chapters to several textbooks on new cancer treatment approaches. The Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center focuses on combining compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care with pioneering cancer research.