Smilow Cancer Hospital At Yale New Haven

The Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven is a premier comprehensive cancer center located in New Haven, Connecticut. As a leading institution in cancer care, research, and education, it is affiliated with Yale Cancer Center and Yale School of Medicine. The hospital is named after Joel E. Smilow, a philanthropist who donated $20 million towards its construction. Since its opening in 2009, Smilow Cancer Hospital has been providing innovative and compassionate care to patients with various types of cancer.
History and Mission

Smilow Cancer Hospital was designed with the patient in mind, featuring a patient-centered approach to care. The hospital’s mission is to provide the best possible outcomes for its patients through a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals. With a strong focus on research, the hospital is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer, offering patients access to the latest clinical trials and therapies.
Clinical Services and Specialties
Smilow Cancer Hospital offers a wide range of clinical services and specialties, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and hematology. The hospital is organized into disease-specific teams, allowing patients to receive coordinated care from a team of experts who specialize in their particular type of cancer. Some of the hospital’s specialties include breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and hematologic malignancies. The hospital is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced imaging and radiation therapy equipment.
Clinical Service | Description |
---|---|
Medical Oncology | Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy for various types of cancer |
Surgical Oncology | Surgical treatment for cancer, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery |
Radiation Oncology | External beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and stereotactic body radiation therapy |
Hematology | Diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders, including leukemia and lymphoma |

Research and Clinical Trials

Smilow Cancer Hospital is actively involved in cancer research, with a strong focus on translational research, which aims to bring laboratory discoveries to the bedside. The hospital participates in numerous clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest and most innovative treatments. The hospital’s research program is led by a team of experienced investigators who are dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer. Some of the hospital’s research areas include cancer genetics, immunotherapy, and cancer stem cell biology.
Clinical Trial Examples
Smilow Cancer Hospital has participated in numerous clinical trials, including studies on immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination therapy. For example, the hospital has been involved in trials investigating the use of checkpoint inhibitors in lung cancer and melanoma. The hospital has also participated in trials studying the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in lymphoma and leukemia.
- Immunotherapy trials: checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and adoptive T-cell therapy
- Targeted therapy trials: inhibitors of specific molecular pathways, such as BRAF and MEK
- Combination therapy trials: combining different treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy
What types of cancer are treated at Smilow Cancer Hospital?
+Smilow Cancer Hospital treats a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and hematologic malignancies.
What clinical trials are available at Smilow Cancer Hospital?
+Smilow Cancer Hospital participates in numerous clinical trials, including studies on immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination therapy. Patients can discuss available trials with their healthcare team.
Education and Training

Smilow Cancer Hospital is committed to education and training, offering various programs for healthcare professionals, patients, and families. The hospital provides continuing medical education (CME) courses, conferences, and workshops on topics related to cancer care and research. The hospital also offers patient education programs, including support groups, counseling services, and educational materials.
Education Programs
Smilow Cancer Hospital’s education programs include:
- CME courses: conferences and workshops on topics related to cancer care and research
- Patient education programs: support groups, counseling services, and educational materials
- Fellowship programs: training programs for healthcare professionals in medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology